# Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡)

Lijiang, Yunnan Province · Southwest, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/tiger-leaping-gorge
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** ¥45
- **Time needed:** 0.5–1 day
- **Getting there:** Three ways to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge: 1. Shuttle buses to Tiger Leaping Gorge depart from both the Shangri-La and Lijiang bus stations. The fare is ¥40 and the trip takes about 2 hours. 2. From Lijiang, you can also arrange a shared taxi or charter a car to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
- **Good for:** Hiking & Outdoors, Photography, Mountains & Adventure, Nature

## About Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world's most famous deep river canyons, renowned for its wild, perilous and majestic scenery. It is divided into three sections (Upper, Middle and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge) with 18 dangerous rapids in total. The river flows between the snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon and Haba, with an elevation difference of more than 3,900 metres, making for a truly awe-inspiring sight. Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge is 9,000 metres from Tiger Leaping Gorge Town and is the narrowest stretch of the river. The middle section includes a fairly hazardous stretch of trail. Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge connects to Daju in Lijiang.
Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge is a dream for many travellers, as the scenery is even more spectacular when walking upstream against the current, and it is a real test of oneself. In fact, the hike is not as difficult as it might seem: good fitness and determination are all it takes, and endless scenery awaits beyond every steep peak.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. Preparation: Know your limits and plan accordingly. Bring some high-calorie snacks, such as chocolate and beef jerky.
- 2. Best seasons: April–June and September–October are the best times to visit. Besides hiking and adventure, you can see the meadows of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in full bloom and the enchanting autumn colours of the highlands. From November onward, winter brings heavy snow that can close the mountain passes. Temperatures vary greatly between day and night in the gorge, so bring warm clothing.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 242. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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