Tiger Leaping Gorge

One of the world's deepest river gorges

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) is a thunderous canyon where the Jinsha River — the upper Yangtze — squeezes between the Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains, plunging through a chasm nearly 3,900 m deep from peak to water. Legend says a hunted tiger once leapt the narrowest point using a midstream rock, giving the gorge its name. It is one of the great trekking destinations of southwest China, on the border between Lijiang and Shangri-La.

There are two ways to experience it. Most day-trippers visit the Upper Gorge by road from the Qiaotou (Hutiaoxia town) entrance, walking platforms and stairs down to the famous Tiger Leaping Stone where the river roars at its narrowest. Hikers instead tackle the celebrated High Trail, a roughly two-day, 22 km path along the cliffs with guesthouses en route and unforgettable views.

Things to see and do

• Descend the stairways to the Tiger Leaping Stone for the full force of the rapids.
• Walk all or part of the High Trail, including the famous 28 Bends switchbacks (serious hikers).
• Photograph the gorge from the road-level viewing platforms if you are short on time.

Opening hours & tickets

The scenic area is generally open 07:30–18:30. The entrance fee is CNY 45, paid at Qiaotou or the lower entrance. The drive-in Upper Gorge suits all visitors; the High Trail is a proper mountain hike — go with good footwear, water and time.

Getting there

It is about 60 km (1.5–2 hours) from Lijiang to Qiaotou. Buses run from Lijiang's bus station, and many travellers join a day tour or arrange a driver; multi-day hikers usually start at Qiaotou and finish at Tina's Guesthouse in the middle gorge.

Best time to visit

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are best, with stable weather and strong but safe river flow. Avoid the peak summer rains (July–August), when landslides and rockfall can close trails and sections of road. Mornings give the clearest mountain views before afternoon cloud builds.