Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, located between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain in Yunnan, China. Known for its dramatic landscapes, the gorge is a magnet for adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe.
Legend has it that the name “Tiger Leaping Gorge” comes from a story of a tiger that leaped across the Jinsha River using a large rock in the middle of the river as a stepping stone. The narrow river and towering cliffs make this legend seem plausible, adding to the mystique of the place.
The gorge stretches 20 kilometers and is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge. The Upper section is the widest and offers stunning panoramic views, attracting most organized tour groups. The Middle section sees the river narrowing and the water becoming more turbulent, which draws mainly backpackers and thrill-seekers. The Lower section opens into flatlands and villages, where the river calms after its dramatic rush through the gorge.
With breathtaking cliffs, roaring rapids, and towering peaks, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a paradise for hikers and adventurers, offering one of the most famous trekking routes in China.
Travel Information about Tiger Leaping Gorge
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥45 for the Lijiang section of Tiger Leaping Gorge (includes Upper and Middle sections).
Opening Hours:
- April to October: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- November to March: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge is in the spring and summer when temperatures are mild, and the meadows are filled with vibrant flowers, creating a breathtaking landscape. The fall season also offers stunning views with the gorge covered in golden hues.
How to Get There
Location: Northeast of Longpan Township, Yulong County, Lijiang City.
Transportation: Two daily buses depart from Lijiang Bus Terminal to Qiaotou Town. A more flexible option is to hire a car from Sifang Street, costing around ¥100 for a round trip for four people, providing more freedom during your visit.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural: ★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★★
Highlights of Tiger Leaping Gorge
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge is the narrowest section of the canyon, located just 9 kilometers from the highway at Tiger Leaping Gorge Town. Here, a massive rock dominates the river’s center, creating a striking waterfall-like barrier that divides the turbulent waters into two raging streams, producing a thunderous roar.
According to local legend, a fierce tiger used this rock as a stepping stone to leap from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to Haba Snow Mountain, giving rise to the name “Tiger Leaping Stone.”
This area is popular among tourists, particularly those traveling in groups from Lijiang. Many visitors come to take photographs and experience the beauty of the gorge but often leave quickly. To truly appreciate the splendor and grandeur of Tiger Leaping Gorge, it is essential to continue hiking to the Middle and Lower sections, where the scenery becomes even more breathtaking.
Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge
Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge is located about 5 kilometers from the Upper section and features a significant drop in the river’s elevation. The “Starry Sky” reef area is considered the most dangerous part of this section, where the wide and powerful waters collide with steep cliffs, creating a furious torrent that echoes throughout the valley. The river appears to unleash its full force, crashing against the rocks with tremendous power.
As you traverse the cliffside trails at the base of Haba Snow Mountain, you may encounter cascading waterfalls and flying springs, creating an enchanting, almost mythical atmosphere.
In earlier years, the trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge was primarily frequented by foreign tourists, but in recent times, its popularity has surged. Even in the more treacherous Middle section, safety measures have improved significantly, and there are now numerous guesthouses and inns along the route, making it more accessible for hikers. This section offers an exhilarating experience for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge
After navigating the treacherous “Slippery Stone” area of Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, you arrive at Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge. This section is located near the exit of the gorge and features a massive chasm that stretches 1 kilometer deep, offering some of the best views of the gorge.
Between Middle and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge lies a small village called Walnut Garden, named for the abundance of walnut trees that once grew there. Hikers traversing the gorge typically start their journey in the morning, whether from Qiaotou or Daju, using either the gravel road or the trails of Haba Mountain. Most arrive at Walnut Garden by afternoon, where they can enjoy dinner and stay overnight.
Walnut Garden has become a unique highlight of the Tiger Leaping Gorge experience. Here, you can fall asleep to the soothing sounds of rushing waters and listen to the captivating stories shared by guests at the local inns. This adds a touch of warmth and romance to your adventure through the stunning Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Legend of Tiger Leaping Gorge
Legend of Tiger Leaping Gorge
In the local folklore of the region, there is a beautiful story about the origins of Tiger Leaping Gorge involving five siblings: the Jinsha River, Nujiang River, Lancang River, Jade Dragon Mountain, and Haba Mountain. The three sisters grew up and decided to venture out to find husbands, which made their parents both anxious and angry. They sent Jade Dragon and Haba to pursue them.
Armed with 13 swords, Jade Dragon and 12 bows, the two brothers took a shortcut to Lijiang, where they sat face-to-face, taking turns guarding the sisters. They agreed that whoever allowed the sisters to escape would face execution.
During Haba’s watch, just as Jade Dragon fell asleep, the clever Jinsha girl approached. Remembering Haba’s tendency to doze off, she began to sing sweetly as she walked, charmingly performing 18 songs. Her melodious voice captivated Haba, who slowly fell asleep.
Seizing this opportunity, Jinsha dashed past the brothers, laughing joyfully as she escaped. When Jade Dragon woke up and saw what had happened, he felt a mix of anger and sorrow. Unable to break their vow, he drew his sword and beheaded Haba. He then turned away, weeping, and his tears became the white and black waters that flow through the gorge.
Haba’s 12 bows transformed into the 24 bends on the western bank of Tiger Leaping Gorge, while his head, which fell into the river, became the famous Tiger Leaping Stone, a lasting symbol of this poignant legend.
Visitor Guide for Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation Options at Tiger Leaping Gorge
If you only plan to visit Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can return to Lijiang on the same day without needing to stay overnight in the area. However, if you intend to hike through the entire gorge, it is recommended to spend the night.
On the first night, you can stay at Chama Inn or Halfway Inn. For the second night, options include Zhang Laoshi’s Guesthouse or Tina’s Guesthouse. While the accommodations may be basic, they are rich in local character and surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Halfway Inn (中途客栈): Halfway Inn, known as the oldest guesthouse in Tiger Leaping Gorge, is famous for its “World’s Best Toilet.” The inn offers both private rooms and dormitory-style accommodations, making it a popular choice for hikers.
Tina’s Guesthouse (中峡国际青年旅舍): Also known as Zhongxia International Youth Hostel, Tina’s Guesthouse is located in Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. It features comfortable private rooms as well as simple dormitory options. The third-floor rooms are pricier but offer stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain right from your bed.
Uesful Tips for Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge
Plan According to Your Ability: When hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge, it’s essential to assess your own physical capabilities. The temperatures in the gorge can be high during the day, so wearing shorts and a T-shirt is advisable. Since hiking can be physically demanding, bring high-calorie snacks like chocolate and beef jerky to keep your energy up.
Caution Around Waterfalls: Be especially careful near the Great Deep Gorge Waterfall, located between Walnut Garden and the Middle Gorge Guesthouse. Falling rocks can pose a significant danger regardless of the weather conditions.
Altitude Awareness: Tiger Leaping Gorge is situated in a high-altitude area. If you plan to hike, maintain a steady pace to avoid altitude sickness. It’s important not to rush your movements to allow your body to acclimate properly.