Lijiang · Visitor Guide
Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡, Hǔtiào Xiá)
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a 16 km canyon on the upper Yangtze (Jinsha River) between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山, 5,596 m) and Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山, 5,396 m). The river thunders 2,000 meters below the trail at its deepest point, making it one of the deepest river canyons on Earth. The classic hike follows the high trail along the north side of the gorge, passing through Naxi villages, waterfalls, and guesthouses. I hiked it in two days in April and the moment you round the bend at the 28 Bends (二十八道拐) and see the full depth of the gorge is unforgettable — snow peaks on both sides, the river a distant roar.
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Quick Answer
Is Tiger Leaping Gorge worth visiting?
One of the world's deepest gorges — Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596 m) towers over the Jinsha River. Classic 2-day hike. ¥65 entry. 60 km from Lijiang.
Quick facts
| Ticket | ¥65 (June 2026). Does not include guesthouse stays (¥80–150/night) or meals on the trail (¥30–60 per meal). |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open year-round, daylight hours. The trail is not lit — do not hike after dark. |
| Recommended duration | 2 days for the classic high trail (22 km total). A shorter 1-day option visits the lower gorge via the road. |
| Best time to visit | April–May (mild, wildflowers) and October–November (clear skies, autumn colors). Avoid July–September (monsoon — landslides close sections) and December–February (icy trails at high points). |
| How to get there | Bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Qiaotou (桥头镇, ¥35, 2 hours). Private car/DiDi from Lijiang: ¥300–400 one-way. Many guesthouses in Lijiang arrange shared minivans. |
| English signage | partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | no |
| Max depth | ~3,900 m (river to peak) |
| River-to-trail drop | ~2,000 m |
| Trail length | 22 km (high trail) |
| Jade Dragon Snow Mtn | 5,596 m |
| Classic hike time | 2 days, 5–7 hours/day |
What to expect
The gorge was formed as the Jinsha River cut through the limestone and schist of the Hengduan Mountains, creating one of the world's deepest canyons. The name comes from a legend: a tiger, pursued by a hunter, leaped across the narrowest point of the gorge (about 25 meters wide) to escape. A boulder in the river at this point is called the Tiger Leaping Rock (虎跳石).
The high trail was pioneered by foreign backpackers in the 1980s and remains one of China's classic treks. It runs along the north side of the gorge, starting at Qiaotou and ending at Walnut Garden (核桃园) or continuing to Daju. The trail is well-marked with painted arrows and signage from guesthouses. The hardest section is the 28 Bends — a steep 1-hour climb to 2,670 m, after which the trail flattens out with panoramic views.
In recent years, a road has been built along the river on the south side, and a concrete walkway at the lower gorge area allows tourists to experience the river up close without hiking. This lower section is crowded with domestic tour groups; the high trail remains the authentic experience.
How to get there
Bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Qiaotou (桥头, ¥35, 2 hours, departures 7:30–9:00 AM). Most guesthouses in Lijiang Old Town can arrange a shared minivan (¥50–70/person). Private car: 1.5 hours, ¥300–400. Start hiking by 10:00 AM to reach the first guesthouse by 16:00.
Best photo spots
- The 28 Bends summit — full gorge panorama with both snow peaks
- Halfway Guesthouse (中途客栈) viewing platform — the classic "poop with a view" outhouse photo
- Tiger Leaping Rock (虎跳石) at the lower gorge — the river explodes around the boulder
- The waterfall crossing between Tea Horse Guesthouse and Halfway — dramatic in spring melt
Tips
- Do the 2-day high trail, not the 1-day lower gorge bus tour — completely different experience
- Stay at Halfway Guesthouse (中途客栈) — the terrace view is worth the modest rooms
- Pack light — you carry everything. Guesthouses provide meals and basic bedding
- Start early (before 9 AM) to reach your guesthouse by mid-afternoon
- In rainy season, check with your Lijiang guesthouse about trail conditions — landslides close sections
Scams to avoid
- "Guides" at Qiaotou who insist you'll get lost without them — the trail is well-marked and thousands of hikers do it solo every year
- Overpriced horse rides offered at the 28 Bends by locals claiming the climb is "dangerous" — it is steep but not dangerous
- Fake "conservation fees" collected by unofficial people at the entrance — the ¥65 ticket is the only official fee
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide for Tiger Leaping Gorge?
No — the high trail is well-marked with painted arrows and English signage from guesthouses. Thousands of foreign hikers do it independently every year. If you are an experienced hiker with offline maps, you will be fine. Solo female travelers report feeling safe on the trail.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderate fitness is required. The high trail is 22 km over 2 days with 1,000 m cumulative elevation gain. The 28 Bends section is steep for 1 hour. If you can hike 10 km with a daypack, you can do this. The altitude (2,000–2,670 m) adds mild difficulty.
Where do I stay on the trail?
Most hikers stay at Halfway Guesthouse (中途客栈) at the midpoint — ¥80–150 for a basic room, hot showers, and a legendary terrace view. Tea Horse Guesthouse (茶马客栈) is an earlier option. Walnut Garden (核桃园) is at the trail's end. Book ahead in peak season via your Lijiang guesthouse.
Is the gorge open in winter?
Technically yes, but the high trail can be icy at the 28 Bends (2,670 m) from December to February. The lower gorge road access remains open. If you hike in winter, bring microspikes and check conditions locally. Most guesthouses on the high trail close in January.
Can I hike one-way and return by bus?
Yes — hike Qiaotou to Walnut Garden, then take a bus back to Lijiang from Walnut Garden or Daju (¥50–70, 2.5 hours). Alternatively, arrange a pickup with your Lijiang driver at the trail's end (¥300–400).
What gear do I need?
Daypack (30–40L), hiking shoes with grip, 2L water, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket (rain is possible any month), warm layer for evenings (even in summer, mountain nights are cool). Trekking poles help on the 28 Bends descent. Guesthouses provide basic bedding — no sleeping bag needed April–October.
Is Tiger Leaping Gorge dangerous?
The trail has exposed sections where a fall would be serious, but the path is wide enough to walk safely if you pay attention. The main danger is landslides in rainy season (July–September) — sections can be impassable. Check with local guesthouses before departing. There have been occasional fatalities from people going off-trail for photos — stay on the marked path.