Tiger Leaping Gorge
» Lijiang, Yun Nan

虎跳峡 金沙劈流 山水奇观

Hutiao Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a canyon on the Yangtze River C locally called the Golden Sands River C located 60 km north of Lijiang City, Yunnan in southwestern China. Which is believed to be the deepest gorge in the world. From the top of the gorge you look down the steeply angled (70 - 90 degrees) mountain sides to the rushing Golden Sands (Jingsha) River with its 18 frothing rapids more than 200 meters (about 700 feet) below.

Where "Tiger Leaping Gorge" locate

Around 15 km in length, the gorge is located where the river passes between 5,596 metre Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and 5,396 m Haba Xueshan in a series of rapids under steep 2000 metre cliffs.

The Yangtze flows "Tiger Leaping Gorge"

If you look on a map of China, you will notice, sandwiched between Thailand and Tibet, a Chinese province called Yunnan. Zoom in more closely and let your eye follow the line of the Yangtze River as it curves in a distinctive hook marking the great First Bend of China's longest river. As China's Mother River turns sharply northwards at the First Bend, its waters flow placidly a further 30 kilometers until confronted by a narrow gorge, Tiger Leaping Gorge.

As it enters the gorge, the previously placid river writhes and roars for 17 kilometers through a series of rapids too dangerous for rafting (ask Richard Bangs!). On the eastern bank above the surging river rise the imposing granite peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains (YuLongXueShan). On the western bank tiny hamlets are scattered amidst a mix of pine forest and terraced fields on the gentler slopes of the Haba Mountains. "The Yangtze flows at 6,000 feet elevation where it enters the gorge, and as the peaks of the range which it pierces as with a giant's sword are more than 19,000 feet in height, the gorge is approximately 13,000 feet in depth. The Yangtze enters the Gorge at a town called Qiaotou (Bridgehead).

How it got its name

Legend says that in order to escape from a hunter, a tiger jumped across the river at the narrowest point (still 25 metres wide), hence the name.

The world's deepest river canyon

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a contender for the world's deepest river canyon, depending on the exact definition used. The gorge is not considered navigable. In the early 1980's, four rafters attempted to go down the gorge and were never seen again. In 1986, the first known successful attempt to sail through the gorge was made by the first expedition to float down the entire length of the Yangtze, starting at the river's high source at the Gelandandong glacier lake.

Naxi people here

The inhabitants of the gorge are primarily the indigenous Naxi people, who live in a handful of small hamlets. Their primary subsistence comes from grain production and foreign hikers.

Roads and trails

Roads

Hiking the length of the gorge is possible. The hiking path ("the high road") is well-maintained and marked, although sometimes narrow, and is used by the Naxi as part of everyday life. This trail is longer than the lower road, approximately 22 kilometres (14 mi), but more varied, with fantastic scenerymainly mountain viewsa challenge for most but well worth it. It features a surprising variety of microecosystems, waterfalls and a fair number of guesthouses for trekkers. These guesthouses are not well heated, which combined with the unpredictable nature of high mountain weather makes this trek unadvisable during the rainy season.

The lower road, stretching about 195 km (121 mi) from Qiaotou through the Gorge, is a stretch of pavement (until recently a simple mule track) crossed by several waterfalls, and frequently beset by rockslides. Some portions of the road have been known to disappear into the river below. The road follows the Yangtze, so there are more views of the river, and a stronger sense of being in a gorge than on the upper trail. Where the high road descends to meet the lower road, one can climb down to the river near the Tiger Leaping Stone, the point at which the tiger is said to have leaped.

Trails

Two hiking trails from Qiaotou follow the Yangze through the Gorge to Daju, a small farming community. From Daju buses go to Lijiang, a World Heritage protected city (1997)first introduced to the world at large by the BBC documentary series, THE LAND BEYOND THE CLOUDS.

What to see

Tiger Leaping Gorge consists of three segments - the Upper Gorge, the Middle Gorge and the Lower Gorge. The most famous scenic spots of the Upper Gorge are the Mouth of the Gorge and Tiger Leaping Stone. The Middle Gorge hosts two most wonderful spots - the Sky Full of Stars (Mantianxing) Reefs Area and a Huge Rock Crack (Yixiantian). Gaoxiao Pinghe (the gorge and the lake) and the beautiful scenery of Daju lie in the Lower Gorge. The Lower Gorge is the most inspiring part of all. The gorge, in which the Golden Sand River pounds furiously at its rocky shores in an awesome fashion, sending up plenty of white froth, is a dreamland for adventurers.

The middle section

As the river enters the middle section, it drops another 100 meters (330 feet) and its flow rate increases to an amazing speed. Here the thunderous rushing waters slam into sharp, large rocks and crash down into the river forming swirling whirlpools. Can it get more exciting? Yes, it can as the third and lowest section is acclaimed for being the wildest attraction of all!

The cliffs

The cliffs over-looking this section are even steeper and much more dangerous. Here, the river twists and turns and the river vigorously surges forward creating high waves and a frothy spew as it collides with the mountainsides. This is a view that inspires a sense of adventure and satisfies the deepest yearnings for magnificent scenery.

What about weather here

The weather is very special compared to China or all over the world. In the winter cold season, it is always very dry and during the summer hot season, it rains a lot. So if you are considering coming here during the winter, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a mild place, you don't have to worry about it.

What to bring

At least a litre in winter, two in spring and autumn and three in the summer. Sufficient water is critical to your health and safety as well as your enjoyment of the hike. It is best to wear several thin layers for hiking as you will soon warm up. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen whatever the season and sunglasses are also a good idea as the ultraviolet is quite strong. You will need a torch and toilet roll for that urgent call of nature in the middle of the night! Matches or a lighter to burn any paper used along the trail is also a good idea. No matter what the weather may be, you have to bring a rain coat and good pair of trekking boots. If you want to climb the Haba mountain, You must have some good clothes like feather fine hair clothes, a strong backpack, warm water bottle (2-3 litres), waterproof mountaineering boots, warm socks, warm glove, headlight, sunglasses.

Getting there

You could take the bus from Kunming or Dali (towards Shangri-La), and get off at Qiaotou (Tiger Leaping Gorge Town). From Kunming, just opposite Camellia Hotel, there is a Yunnan express bus service that leaves for Lijiang at 8a.m. , 10a.m. and 12p.m. daily. The other bus station is Nanyao and Xiyuan and there is also a sleeper bus to Shangri-La.

By bus

Main bus station - about 10 minutes away from the Old Town -- is the one with buses at 8:30a.m. and 1:30p.m. to Qiaotou... then on to another bus to Walnut Garden or Tiger Leaping Gorge. It costs around RMB7 to get to the Bus Station from Lijiang Ancient City, RMB24 (per pax) for the bus fare to go from Lijiang to Qiaotou station.

By taxi

If you miss the buses and you'd better to get a taxi. Around 2 hours ride to get there.

A few things for you to take note

  • There is no such thing as "No smoking" bus;
  • There is no Qiaotou "station"... it is just an open area with no ticketing counter for you to buy bus tickets;
  • Ask the locals to help look out for the buses coming down from Zhongdian;
  • You can only buy single way tickets... seem that bus schedules are only confirmed the day before, in the afternoon;
  • You can buy tickets at both Yu He Bus Station and Lijiang Bus Station but... you can only board the bus at Lijiang Bus Station;
  • If you travelling in a group of 4 or 5, you can consider booking one of those cars in photo;

Tour sites beyond the gorge

From here, it is possible to hike uphill to Haba Mountain and Baishuitai (white water terrace). There is no marked trail and the use of a mountain guide is highly recommended. By road to Haba , it is more than 42 km. It is possible to hitch a ride. There are a few vehicles travelling the road but hitchhiking is uncertain.

Try rafting, a fantastic experience

The gorge stretches about 15 kilometers (nine miles) and also affords people the possibility of rafting and drifting peacefully in its large quiet sections, for the gentler folks among us and an exciting rafting adventure for the more experienced. Do not want to raft?

When to come

  • Recommended time for a visit: Two hours
  • Opening Hours: 8:30a.m. - 6:00p.m.

Attractions around » Lijiang, Yun Nan

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Nightlife

Nightlife

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

  Weather

  1. Does it rain a lot in Lijiang?
  2. When is the best time to go there?

  Shopping

  1. Do bargain

  Travel

  1. Cable car cautions

  Other Hints

  1. Beware of the religious hooligans
  2. Is it easy for me to make telephone calls there?
  3. Toilet Facilities
  4. Altitude sickness
  5. Avoid busy holidays
  6. OMG! I'm lost! What should I do?
  7. Useful Phone Numbers
  8. Emergency Numbers

  • Does it rain a lot in Lijiang?

    It rains a lot in July and August. That's important to know because heavy rains can trigger rock and mud slides, which can block roads. This can cause long travel delays or even cancelled plans (such as your trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge).


  • When is the best time to go there?

    April and October is two ideal months suitable to visit Lijiang. The temperature is pleasant and it doesn't rain as often.

    January and February are not superlative months either because of wintry temperatures.


  • Toilet Facilities

    A number of toilets with good facilities and service have been built in the Old Town. The charge is usually no more than CNY 0.5 per person.

  • Do bargain

    Souvenir prices tend to rise the closer you get to Sifang Square. And remember, always negotiate. You should be able to lower the initial price by 30%, sometimes more.


  • Cable car cautions

    Wear warm clothes. It's freezing where you'll be going (a lookout near the summit of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain). Winter parkas can be rented before you board the cable car gondolas. The same is true for oxygen bottles, for those who may need one.

    To avoid long, time-consuming lines waiting to board the gondolas, go early or late in the day. But before leaving Lijiang for the ride, find out if the high-elevation viewing platforms are expected to be shrouded in clouds when you'll be there. If so, you won't see much, including the stunning panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.


  • Beware of the religious hooligans

    Watch out the religious hooligans when you visit the Black Dragon Pool Park in Lijiang. It will be nighmare if you do. Specifically there was a so-called Dongba Culture Institution, you are right, the lexicon should think about giving a amendment to this word if they insist calling themselves an 'institution'.


  • Is it easy for me to make telephone calls there?

    A number of public IC card telephones have been installed in the Old Town, and some stores in the Old Town provide public telephones with which visitors can make direct domestic and international calls. Mobile phones can also be used freely within the area of the Old Town.


  • Toilet Facilities

    A number of toilets with good facilities and service have been built in the Old Town. The charge is usually no more than CNY 0.5 per person.

  • Altitude sickness

    Before your respiratory and circulatory systems adjust to a high elevation, your body suffers to some degree from oxygen deprivation. That's altitude sickness. Symptoms include dizziness, tiredness and headaches - and difficulty in catching your breath when, for example, walking up steps.

    The best defense is not to go suddenly from one altitude to a much higher one. Do your upward journeys in stages so your lungs can more readily adapt to thinner air.

    We recommend that you do not travel from a low-altitude city (such as Beijing or Xian) to Lijiang on the same day. Instead, spend at least one full day in Kunming to acclimate your body to its relatively thin air (spend the time visiting the nearby Stone Forest, a Hillman Wonders Bronze Medal winner). This will help prepare your body for the even thinner air in Lijiang. Stay there for at least a day or two before heading to Zhongdian or Deqin, where the air is even more rarified


  • Avoid busy holidays

    During some holidays, hot destinations are packed with tourists, bringing you inconvenience or even unpleasantness, and also unless you have firm hotel reservations, skip these ultra-popular Chinese holiday periods (or you may end up without a room):

    • Spring Festival (Lunar New Year celebration). Its start date varies from year to year, anywhere from mid-January to mid-February.
    • May Day - Occurs during the first two weeks in May.
    • National Day - Takes place in the first two weeks in October.


  • OMG! I'm lost! What should I do?

    Well, calm down first. It's easy to get lost in Lijiang Ancient Town because of its labyrinth of meandering passageways. But that's part of the enjoyment because you will discover picturesque alleys that you would not have seen otherwise.

    Before you leave your hotel, do write down the name of the hotel in both English and Chinese. Taxis can be easily found in the city so you can just grab a taxi and show your address. If you are at a far place where you cannot find a taxi, please call 110 and ask the police for help.


  • Useful Phone Numbers

    • Tourist Complaint: 5123432
    • Lijiang Airport Inquiry Telephone: 5173081
    • Scheduled Flights and Ticket Inquiries: 5161289 5161291 5173079

  • Emergency Numbers

    • Fire: 119
    • Ambulance: 120
    • Police: 110
    • Traffic: 122


An ancient legend says that a tiger used this rock as its stepping stone so it could leap across from one side of the gorge to the other, which is how the Tiger Leaping Gorge got its name. Here, the river twists and turns and the river vigorously surges forward creating high waves and a frothy spew as it collides with the mountainsides. This is a view that inspires a sense of adventure and satisfies the deepest yearnings for magnificent scenery.

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