Tiger Leaping Gorge, located in northwestern Yunnan Province, China, is a breathtaking canyon where the Jinsha River (Upper Yangtze) slices between the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Recognized as one of the deepest gorges on Earth and a legendary trekking destination, Tiger Leaping Gorge Yunnan China attracts hikers, photographers, and nature lovers from all over the world.
With towering cliffs, thundering rapids, and glacial peaks as your backdrop, this is a place where adventure meets awe. This complete Yunnan Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking guide covers everything—from geography and trekking routes to the best seasons, packing tips, and how to get there—so you can plan your perfect adventure.
Where is Tiger Leaping Gorge?
Tiger Leaping Gorge China straddles the border of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Lijiang City in Yunnan. It’s about 80 km from Lijiang and 100 km from Shangri-La, making it easy to access from both cities.
How Deep and Long is Tiger Leaping Gorge?
- Depth: About 3,900 meters from the summit of Haba Snow Mountain to the river below—ranking among the deepest canyons on Earth.
- Length: The main hiking route covers roughly 22 km (Upper Gorge to Middle Gorge).
- Elevation: Starting point at Qiaotou (Bridgehead Town) is around 1,800 meters, with the highest point on the High Trail reaching about 2,600 meters.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge?
- 1-Day Fast Hike: 6–8 hours (for very fit hikers).
- 2-Day Classic Hike: Highly recommended—slower pace, more time to enjoy the scenery and overnight in charming guesthouses.
Which Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge Should You Visit?
The gorge is divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower sections—each with unique features.
1. Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge – Iconic Views
- Highlight: The river narrows to just 30 meters across, inspiring the legend that a tiger could leap over—hence the name.
- What to See: Tiger Leaping Rock, roaring river rapids.
- Who It’s For: Everyone—this viewpoint is accessible by vehicle, no hiking required.
2. Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge – The Adventure Zone
If you love adrenaline and close-up river power, this is the section for you.
- Highlights:
- Sky Ladder:
- Vertical height: 80 m
- Steps: 168
- Slope: 70–80 degrees
- Safety: Steel chains & protective netting
- Vertical height: 80 m
- One-Line Sky:
- Narrowest width: 0.8 m
- Length: 200 m
- Towering rock walls on both sides, with only a ribbon of sky overhead
- Narrowest width: 0.8 m
- Teacher Zhang’s Path:
- Length: 2 km
- Cut into cliff faces, with scenic platforms overlooking the river
- Length: 2 km
- Sky Ladder:
- Hiking Time: Around 3–4 hours
- Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced hikers—bring trekking poles and non-slip shoes.
- Best For: Adventurous trekkers who want challenge and scenery.
3. Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge – Tranquil Escape
- Highlight: The river widens, current slows, and the scenery softens.
- What to See: Rural fields in Daju Village, distant views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Best For: Travelers with extra time who want a peaceful, less crowded experience.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you can only choose one, go for Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge—it delivers the best mix of challenge, thrill, and close-up river power.
Recommended Hiking Routes for Tiger Leaping Gorge
🚶 1-Day Classic Route (Medium Intensity) – 8 km
- Route: Lijiang → Tea Horse Guesthouse → Halfway Guesthouse Viewpoint → Dragon Cave Waterfall → Guanyin Temple → Return
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Highlights:
- Instagram-famous “Halfway Guesthouse Balcony” (nicknamed Balcony That Kills You with Views)
- Dramatic Dragon Cave Waterfall
- Cultural stop at Guanyin Temple for Tibetan Buddhist blessings
- Instagram-famous “Halfway Guesthouse Balcony” (nicknamed Balcony That Kills You with Views)
🏃 1-Day Easy Route (3–4 hours) – 5 km
- Route: Direct to Halfway Guesthouse Balcony → Dragon Cave Waterfall → Cliffside Hideaway → Return
- Highlights:
- Focus on the most photogenic spots
- Shorter hike, minimal elevation gain
- Focus on the most photogenic spots
🌙 2-Day Classic Trek – Full Immersion
- Day 1: 28 Bends Challenge → Tea Horse Guesthouse lunch → Midway Guesthouse overnight stay & dinner
- Day 2: Sunrise from Halfway Guesthouse → Dragon Cave Waterfall → Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse lunch → Cliffside Path → Return
Overnight Perks:
- Stay in Halfway Guesthouse for starry skies & mountain quiet
- Conquer the 28 Bends for serious bragging rights
- Watch the gorge wake up at sunrise
💡 No time to hike? Join our 7 day Classic Yunan Tour for a comfortable yet scenic experience. You’ll still get the iconic viewpoints without the full trek.
Best Season to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge
While Tiger Leaping Gorge is technically open year-round, your hiking experience will vary greatly depending on the season. Here’s a data-based look at temperature, rainfall probability, and hiking suitability:
| Season | Temperature Range | Rainfall Probability | Suitability | Expert Notes |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 10–20 °C (50–68 °F) | ~30% | ★★★★☆ | Wildflowers in bloom, excellent for photography. Mild temperatures make for pleasant trekking. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 15–25 °C (59–77 °F) | ~70% | ★★☆☆☆ | Trails can be slippery due to heavy rain. Be alert for falling rocks in narrow sections. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 8–18 °C (46–64 °F) | ~20% | ★★★★★ | Best visibility of the year. Crisp air, golden foliage, and clear mountain views—ideal for trekking. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 0–10 °C (32–50 °F) | ~10% | ★★★☆☆ | Fewer tourists and serene landscapes, but some sections may be icy—microspikes recommended. |
🌟 Verdict: Autumn (September–November) is the prime season for both weather stability and visibility, followed by spring for its blooming scenery.
Essential Hiking Gear for Tiger Leaping Gorge
Clothing & Footwear:
- Non-slip hiking shoes (must-have)
- Quick-dry layers, windproof jacket, sun hat, UV sleeves
- Gloves (helpful for Sky Ladder climb)
Food & Water:
- At least 2 liters of water (guesthouses sell water but at higher prices)
- Snacks: energy bars, chocolate, jerky
Other Essentials:
- Sunscreen (strong high-altitude UV)
- Power bank (signal can be patchy)
- Small cash (some guesthouses are cash-only)
How to Get to Tiger Leaping Gorge
From Lijiang:
- Bus: From Lijiang Bus Station to Qiaotou (Tiger Leaping Gorge Town) 2 hrs, ¥40
- Private Car/Shared Van: 1.5 hrs, ¥200–300 per car
From Shangri-La:
- Bus: From Shangri-La Bus Station to Qiaotou 2.5 hrs, ¥50
- Private Car: 2 hrs, ¥300–400 per car
Self-Driving Tip: Some sections are narrow mountain roads—drive with caution.
Extend Your Yunnan Adventure – 7-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour
If your trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge Yunnan China inspires you to explore more of Yunnan’s wild beauty and diverse cultures, consider joining our 7-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Yunnan Tour. This small-group journey takes you deep into pristine forests, hidden gorges, and vibrant ethnic minority villages—far from the usual tourist trail.
