Tiger Leaping Gorge

​​Overview​​

​​Tiger Leaping Gorge​​ (Hutiaoxia) is a canyon in Yunnan, China, spanning ​​16–20 km​​ along the Jinsha River. With a ​​3,900-meter elevation difference​​ between river and peaks, it ranks among the ​​world’s deepest gorges​​ (deeper than the Grand Canyon). Divided into ​​Upper, Middle, and Lower sections​​, it’s famed for:

• ​​Adventure Trekking​​: A ​​25-km high trail​​ dubbed "China’s Annapurna".
• ​​Geological Wonders​​: Narrowest point (30m wide) where legend says a tiger leaped across.
• ​​Cultural Heritage​​: Part of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, with Naxi and Tibetan influences.

​​Key Attractions​​

1. ​​Upper Tiger Leaping (Shanghutiao)​​

   • ​​Tiger Leaping Stone​​: A 13m boulder mid-river, the gorge’s iconic landmark.
   • ​​Access​​: 9km from Tiger Leaping Gorge Town; paved paths suit all visitors (CNY 65 entry).

2. ​​Middle Tiger Leaping (Zhonghutiao)​​

   • ​​"Many Stars" Rapids​​: Thunderous waves through reef-filled narrows.
   • ​​Sky Ladder​​: Vertical climbs and suspended walkways for adrenaline seekers.

3. ​​Lower Tiger Leaping (Xiahutiao)​​

   • ​​Daju Ferry​​: Exit point with views of the gorge’s mouth.

4. ​​High Trail (Classic Hike)​​

   • ​​Route​​: Qiaotou → 28 Bends → Halfway Guesthouse → Tina’s Guesthouse (2–3 days).
   • ​​Highlights​​: Cliffside paths, waterfalls, and panoramas of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

​​Natural & Cultural Features​​

• ​​Biodiversity​​: Rare species like Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys and alpine flora.
• ​​Legends​​: The gorge’s name stems from tales of tigers escaping hunters by leaping the river.
• ​​Local Life​​: Stay in ​​Naxi guesthouses​​ (e.g., Halfway) and try yak meat hotpot.

​​Visitor Tips​​

• ​​Best Time​​: ​​April–June​​ (wildflowers) and ​​September–November​​ (clear skies).
• ​​Transport​​:
  • From ​​Lijiang​​: 2-hour drive (CNY 30–50/person) or bus to Qiaotou.
• ​​Essentials​​:
  • ​​Permit​​: CNY 45 (mandatory).
  • ​​Gear​​: Sturdy shoes, sun protection, and altitude meds (trail reaches 2,600m).

​​Conservation​​

• ​​Ecotourism​​: Electric shuttles and waste management protect the fragile ecosystem.
• ​​Regulations​​: No drones near military zones; respect local customs.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a ​​symphony of nature and adventure​​—where every step reveals towering cliffs, roaring rapids, and cultural treasures.