Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Gorge)

Map of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Click to enlarge it)

About 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Lijiang Old Town lying between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) and Haba Snow Mountain (Haba Xueshan) is Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Gorge), which is one of the deepest gorges 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 (Jinsha) River with its 18 frothing rapids more than 200 meters (about 700 feet) below.
 

Naturally divided into three sections, the first section, which is the narrowest and uppermost section, is the mouth of the fast flowing Jingsha River. In the midst of the river's mouth is a large rock that is positioned at the gorge's narrowest section-only 30 meters (33 yards) wide. The altitude of the mouth of the Tiger Leaping Gorge is 1,800m (984 fathoms).
 

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 place got its name.

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 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.

The Tiger Leaping 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?
 1. It’s quite popular to hike along the gorge, and you can follow the signs made by other visitors along the way.
2. This is a great sightseeing stop with enormous photo opportunities. But the Tiger Leaping Gorge tour is long, so you are not suggested to bring many bags. Bring your camera, wear skidproof shoes, and be prepared to be astonished. Besides, 1-2 bottles of water are necessary.
3. Some difficulties may occur in the hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can choose to ride the local horse on the way.
4. The best time to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge is April – June and September & October due to the good weather condition.
 

Take a direct bus from Lijiang Bus Station to the gorge. The buses depart at 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:50, 13:50 and 14:00 and cost CNY 36 / 50. From Shangri-La, tourists can also take a direct bus at Shangri-La Bus Station to the gorge at 08:00 or 08:40  and the ticket fare is CNY 44.
 

Entrance Fee	CNY 65 for entry from Lijiang; CNY 45 for entry from Shangri-La Free for children under 1.2 m (3.9 ft).
Sightseeing Ladder	CNY 100 for a round trip Upward: CNY 65 Downward: CNY 40
Opening Hours	8:30 - 17:30 Sightseeing Ladder: 08:30 - 18:00
Recommended Time for a Visit	3 to 4 hours

Swift-flowing river in Hu Tiao Xia

Mild Section of Hutiao Gorge

 Further Reading:
Top 10 Things to Do in Lijiang
Top 10 Things to Do in Yunnan
In-depth Guide to Top 10 Yunnan Destinations