Lijiang Day Trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge

► Route: Lijiang → Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge → Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge → Lijiang

Tiger Leaping Gorge is the dream destination for hikers all over the world. Located at the bottom of the Jinsha River Valley between Lijiang and Shangri-La, it is accessible from both directions. This route will guide you to travel from Lijiang, to fulfill a classic day trip to the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

The Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into upper, middle and lower sections. It takes at least 2 to 3 days to hike the whole course, which is a test of physical strength and mental endurance. One day is limited, but enough to visit the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, and possibly the Middle Gorge if properly arranged.

► Want to avoid the troubles in trip planning? You can book our Guided Tiger Leaping Gorge Day Tour.

There is a bus running from Lijiang Bus Station to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, passing by the Hutiaoxia Town. You’d better book the ticket(s) in advance online, or through a travel agency or your hotel.
► Bus Schedule: 8:30
► Distance: 90 km (56 mi)
► Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
► Fare: CNY 25

► You can also hire a taxi or a chartered car, which costs 300 to 400 for a day. If you can find fellow travelers to share a car with you, it costs about CNY 50 per person.

► Another bus departs at 9:30, passes Hutiaoxia Town and Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge on the way, and finally arrives at the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. If you would like to skip the Upper Gorge and just hike the Middle Gorge, you can take this bus which takes 3 to 4 hours and costs CNY 40.

► Total Length: 23 km (14.3 mi)
► Elevation Difference: 3,900 m (12,795 ft)
► Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:00
► Recommended Time for a Visit: 1 to 3 days
► Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
► Ticket Price: CNY 65 for entry from Lijiang; CNY 45 for entry from Shangri-La

Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in China, is renowned for its amazing but dangerous hiking route. The Upper Gorge is equipped with more convenient facilities and a visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Common tourists or tour groups will only visit the Upper Gorge. The Middle Gorge is undeveloped with narrow paths paved by the local villagers, which takes about 3 hours for a simple hike. The Middle Gorge is suitable for young tourists with good physical strength and some experiences in outdoor activities.

Upon arrival at the entrance of the Upper Gorge, walk along the plank road, you will first pass through a tunnel, meet a stele showing the way for Hukou Plank Road, and here you will enter the gorge. Step down the winding plank road to the bottom of the gorge, you can reach the Jinsha River. The road is not long, but very steep, which needs 15 to 20 minutes to walk.

There are two sightseeing platforms along the river that offer spectacular views. The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge is a relatively narrow section, with the narrowest place less than 30 meters (98 feet). There is a large drop in the water and the river becomes turbulent. You can see the splashing and hear the distant roar of water hitting the boulders. A 13-meter-high (47-feet-high) triangular stone stands in the middle of the river. Legend has it that with the help of this huge rock, a tiger once jumped across the river from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the south side to the Haba Snow Mountain on the north side.

You can take pictures here, and then follow the plank road up and get out of the scenic area.

It usually takes 1 or 2 hours in the Upper Gorge. If you're not going to the Middle Gorge, you can stay in the Upper Gorge for a longer time, and then have a leisurely lunch before planning your return trip.

If you want to hike the Middle Gorge, you are advised to save as much time as possible in the Upper Gorge, and try to return to the parking lot before 12:00 in the noon, in order to catch the bus to the Middle Gorge. You can bring some packed food or snacks for a quick lunch, and leave more time for the following hike.

► When taking the bus in the morning, remember to ask for the driver’s phone number and confirm the time of the bus to the Middle Gorge and the bus returning to Lijiang. People who charter a car can of course ignore this and arrange their time freely.

It takes 20 to 30 minutes from the Upper Gorge to the intersection of Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse, the starting point for a hike of the Middle Gorge. You can follow Teacher Zhang’s Path down, and then take the Sky Ladder back.

Pay CNY 15 when entering Teacher Zhang’s Path. Hike for 40 minutes to reach the bottom of the gorge. Have fun by the riverside while paying attention to your safety for there are no protective measures along the river.

The way back by the Sky Ladder costs another CNY 15. The Sky Ladder is very steep, almost vertical. The 30-meter-long (98-feet-long) ladder has about 50 stairs. After ascending the Sky Ladder, there is a path up with some stops for rest. It's a shortcut, but very crude and dangerous. If you look back halfway on the Sky Ladder, it's as if you're in the middle of a cliff. Do not try it if you lack physical strength or courage. You can go back from the original Teacher Zhang’s Path.

A simple hike through the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge takes 2.5 to 3 hours according to the above route. Please pay attention to the time and get to the place to take the return bus before 15:00.

It takes about 3 hours to get to Lijiang. You can have dinner and enjoy relaxing nightlife in the Old Town.