28 Zigzag Bends of Tiger Leaping Gorge

Location & Geological Wonders

Where Is It?

Located on the border between Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Lijiang in Yunnan, the “28 Bends” (28道拐) mark the narrowest point of the Jinsha River as it carves through a deep canyon between Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山, 5,396 m) and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山, 5,596 m). At its tightest, the river spans only 30 meters across, flanked by near-vertical cliffs.

This region lies in the core zone of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site, and hikers will witness an awe-inspiring landscape of massive limestone boulders—remnants of ancient earthquake-induced landslides. Some individual rocks weigh over ten thousand tons.

Travel Tips & Logistics

Getting There

From Outside the Area

• From Lijiang Old Town: Hire a private car (approx. 1.5 hours, 180 RMB) directly to the Naxi Yage (纳西雅阁) trailhead.

• From Shangri-La: Take a coach to Tiger Leaping Gorge Town (虎跳峡镇), then transfer to a local van (shared ride, approx. 40 RMB/person).

Internal Trail Logistics

There are three major supply points along the hike: Naxi Yage (纳西雅阁), Tea Horse Inn (茶马客栈), and Halfway Guesthouse (中途客栈).
For those hiking in reverse, it’s recommended to take a farm truck (approx. 50 RMB/person) from Mr. Zhang’s Guesthouse (张老师客栈) to the mountain summit to conserve energy.

? Note: During the rainy season (June–August), rockfalls may block paths. Always check Diqing Traffic Bureau for real-time trail conditions.

Immersive Experiences

Extreme Perspectives

At the 24th bend, the Eagle Beak Rock (鹰嘴岩) juts out over the canyon. Secure yourself with a safety rope to capture the thrilling “person hanging over canyon” photo.
⚠️ Wind speeds here often exceed Level 7 — always hold onto the safety chains!

Cultural Encounters

At the Tea Horse Inn (茶马客栈), you’ll find authentic ledgers from the 1940s mule caravans. Try hand-churned butter tea (20 RMB/bowl), and on Friday evenings, join the Naxi bonfire gathering, where locals will teach you how to write your name in Dongba script.

Time Your Magic

Start your hike at 6:00 AM, aiming to pass the 28 bends by 10:00 AM to avoid direct sunlight.
By 3:00 PM, arrive at Halfway Guesthouse (中途客栈) for the ultimate reward: a visit to the “World’s Most Scenic Toilet” (天下第一厕)—a glass-floored observation deck offering jaw-dropping reflections of the golden Jinsha River below.

Essential Gear List

• Trekking poles – crucial for slopes over 45° with loose gravel

• Multifunctional headscarf – protects against canyon dust

• Action camera – GoPro with wide-angle lens to capture sharp bends and cliff edges

• Portable pulse oximeter – to monitor oxygen levels and prevent altitude sickness

Safety Reminders

• Cliffside sections have no guardrails—stay at least 1 meter from the mountain edge

• During rainy months, leeches may be active—apply saltwater around ankles as a deterrent

• In emergencies, contact Diqing Alpine Rescue Team at 0887-12395

?️ Best Season: September to November
☀️ Sunny-day rate: Over 80%, with stable temperatures

Nearby Attractions

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Haba Snow Mountain
The First Bend of Yangtze River, Lijiang
The Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Lijiang Side)
Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan