How to Get to Tiger Leaping Gorge from Lijiang

To get to Tiger Leaping Gorge from Lijiang, you have a few transportation options. Tiger Leaping Gorge is located approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Lijiang in Yunnan Province, China. There are several transportation options to reach Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) from Lijiang (丽江), each with varying costs and convenience. Choose based on your preferences and budget.

1. Bus (Recommended)

• Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be bought online via the official WeChat account “Lijiang Jiaoyun” (丽江交运). The price ranges from ¥30 to ¥50.

• Departure Times: Buses depart daily at 8:00 AM, 8:40 AM, and 9:00 AM. The journey takes around 2 hours, and buses go directly to the scenic area ticket exchange point.

• Notes: Some buses require passengers to transfer to a scenic area vehicle in Tiger Leaping Gorge Town (虎跳峡镇). It’s advisable to purchase tickets at least 2 hours in advance.

2. Self-Drive/Charter

• Route: Set your GPS to “Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge Visitor Service Center” (香格里拉虎跳峡游客服务中心). The total distance is approximately 80 km, taking about 1.5 hours. The toll fees for highways are around ¥21.

• Charter Costs: A one-way charter costs about ¥300-400 (for a 5-seat car). If you opt for carpooling, the cost per person is around ¥50-100. Some charters may include free entrance to the scenic area.

• Tips: The parking lot at the scenic area is relatively small, so arriving early is recommended. Keep in mind that mountain roads may have unstable signals.

3. Carpool or Local Small Group Tours

• Carpool: The round-trip cost is around ¥140 per person. It is flexible and may include ticket discounts. Contact the driver in advance for confirmation.

• Small Group Tour: Suitable for groups, includes a guide for commentary. Be aware of possible vehicle queues during peak seasons.

4. Train Transfer via Lixiang Railway

While there is no direct high-speed train from Lijiang (丽江) to Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡), you can transfer through the Lixiang Railway (丽香铁路) using the following options:

Lixiang Railway Transfer Option

• Route: Take a high-speed train from Lijiang Station (丽江站) to Tiger Leaping Gorge Station (虎跳峡站) (approximately 40 minutes). This railway line opened on November 26, 2023 and is the world’s first railway that crosses through the Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area (虎跳峡景区).

• Train Information: Multiple trains run daily, with a design speed of 140 km/h. The ticket price ranges from ¥30 to ¥50.

• Station Location: The Tiger Leaping Gorge Station is located near the scenic area, allowing for a quick transfer to the viewing areas.

Lijiang → Shangri-La Full Experience

• Route: For a more immersive experience, take the full journey on the Lixiang Railway (丽香铁路) from Lijiang to Shangri-La (香格里拉), which takes about 1.5 hours. The train passes through the Tiger Leaping Gorge Jinsha River Railway Bridge (虎跳峡金沙江铁路大桥), which is 250 meters above the river and offers fantastic views of the gorge from the train window.

• Special Experience: The train crosses through tunnels beneath Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) and Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山), with a suspension bridge section that marks a major breakthrough in railway construction.

Important Notes

• Ticket Purchase: Tickets must be purchased in advance through 12306 or at the station. During peak seasons, tickets may sell out quickly.

• Transfer: From Tiger Leaping Gorge Station, a short bus ride (about 10 minutes) is required to reach the scenic entrance.

• Alternative: If high-speed train tickets are unavailable, consider taking a bus or carpooling, which takes approximately 2 hours from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge Town.

5. Hiking (In-depth Experience)

• Route: If you have more time and enjoy hiking, you can trek from Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城) to Tiger Leaping Gorge Town (虎跳峡镇) via Lashi Lake (拉市海). The hike takes about 2 days and is ideal for those who enjoy longer treks.

• Classic Hiking Section: The route from Chama Inn (茶马客栈) to Halfway Inn (Halfway客栈) and then to Teacher Zhang’s Inn (张老师客栈) takes approximately 6 hours. Along the way, you can visit sites like Longdong Waterfall (龙洞瀑布).

Additional Notes

• Tickets: Full price is ¥45, with student tickets available at half price. Some sections of the hiking trail may be free of charge.

• Return Journey: Buses return from the scenic area. You may need to carpool at the parking lot or book a driver. Buses to Shangri-La (香格里拉) leave at 2:20 PM and 3:30 PM.

Recommendations

• For the safest and most convenient option, it is recommended to choose a regular bus or self-drive, as these provide better control over safety and time.

How to Get to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge form Lijiang?

1.By Bus

At Lijiang Passenger Station, there are buses running to Tiger Leaping Gorge at 08:00 and 08:30(peak season only). Then get off at Qiaotou Town and rent a car to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge which is 9 km from Qiaotou Town.

Bus Information(for reference only):

2. By Car-Rental

Renting a car toTiger Leaping Gorge is more comfortable and convenient but with more expense. If you need to rent a car, Yunnan Exploration provides this service, please call us or send us an email. We’re confident our experienced and skilled driver and vehicle will leave you a deep good impression.

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Email Address: contact@YunnanExploration.com