Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge Travel Guide offers tourists useful information including travel tips, attractions, tours, weather, food, restaurant, accommodation, activities, photos and maps.
Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) is located in Hutiaoxia Town (虎跳峡镇), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is one of the deepest gorges in the world and one of the top ten most beautiful gorges in China. The gorge stretches approximately 23 kilometers, with a drop of 213 meters and a vertical height difference of over 3,900 meters, making it 1,500 meters deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States. Situated at the transition zone between the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (云贵高原) and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (青藏高原), Tiger Leaping Gorge is a deep V-shaped gorge formed by the cutting of the Jinsha River (金沙江). The gorge is flanked by snow-capped mountains: the Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) on the south bank, standing at 5,596 meters, and the Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) on the north bank, at 5,396 meters. The river roars through the gorge, with the narrowest point being only 30 meters wide. Legend has it that a tiger could leap across the river using a giant rock in the middle, hence the name.
Best Viewing Spots
Tiger Leaping Stone Viewing Platform (虎跳石观景台)
- Location: Located in the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (上虎跳峡) area, it is the core viewing area of the entire scenic spot.
- Scenery: This is the best spot to view the Tiger Leaping Stone (虎跳石). The Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain flank the Jinsha River, which narrows abruptly to just 20-30 meters wide. The Tiger Leaping Stone in the middle of the river splits the roaring waters, creating a spectacular sight as the river crashes against the rock, sending waves several meters high and producing deafening roars. The scene is awe-inspiring, showcasing the raw power of nature.
- Facilities: The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge is well-developed, with well-maintained walkways and viewing platforms. Visitors can easily walk close to the Tiger Leaping Stone along the walkways. Rest areas, trash bins, and restrooms are also available for convenience.
Halfway Inn Viewing Platform (Halfway 客栈观景台)
- Location: Situated midway along the high-altitude hiking trail of Tiger Leaping Gorge, it is a must-pass point connecting the Upper and Middle Gorges.
- Scenery: From the inn’s viewing balcony, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire gorge. The towering Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, with their snow-capped peaks glowing golden under the sunlight, form a magnificent landscape alongside the roaring Jinsha River. In the morning, visitors can witness the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain (日照金山)” as the sun rises, while in the evening, the shimmering river under the sunset is equally mesmerizing.
- Experience: The Halfway Inn is a key rest stop for hikers, where travelers from around the world can share their experiences. The inn also offers dining and accommodation services, allowing visitors to relax while enjoying the stunning views.
Longdong Waterfall (龙洞瀑布)
- Location: Located in the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (中虎跳峡), accessible via hiking trails from Teacher Zhang’s Inn (张老师客栈) or the Ladder Inn (天梯客栈).
- Scenery: Formed by melted snow from Haba Snow Mountain, the waterfall cascades down steep cliffs like a white dragon plunging into the Jinsha River. Under the sunlight, the splashing water creates beautiful rainbows, complementing the rugged gorge scenery. The clear, green pool at the base of the waterfall, surrounded by jagged rocks, adds to the pristine natural beauty.
- Tips: The hiking trail to Longdong Waterfall is rugged and steep, requiring physical stamina. Visitors should wear anti-slip shoes, follow signs and guides, and avoid straying from the designated path.
Preparation
Clothing
- Summer: Due to large temperature differences, prepare long-sleeved jackets, windbreakers, lightweight thermal wear, and comfortable hiking or sports shoes.
- Autumn and Winter: Bring thick clothing such as down jackets, heavy coats, thermal underwear, and warm hats and scarves.
Essentials
- Backpack: A 20-30L hiking backpack is recommended.
- Other Items: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, rain gear (raincoat or foldable umbrella), thermos, power bank, trekking poles, knee pads, etc.
Medications
- Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness pills, painkillers, band-aids, mosquito repellent, and essential oils.
Miscellaneous
- Cash: Carry some cash in case mobile payment is unavailable.
- Navigation and Maps: Download Gaode Maps (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图), and follow the “Shangri-La Life” (香格里拉悠生活) mini-program for updated scenic area information and hiking routes.
Transportation Guide
External Transportation
- By Air:
- Arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (丽江三义国际机场): Take an airport shuttle to Lijiang city, then transfer to a bus to Hutiaoxia Town (虎跳峡镇).
- Arrive at Diqing Shangri-La Airport (迪庆香格里拉机场): Take an airport shuttle to Shangri-La city, then transfer to a bus or chartered car to Hutiaoxia Town.
- By Train: Arrive at Lijiang Railway Station (丽江站), then take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Hutiaoxia Town.
Internal Transportation
- Bus: Direct buses from Lijiang Bus Station to Hutiaoxia Town run multiple times daily. Tickets can also be purchased via the “Shangri-La Life” mini-program.
- Chartered Car: Available in Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城) or Shangri-La city, offering flexibility and shared costs.
- Self-Driving: Navigate to “Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area (虎跳峡景区)” via Lixiang Highway (丽香公路). Be cautious of road conditions during the rainy season.
Attractions
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (上虎跳峡)
- Features: Well-developed with viewing platforms and walkways, suitable for family trips.
- Highlights: Close-up views of the Tiger Leaping Stone and the roaring river.
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (中虎跳峡)
- Features: The essence of the hiking route, with narrow gorges, rapid currents, Longdong Waterfall, and Guanyin Waterfall (观音瀑布).
- Hiking Routes:
- High Road: Naxi Family Guesthouse (纳西雅阁) → 28 Bends (28道拐) → Tea Horse Inn (茶马客栈) → Halfway Inn → Tina’s Inn → Middle Gorge.
- Regular Route: Scenic Area Ticket Office → Teacher Zhang’s Inn → Middle Gorge.
- Duration: 2-3 hours.
Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge (下虎跳峡)
- Features: Undeveloped area with pristine natural beauty, suitable for experienced hikers.
- Tips: The route is long and complex; proceed with caution.
Recommended Itineraries
One-Day Tour (For Time-Constrained Visitors)
- Morning:
- Take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Hutiaoxia Town (1.5 hours).
- Visit the Upper Gorge viewing platform to see the Tiger Leaping Stone and take photos (1-2 hours).
- Noon: Enjoy local cuisine like yak meat and barley pancakes at nearby restaurants.
- Afternoon:
- Hike the Middle Gorge High Road from Naxi Family Guesthouse to Tea Horse Inn (2 hours).
- Return to the ticket office and take a bus back to Hutiaoxia Town.
- Evening: Return to Lijiang or Shangri-La.
Multi-Day Tour (For Hiking Enthusiasts)
- Day 1:
- Depart from Lijiang to Hutiaoxia Town.
- Hike from Naxi Family Guesthouse to Tea Horse Inn (3 hours).
- Continue to Halfway Inn for overnight stay and enjoy the gorge’s night view.
- Day 2:
- Hike from Halfway Inn to Tina’s Inn (2 hours).
- Descend to the Middle Gorge via the Ladder or Teacher Zhang’s trail to view the Tiger Leaping Stone up close (2 hours).
- Stay overnight at Tina’s Inn or continue to Walnut Garden Inn (核桃园人家).
- Day 3:
- Return to Hutiaoxia Town and take a bus back to Lijiang or Shangri-La.
Accommodation Options
- Near Upper Gorge: Convenient for non-hikers.
- Halfway Inn: Midway along the hiking route with panoramic views.
- Tina’s Inn: Close to the Middle Gorge with excellent facilities.
- Walnut Garden Inn: Experience local culture at affordable prices.
Food Recommendations
- Yak Meat: Tender and flavorful, try yak meat hotpot or grilled yak meat.
- Barley Pancakes: A traditional Tibetan snack, crispy and sweet.
- Jinsha River Fish: Fresh river fish, available grilled or stewed (ensure legal sourcing).
Precautions
- Safety First: Watch your step while hiking, especially near cliffs during the rainy season.
- Environmental Awareness: Keep the area clean; do not litter.
- Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of local customs and traditions.
- Ticket Information: Entrance fee is 45 RMB, open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
conclusion
This meticulously crafted guide delves into every corner of Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡), offering a comprehensive exploration of its natural landscapes and local culture. Whether you are a nature enthusiast captivated by the gorge, an adventurous hiker, or a traveler seeking unique experiences, this guide has everything you need. It details the best viewing spots, essential gear, emergency information, and also recommends accommodations and local cuisine, ensuring a safe and unforgettable journey for all visitors.
Located at the back of the Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng Village is a beautiful and miraculous place. When trekking in Yubeng Village, tourists will have a sense of walking at Shangri-La. Because of its unique location, there are only 20 households living here and connects outside world only with one small road. It is divided into upper village and lower village. From upper village, tourists can go to the base camp of the Joint Sino-Japanese,while from the lower village, tourists can go to Yubeng, Ancient Seal Character and other scenic spots.
Highlights:
- Appreciate the spectacular natural landscape around the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
- Experience unforgettable trekking tour at Yubeng Village.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang
- Day 2 Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La
- Day 3 Shangri-La – Benzilan – Deqin-Feilaisi
- Day 4 Feilaisi – Xidang – Yubeng
- Day 5 Yubeng -Ice Lake – Yubeng
- Day 6 Yubeng – Shenpu – – Feilaisi
- Day 7 Feilaisi – Shangri-La
- Day 8 Departure from Shangri-La
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Lijiang Arrival
Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals:None
Arrive in Lijiang, you will be welcomed by your local tour guide at the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Day 2 Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangrila
Sightseeing and Activities: the First Bend of Yangtze River, Iron Chain Bridge, Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend of the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge ,the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.
Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.
Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri-La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Check in your hotel.
Day 3 Shangri-La – Benzilan – Deqin -Feilaisi
Sightseeing and Activities:Nixi Pottery Village, Dongzhulin Monastery, the First Bend of Jinsha River, Baima Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
In the morning, drive 4 to 5 hours to Deqin County (3400m altitude) which is 187km away from Shangri-La. The view along the way is fantastic with different kinds of trees, streams down the valley, prayer flags and stupas, and Tibetan villages. From Shangri-La, after half an hour driving, you will have a panoramic view of Naxi Pottery Village; drive down to the river valley, continue the nice scenery along the Jinsha River to Benzilan Town where you will have lunch.
After lunch, drive uphill to the Dongzhulin Monastery which is located in Shusong Village, Benzilan District, Deqin County, and 105km from the seat of Zhongdian County. The Yunnan-Tibet Road passes behind the temple and cars can get straight to the temple. The Dongzhulin Monastery was built in 1667, the sixth year of the Kang Xi Period in Qing Dynasty. Visit the First Bend of Jinsha River or Moon Bend, which is the boundary between Sichuan and Yunnan. This is different from the First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang City. The bend in Shigu Town changes the flow direction of the Yangtze River but in Benzilan, the Moon Bend is just a grand bend between the mountains with an impressive scenery. Visit Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, you will be able to view Baima Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m altitude at 156km.
Arrive in Feilaisi in the late afternoon, you will have a nice sunset view of Meili Snow Mountain from the Sightseeing Platform, where you can see the 13 white pagodas meaning of the 13 peaks of Meili Snow Mountain over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level, known as the “Prince’s 13 peaks”.
Day 4 Feilaisi- Xidang – Upper Yubeng Village
Sightseeing and Activities:the sunrise view of Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng Village
Accommodation: Yubeng Village
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Early in the morning , we could enjoy the golden mountain, on top of which the sunrise touches its snow capped peak if weather permitting. After breakfast, we drive to Xidang where to start the hiking, we hike up to and over a mountain pass to Yubeng, with picnic lunch (5-7 hours, with several steep sections); we arrive in Yubeng village; dinner in a traditional Tibetan living room, followed by lively singing and dancing with local villagers; overnight in Yubeng.
Day 5 Upper Yubeng Village- Cuoka Sacred Ice Lake-Upper Yubeng Village
Sightseeing and Activities:the sunrise and sunset of the Mt. Kawagebo Glacier, Binghu Ice Lake
Accommodation: Yubeng Village
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy the sunrise of the Mt. Kawagebo Glacier from the guesthouse, then walk up to Binghu Ice Lake of the Meili Snow Mountain.Walk through the original forest from Yubeng Village, you will see some horses and yaks, as well as some wild animals if you are lucky enough. A beautiful river originate from the Glacier Park, walk along the river with some wooden bridges and spruce trees, you will have a wonderful view of Mt. Kawagebo Glacier. At last, arrive at the Ice Lake which is located at the foot of the glacier. Trek down back to Yubeng village in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset of Kawagebo Peak .
The return trek takes 3 to 4 hours. This one-day excursion is only reserved for strong hikers. Before June, the upper plateau is often covered by snow. Bring enough food and ask Aqinbu to find a good guide for you. It may be more reasonable to do this trek in two days and overnight camp at Cuoka Pasture.
Day 6 Yubeng-Ninong-Feilaisi-Shangri-La
Sightseeing and Activities:Ninong Grand Canyon ,Yubeng Village,Mekong River Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 Yubeng-Ninong-Feilaisi-Shangri-La
Sightseeing and Activities:Ninong Grand Canyon ,Yubeng Village,Mekong River Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Set off very early for the long, but amazing walk along the least traveled path of Yubeng, from Lower Yubeng Village back to Xidang, via Ninong Canyon. Drive back to Shangri-La in the afternoon.
Day 7 Departure from Shangri-La
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Shangri-La
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
Free at leisure before be picked up from hotel and transferred to Shangri-La airport for the departure flight. Service ends.
Recommended Hotels
| Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
| Shangri-La | Blossom Hill Inn Shangri-La | Shangri-La Old Town Hotel | Bodhi Boutique Inn | Hanting Hotel |
| Yubeng | / | / | / | Longmen Hostel |
| Feilaisi | Guanjing Tiantang Hotel | Mingzhu Hotel | Feilaisi Hotel | Local Hostel |
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private Chinese-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
Travel Tips:
- Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.
- The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.
- Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.
- Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest.
- Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.
- Situated on the northern edge of the tropical zone, Xishuangbanna area is hot, humid and rainy.
- Do not forget to take an umbrella or a raincoat when go out.
- When take photos, please pay attention to your safety, do not shoot in dangerous areas.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
The Tiger Leaping Gorge is famous for its steepness, one of the deepest gorges in the world and sits between Haba Snow Mountain sitting in the north and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the south. The gorge consists of three parts: the upper section, middle section and lower section. The hiking route of Tiger Leaping Gorge is depicted as one of the top 10 classic hiking routes all over the world.
Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge
The upper gorge is 9 kilometers from Tiger Leaping Gorge Town, and its degree of difficulty is the lowest one among the three sections and most tourists prefer to visit because it’s a safer tourist site built by the authorities with available road, wooden steps, secure guardrails and short distance.
The most narrow part of the whole Tiger Leaping Gorge sits in the upper section. There is a huge stone in the middle of the river and the water is rushing, which leads to a shocking scene with great wave. It’s said that a tiger leaps to the Haba Snow Mountain from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by stepping on the stone, so it’s named as “Tiger Leaping Stone”.
What to Do at Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge
The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge is a paradise for hiker. Travelers need to hike for two hours to Naxi Family Guesthouse and have lunch. Continue to hike another 2 hours up the steep wending gorge called 28-bends before the next break. It’s said by travelers 28-bends is the highlights of the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge and the view from the First observation deck is indelible. After a break, hike another one or two hours, and then we will arrive at Halfway Guesthouse where travelers can enjoy the great view of Yulong Snow Mountain and overlook the Jinsha (Golden Sands) River Valley.
How to get there
By Car Rental
Taking a shuttle car from Shangri-La or Lijiang to the Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La costs 300-500RMB. Travellers can firstly take a bus to Qiaotou Town(桥头镇) and then transfer to the Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La with a car rental for the fee of 60RMB.
By Bus
There is a bus departing from Zhongxia International Youth Hostel(中峡国际青年旅舍) at 8:00am in Shangri-La for Tina’s Guest House（中峡客栈） via Qiaotou Town(桥头镇) with the fee for 50RMB per person. Hikers can get off the bus at the park lot in the Upper Section of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The buses depart from Tina’s at 3:00pm for Shangri-La with the fee for 50RMB per person.
The buses depart from Lijiang Ancient Town for the Middle Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge via Qiaotou Town(桥头镇) and the upper section. Hikers can get off the bus at park lot in the Upper Section of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The buses depart from Tina’s at 3:00pm for Lijiang with the fee for 50RMB per person.
Best Time to Go
April, May and June in the Gorge is the finest time for hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge with crisp air. September, October are the second best time to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge. June to August is the rainy season and the road is sloppy. Try to avoid the rainy season. After October the weather turns to cold, if you want to go, bring warm clothes.
Attractions Nearby
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a mountain massif near Lijiang. It is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. There are 13 peaks all together and the group of mountains stretches about 35 kilometers from north to south. The highest peak is named Shanzidou at an altitude of 5,596m. On the eastern side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, there is a deep valley where the Yangtze River runs. Tiger Leaping Gorge is in the northern part of the valley and Yuhu Village Is located in the south of the valley. Travelers can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain over Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yuhu Village, Black Dragon Pool Park and other locations.
Haba Snow Mountain
Haba Snow Mountain is a mountain in southeast of Shangri-La, rising above the northwest side of Tiger Leaping Gorge, opposite off Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with the highest peak of 5,396 m. It boasts glaciers, lakes and waterfalls and contains one of the best preserved nature reserves. Each year from June to August, millions of azaleas are in blossom. To avoid the rainy season, the best time to travel Haba Snow Mountain is mid-March to June, mid-September to mid-December.
Useful Travel Tips
► It’s rainy season from July to September, Please pay attention to some clastic rock rolling down from the mountain and don’t get too close to the river with water surging.
► It’s dry season from December to February, strong wind or flocks of sheep may bring about the clastic rock. Get perpared before hiking.
►Sun creams are MUST to prevent from the strong sunlight.
Map of The Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangrila Side)
This 14 days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Cycling Tour will take you to experience the Tea Horse Trade Caravan including the Erhai Lake, Shaxi Old Town, Dali Old Town, Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Old Town, etc. Between Lijiang and Shangri-La, you will visit Tiger Leaping Gorge and the First Bend of Yangtze River. The bend is a powerful spot with the whole of the Yangzi River confined to a 20- meter (70-foot) width. You also will experience Shangri-la high plateau and visit Songzanlin Monastery, Napahai Lake and Tibetan villages.
Tour Map
Highlights
- Experience the Tea Horse Trade Caravan including Shaxi Old Town, Dali Old Town, Lijiang Old Town, etc.
- Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge and the First Bend of Yangtze River.
- Appreciate the top attractions of Shangri-la such as Songzanlin Monstery, Napahai Lake, etc.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Kunming Arrival
- Day 2: Kunming
- Day 3: Kunming – Dali
- Day 4: Dali – Shuanglang
- Day 5: Shuanglang – Eryuan
- Day 6: Eryuan – Shaxi
- Day 7: Shaxi – Shangri-la
- Day 8: Shangri-la
- Day 9: Shangrila-la – Baishuitai
- Day 10: Baishuitai – Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Day 11: Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking
- Day 12: Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang
- Day 13: Lijiang
- Day 14: Lijiang Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Kunming Arrival
Sightseeing and Activities: Twin Pagodas, Green Lake Park, Yuantong Temple
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Lunch
Take the morning flight to Kunming, meet your local tour guide and transfer to the hotel.
After lunch, start your Kunming City cycling tour. You will visit the Twin Pagodas including the West Pagoda and the East Pagoda; the Green Lake Park and Yuantong Temple.
Day 2 Kunming
Sightseeing and Activities: Western Hills, Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ride to Western Hills, take the chairlift from the Dragon Gate to Yunnan Ethnic Villages. Continue the riding back to visit The Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway in the downtown.
Day 3 Kunming – Dali
Sightseeing and Activities: Dali Old Town,
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Take the high speed train to Dali (3 hours) in the morning. Arrive in Dali, meet your local tour guide and transfer to Dali Old Town.
After checking in, you will ride around Dali old Town to visit the Old City Wall, the Foreigner Street and Bai Ethnic architecture. After lunch in Dali Old Town, ride to visit the Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Monastery. You will have a relax night in Dali Old Town.
Day 4 Dali – Shuanglang
Sightseeing and Activities: Jinsuo Islet, Tianjing (Heaven Mirror) Pagoda, Little Putuo Island, Changyu Village and Patron Saint Temple
Accommodation: Shuanglang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the early morning, you will start the cycling from Dali Old Town to Shuanglang Town. You will first ride to Xiaguan, and ride along the Huanhai Road to Jinsuo Islet in Haidong Town. After lunch in Hiadong, you will continue the cycling to Tianjing (Heaven Mirror) Pagoda, Little Putuo Island in Wase Town. Arrive in Shuanglang Town in the late afternoon and visit Changyu Village and Patron Saint Temple.
Day 5 Shuanglang – Eryuan
Sightseeing and Activities: Nanzhao Love Island, Bai ethnic villages, Little West Lake
Accommodation: EEryuan Geothermal Paradise Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, you will enjoy the sunrise of the Nanzhao Love Island and Erhai Lake, and take the boat to visit Nanzhao Island including Shayimu(a fisher girl in the legend) Statues, Acuoye Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) Statue, Nanzhao Palace, the Square of Patron Saint Culture, Taihu Lake Stones and the Big Banyan Trees.
Visit Bai ethnic villages in Shuanglang Town, ride to Jiangwei Town, if you are lucky to meet the market day, you will have the chance to visit Shaping Bazaar. Have lunch in Jiangwei Town with fresh fish from Erhai Lake and ride to Eryuan in the afternoon. You will see the wonderful farmland in Xiashankou, a beautiful basin of Eryuan County.
Then take a boat to visit the Little West Lake (Xiaoxihu in Chinese). Xiashankou is featured by the thousands of hot springs, where it is very easy to find a clean hotel with hot spring swimming pool in Xiashankou. But today you will continue the 10KM cycling to Eryuan and have a nice stay in Eryuan Geothermal Paradise Hotel. You will enjoy the hot spring by yourself after dinner. Eryuan is famous for the hot springs, and Eryuan Geothermal Paradise is the largest one.
Day 6 Eryuan – Shaxi
Sightseeing and Activities: Yuhu(Jade Lake) Park, Shibaoshan Mountain, Shizhong Grottoes, Baoxiang Temple
Accommodation: Shaxi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast in the hotel, ride to visit Yuhu(Jade Lake) Park in Yuhu Town about 2 Km away from the hotel. You will continue the long but easy cycling to Jianchuan. Visit Shibaoshan Mountain, Shizhong Grottoes, climb steps up to visit Wild Monkeys behind the Baoxiang Temple. After the mountain tour, you will ride down to Shaxi Old Town for overnight.
Day 7 Shaxi – Shangri-la
Sightseeing and Activities: Shaxi Old Town, Jianchuan local market, First Bend of Yangtze River
Accommodation: Shangri-la
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, you will cycle around Shaxi Old Town and visit local courtyard of the ethnic Bai. Continue the riding to Jianchuan County and visit the local market. Ride to Shigu Town, and have lunch in a local restaurant on the crossroad.
After lunch, ride to Longpan Town, have a good rest and pay a visit to the panoramic view of the First Bend of Yangtze River. Visit the Naxi villages and ride to across the Jihong Bridge over the Jinsha River. You will a beautiful riding along the Jinsha River which is well-known as the Gold Sand River as well as the upper Yangtze River.
Arrive in Qiaotou Town (or Tiger Leaping Gorge Town) in the late afternoon and change the coach for around 2 hours driving to Shangri-la.
Day 8 Shangri-la
Sightseeing and Activities: Songzanlin Monastery, Napahai Lake, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan Hill
Accommodation: Shangri-la
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we ride to Songzanlin Monastery in the morning, after lunch, ride around Napahai Lake and the grassland. Visit Dukezong Ancient Town and the largest prayer wheel on the top of Guishan Hill. Enjoy the Tibetan Family with Tibetan dance and music at night.
Day 9 Shangri-la – Baishuitai
Sightseeing and Activities: Baishuitai
Accommodation: Bashuitai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, drive to Xilianpen Pass (洗脸盆哑口/3700 Meters) and ride to visit Baishuitai. We begin with a short transfer out of town, passing through arid plateau on towards Pudacuo National Park where to start the day’s cycling. We set off on the bikes with a downhill stretch on good road and continue during the day to cycle a series of valleys and mountains through a changing rural scenery gradually descending to the village of Baishuitai.
Our final stretch of the route brings us through conifer forest. Located below the Haba Snow Mountain(the other side of Tiger Leaping Gorge), Baishuitai is famed for its natural mineral terraced White Water Tables created by calcium carbonate deposits from the melting mountain spring water.
Day 10 Baishuitai – Tiger Leaping Gorge
Sightseeing and Activities: Haba Village, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We set off today with a few gentle hills before challenging a more serious climb. Once we reach the top of the pass we will have views of the magnificent Haba Mountain peaks. The highest point is at a dizzying 5,396m. With alpine moraine lake, endless clusters of azalea and waterfalls cascading down snow-covered cliffs, the glacier on the Haba Snow Mountain is the southmost glacier in China. We make a short descent into Haba Village, whose resident minorities include Naxi, Hui (Muslim) and Yi peoples, as well as a few Tibetans.
This afternoon we climb to our next pass then cycle down into the Yangtze River Valley. At the village of Yonke we turn into the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest ravines. Cutting its path between Haba Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain your surroundings will be as dramatic as the place names suggest.
Day 11 Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking
Sightseeing and Activities: trekking
Accommodation: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today will be a very relax day in middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. You will spend your half day trekking and half day free in the gorge. After breakfast, trek from Tina’s Guesthouse up to Bendiwan Village, you will visit Guanyin Waterfalls, Bamboo Forest, Guanyin Temple, Wuzhishan (Five Fingers) Mountain, Dashengou Waterfalls, Sheshen Cliffs, Qianyan Stone House.
Have lunch in Halfway Guesthouse in Bendiwan Village. Halfway Guesthouse is the best position to enjoy the Tiger Leaping Gorge and the thirteen peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. After lunch, trek about one hour down to the road and your driver will pick you up and transfer back to Tina’s Guesthouse. You will be free in the afternoon and explore the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge by yourself.
Day 12 Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Ancient Town, Baisha Murals
Accommodation: Baisha Holiday Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ride along the Jinsha River to the lower part of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. You will arrive at HaLong Meng Guesthouse and have a panoramic view of Daju Town in Xincun Village. Take the bike down to Jinsha River and take the boat to Daju Town from Daju New Ferry.
Drive a big slope to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and take the chairlift up to Yak Meadow (3700m) which is the best location to enjoy the nice view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You will pay a visit to the Lama monastery and walk around the Yak Meadow.
Take the chairlift back to the Bus Station and continue the cycling to Ganhaizi Meadow, stop to visit Baishui River and the Blue Moon Valley on the way. In the afternoon, ride down to Baisha Ancient Town and visit Baisha Murals. Stay at Baisha Holiday Resort.
Day 13 Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities: Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute, Shuhe Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Ethnic Museum
Accommodation: Baisha Holiday Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, visit Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute, and you will have the chance to learn how to make the local Naxi ethnic embroidery and Dongba pictograph writing on the Dongba paper. After that, ride along the Shubai Road and stop to visit Shuhe Ancient Town which is the important town of the Tea Horse Trade Caravan from the upper Mekong River to Tibet and India. You will visit the Tea Horse Trade Caravan Museum in Shuhe Old Town.
After Shuhe, ride about 4Km to Black Dragon Pool which is the main headwater of the Yushui River which goes through the Old Town. It is just like the bright eyes of the town, shining with the wisdom. Pay a visit to the Dongba Ethnic Museum and learn the Naxi Dongba culture. Ride back to Lijiang Old Town for lunch and explore the old town free by your own. Ride back to Baisha Holiday Resort in the late afternoon.
Day 14 Departure from Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities: Bai
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Lijiang International Airport for returning. Service ends.
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
Mention China and the first image in your mind is likely the Great Wall. Or Mao’s portrait at Tiananmen Square. Or maybe the Shaolin Temple.
It’s not likely, though, to be the Tiger Leaping Gorge – or is it? This dramatic limestone canyon carved by Asia’s longest river is quickly becoming one of China’s iconic landscapes.
Part of UNESCO’s heritage site Three Parallel Rivers in China’s southwest Yunnan province, Tiger Leaping Gorge is where the Yangtze river rages through 13,000 feet of sheer cliffs. Flanked by the Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains, this area is one of China’s most beautiful natural treasures.
Despite its proximity to Lijiang, a destination for an annual five million domestic Chinese visitors, Tiger Leaping Gorge has remained fairly uncrowded. Visitor numbers are growing rapidly though, so you may want to go see it before it becomes overrun.
Currently, most visitors to the gorge take a bus tour along the river. To see the real beauty, however, you must take the higher road – literally. A 20-mile foot trail high on the northern side of the gorge lends itself to a multi-day trek through rivers, waterfalls, terraced pastures and bamboo forests. Hugging along one of the world’s most precipitous drops (left) the entire way through, this hike is not for the faint of heart. Most people take two days to complete the trek, some three. The trail encompasses a 2,300-foot elevation gain and can last anywhere from 13 to 20+ miles depending on the chosen end point.
Public buses from Lijiang run regularly to the trailhead.
A more convenient option is to take a shuttle arranged by one of the guesthouses in the area, most famously Tina’s Guesthouse. The shuttle picks up from Lijiang, stops at the trailhead, and provides a ride back at the end. It also takes and stores the hiker’s luggage at the guesthouse located at the trail’s end. So all you have to bring is a light daypack with essentials. Another advantage to the shuttle is the guarantee that you will start the hike with others. You won’t get lost alone: an invaluable peace of mind.
Getting lost is a legitimate concern for a first-timer. The only trail maps available are rudimentary drawings provided by the guesthouses running the shuttles. Official trail maps do not exist as yet. Once there, though, the trail is easily visible and fairly maintained, since the local Naxi tribesmen use it themselves to walk from village to village. It can be quite narrow (eight inches) in some spots, there’s loose footing on a few descents, but overall, it’s not a technically difficult trail.
Day 1
First part of the morning runs through verdant wheat pastures followed by moderately steep rocky terrain lined with patchy pine. The scenery is superb, and at this point it’s relatively easy to enjoy the view, take photos and continue at a steady pace. There are several guesthouses along this section to stock up on water and supplies. By mid-morning the trail is etched alongside the mountain’s edge with spectacular sights of the gorge.
An especially grueling section named Twenty-Eight Bends is encountered: 28 steep, ascending switchbacks snaking consecutively up the mountainside. No one is really sure where these bends start or end. By the time I count 17 bends I see scrawling on a rock that reads “Get ready for the next 28 bends!”
Suffice to say there are plenty of bends to get your back bent.
Not to fear, however: China’s most brilliant entrepreneurs are on hand to help. Several local men hang out at the trailhead and tag behind hikers with their donkeys in tow. Anytime you need a ride, all you have to do is hand over a few Yuan. At the beginning of the trail, when no one wants the ride, it costs merely a few Yuan. The farther out it gets, the higher the price. By the time 28 bends is reached and hikers desperately need the ride, the price is quadrupled. Brilliant.
After the 28 bends the trail flattens out, and the rest of the day becomes easier. Most hikers end up at the aptly named Halfway House guesthouse on the trail by early evening, in time for a beautiful sunset on top the deck. As another hiker puts it, it’s simply “postcard perfect.”
Day 2
The second day is less strenuous, with mainly gradual climbs or flat terrain. There are some stream crossings, and a waterfall that flows directly over the trail. By early afternoon hikers reach the popular end to the trail, at Tina’s Guesthouse.
There are alternate trails to continue onwards, including one with a loop through a bamboo forest leading to a small beach by the river. Talk to locals before embarking on the side trails, though; I decide to take on the detour with two others, only to find ourselves clambering over a recent landslide (unsafe) and having to turn around.
At the end of the high trail is the start of a lower trail that leads to the river’s edge. Here the canyon is at its narrowest and the rapids at their most violent. According to legend, the gorge was named when a tiger came to the river’s edge at this spot, saw a flat rock mid-stream amidst the rapids, and leapt across. The lower trail is steep and slippery, and there’s a small charge to use the ladders set up by the locals. Worth a look if there’s time before your shuttle ride back to Lijiang.
In the spring and fall, an average of fifteen hikers can be found on the high trail in either direction. In the summer, that number increases significantly, although summers are rainy, rendering the trail muddy and more dangerous.
So if you’re looking for some solitude in the world’s most populous country, some exercise and a bit of adventure, the Tiger Leaping Gorge high trail is for you.
And don’t worry – there are no actual tigers here.
I would say that the hike is strenuous enough to effect her hip, for sure. You can break the hike into several days, and if it gets to be too painful you can just catch a shuttle from your guest house back to Xiaotou. Plus, there will more than likely be a man following you with a horse in case she needs it. Also, depending on whether it hurts her more to go uphill or downhill you can consider beginning the trek from the end (possibly Tina’s or Walnut Garden). There is a bit of up hill this way but not nearly as strenuous uphill… just more downhill. It’s a beautiful hike and I hope you can both experience it comfortably!
This article is about the transportation between Dali and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Dali City, formerly known as Tali, is the county-level seat of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in northwestern Yunnan. Dali City is administered through 12 township-level districts, two of which are also commonly referred to as Dali. Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze River. It is located 60 kilometres (37 mi) north of Lijiang City, Yunnan in southwestern China. It is part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage Site.
How to Get to Tiger Leaping Gorge from Dali
By Train and Taxi
Dali – Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge
Take the train from Dali railway station to Lijiang railway station, the trains are available on 5 times a day and takes about 2 hours and 26 minutes. It costs 28 RMB to 84 RMB. More details : Train Schedules of Dali Railway Station.
Then, taking the taxi from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge, The cost of the taxi is 200 RMB to 250RMB, and it takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
By Bus
Take the bus from Dali North Bus Station to Lijiang Bus Station, it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, then take the bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Hutiaoxia County, it takes about 2 hours, finally walk for 2 minutes. It costs 77 RMB.
By Taxi
From Dali to Tiger Leaping Gorge, the taxi takes about 2 hours and 43 minutes. It costs 420 RMB to 525 RMB.
Transportation in Yunnan:
- Airlines in Yunnan
- Flights to Yunnan
- Airport Transfer
- International Flights to Yunnan
- Airports in Yunnan
- High-speed Rail in Yunnan
- Railway Stations in Yunnan
- Railways in Yunnan
- Trains to Yunnan
- Trans Asia Railway
- Metro in Yunnan
- Bridges in Yunnan
- Freeways in Yunnan
- Highways in Yunnan
- Roads to Yunnan
- Trans-Asia Roads
- National Roads in Yunnan
Tiger Leaping Gorge is spectacular and crown as the deepest gorge in the world. Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze River. The inhabitants of the gorge are primarily the indigenous Naxi people and Tibetan people, who live in a handful of small hamlets. Naturally Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into three sections: Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Highlights:
- Appreciate the spectacular natural landscape around the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
- Wonderful scenery of The First Bend of Yangtze River;
- Stone Drum, The Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument and Iron Chain Bridge in Shigu Ancient Town
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Lijiang- Shigu – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities: the First Bend on the Yangtze River, the Iron Chain Bridge, Shigu Old Town, Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, Tiger Leaping Stone
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
At 08:00 am, the tour guide will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Lijiang. Then depart from Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60 KM to visit the First Bend of the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, Stone Drum , The Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument and the Iron Chain Bridge in Shigu Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.
Continue the driving 40KM more to Tiger Leaping Gorge Town (Former Qiaotou Town) for your lunch, drive along the cliff road of Jinsha River facing to Tiger Leaping Gorge Lijiang Part, arrive at the parking lot where you will have a panoramic view of the upper part the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.
In the upper part of Tiger Leaping Gorge(Shangri-La Part), you can enjoy the nice view of Tiger Leaping Gorge, or you can walk 634 steps down to the Middle Rapid to see Tiger Leaping Rock and the Jinsha River. Walk 634 steps back to the parking lot in the same way back.
Drive back to Lijiang after the gorge.
Service ends.
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Lunch;
- English-speaking tour guide;
- Vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Two bottles of water each person.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Accommodations;
- Meals not listed in the itinerary;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
Travel Tips:
- Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.
- The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.
- Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.
- Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest.
- Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.
The Most Popular Tours of Tiger Leaping Gorge
1 Day Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour (Lijiang Part)
1 Day The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour (Shangri-La Part)
1 Day Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Group Tour (Finishing in Lijiang or Shangri-La)
1 Day Tiger Leaping Gorge Highlight Hiking Tour from Bendiwan Village to Tina’s Hostel
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Group Tour (Back to Lijiang from Hetaoyuan Village)
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Tour with Daju Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
3 Days The First Bend of Yangtze River Rafting and Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
3 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour From Qiaotou Town to Haba Village
4 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
5 Days Lijiang City Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
6 Days Lijiang Hiking Tour around Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
7 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Paradise Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
9 Days Kunming Dali Lijiang and Shangri-La Classic Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
Tiger Leaping Gorge Rafting
Tiger Leaping Gorge Travel Weather and Climate in December
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River. When you go to Tiger Leaping Gorge in December. The average minimum temperature in December in Tiger Leaping Gorge (usually at night) is 14 degrees below zero (6.8 degrees Fahrenheit). The average maximum temperature in December in Tiger Leaping Gorge is 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).
Historical Tiger Leaping Gorge Average Daily Temperatures in December
| Number of days | Average High | Average Low |
| 1 | 9℃ /48℉ | -9℃ /16℉ |
| 2 | 9℃ /48℉ | -7℃ /19℉ |
| 3 | 8℃ /46℉ | -10℃ /14℉ |
| 4 | 10℃/50℉ | -7℃ /19℉ |
| 5 | 9℃ /48℉ | -7℃ /19℉ |
| 6 | 9℃ /48℉ | -5℃ /23℉ |
| 7 | 8℃ /46℉ | -5℃ /23℉ |
| 8 | 7℃/45℉ | -10℃ /14℉ |
| 9 | 7℃ /45℉ | -7℃ /19℉ |
| 10 | 7℃ /45℉ | -9℃ /16℉ |
| 11 | 8℃ /46℉ | -4℃ /25℉ |
| 12 | 6℃ /43℉ | -10℃ /14℉ |
| 13 | 8℃ /46℉ | -5℃ /23℉ |
| 14 | 7℃ /45℉ | -4℃ /25℉ |
| 15 | 7℃/45℉ | -6℃ /21℉ |
| 16 | 8℃ /46℉ | -10℃ /14℉ |
| 17 | 10℃ /50℉ | -6℃ /21℉ |
| 18 | 10℃ /50℉ | 0℃ /32℉ |
| 19 | 7℃ /45℉ | – 11℃/12℉ |
| 20 | 12℃ /54℉ | -8℃ /18℉ |
| 21 | 9℃ /48℉ | -14℃/6.8℉ |
| 22 | 8℃ /46℉ | -12℃ /10℉ |
| 23 | 8℃ /46℉ | -12℃ /10℉ |
| 24 | 9℃ /48℉ | -11℃ /12℉ |
| 25 | 9°C /48℉ | -11℃/12℉ |
| 26 | 6℃ /43℉ | -9℃ /16℉ |
| 27 | 9℃ /48℉ | -13℃/8.6℉ |
| 28 | 5℃ /41℉ | -10℃ /14℉ |
| 29 | 3℃ /37℉ | -11℃ /12℉ |
| 30 | 7℃ /45℉ | -12℃ /10℉ |
| 31 | 6℃/43℉ | -13℃/8.6℉ |
What to Wear for a December Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
A good time to hike the gorge for the sunny weather, dry and clear. While it’s cold at night and chilly at morning. In general, the Chinese Spring Festival occurs in February. Therefore, it is necessary to book hotels in advance. In winter, it is a little cold and it is necessary to bring the down jacket, thick sweater.
How to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge
If you get dropped off in Hutiaoxia Town, you are right near the starting point for the High Trail. When you enter the town, the driver will stop off at the ticket booth, where you will be charged 65RMB for entrance to Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is valid throughout the duration of your stay in the area. It is possible to avoid this fee if you arrive early in the morning or late afternoon.
Another option would be to get dropped off before town and then walk around the main street. Located about 4km from the town along the river road, the Upper Gorge has a series of boardwalks that lead you right down to the mighty Jinsha River. The view you get here is well worth the extra journey.
What can you do in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Yunnan Tiger Leaping Gorge include three parts: the upper section(Lijiang Side, Shangri-La Side), middle section and lower section. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is famous for its steepness, one of the deepest gorges in the world and sits between Haba Snow Mountain in the north and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the south. As a hiking paradise, Things to Do in Tiger Leaping Gorge Yunnan cover challenging sections like 28 Zigzag Turns and Middle Rapids which are considered as the highlights of Tiger Leaping Gorge. In addition, Walnut Garden Village, Bendiwan Village is also a favored spot by hikers. The Top Tiger Leaping Gorge Attractions are absolutely the splendid gorge and surging Jinsha River.
Tiger Leaping Gorge Weather and Climate by Month
Keep Reading
- Baoshan Climate
- Chuxiong Climate
- Dali Climate
- Dehong Climate
- Diqing Climate
- Honghe Climate
- Lijiang Climate
- Lincang Climate
- Nujiang Climate
- Pu’er Climate
- Qujing Climate
- Wenshan Climate
- Xishuangbanna Climate
- Yuxi Climate
- Zhaotong Climate
- Kunming Climate
Tiger Leaping Gorge Travel Weather and Climate in November
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River. When you go to Tiger Leaping Gorge in November. The average minimum temperature in November in Tiger Leaping Gorge (usually at night) is 6 degrees (43 degrees Fahrenheit). The average maximum temperature in November in Tiger Leaping Gorge is 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit).
Historical Tiger Leaping Gorge Average Daily Temperatures in November
| Number of days | Average High | Average Low |
| 1 | 13℃ /55℉ | 7℃ /45℉ |
| 2 | 15℃ /59℉ | 7℃ /45℉ |
| 3 | 16℃ /61℉ | 3℃/ 37℉ |
| 4 | 16℃/61℉ | 2℃ /36℉ |
| 5 | 16℃ /61℉ | 1℃ /34℉ |
| 6 | 16℃ /61℉ | 0℃ /32℉ |
| 7 | 15℃ /59℉ | -2℃ /28℉ |
| 8 | 12℃/63℉ | -3℃ /50℉ |
| 9 | 14℃ /57℉ | 1℃ /34℉ |
| 10 | 13℃ /55℉ | -1℃ /30℉ |
| 11 | 14℃ /57℉ | -1℃ /30℉ |
| 12 | 12℃ /54℉ | 1℃ /34℉ |
| 13 | 13℃ /55℉ | 6℃ /43℉ |
| 14 | 16℃ /64℉ | 4℃ /39℉ |
| 15 | 12℃/54℉ | 2℃ /36℉ |
| 16 | 13℃ /55℉ | 0℃ /32℉ |
| 17 | 15℃ /59℉ | -2℃ /28℉ |
| 18 | 13℃ /55℉ | 2℃ /36℉ |
| 19 | 13℃ /55℉ | 2℃/36℉ |
| 20 | 14℃ /57℉ | 0℃ /32℉ |
| 21 | 16℃ /61℉ | -3℃/27℉ |
| 22 | 16℃ /61℉ | -3℃ /27℉ |
| 23 | 16℃ /61℉ | -3℃ /27℉ |
| 24 | 16℃ /61℉ | -3℃ /27℉ |
| 25 | 15℃ /59℉ | -4℃/25℉ |
| 26 | 15℃ /59℉ | -4℃ /25℉ |
| 27 | 15℃ /59℉ | -4℃/25℉ |
| 28 | 14℃ /57℉ | -4℃ /25℉ |
| 29 | 12℃ /54℉ | -1℃ /30℉ |
| 30 | 12℃ /54℉ | 1℃ /34℉ |
| 31 | 13℃ /55℉ | 1℃ /34℉ |
What to Wear for a November Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
Mid-October-November are also excellent. Usually, it is dry and sunny. However, the scenery from mid-autumn to November is also excellent, such as beautiful landscape, green trees, and blossoms. It is necessary to bring a long-sleeve shirt, light sweater, and a coat.
How to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge
If you get dropped off in Hutiaoxia Town, you are right near the starting point for the High Trail. When you enter the town, the driver will stop off at the ticket booth, where you will be charged 65RMB for entrance to Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is valid throughout the duration of your stay in the area. It is possible to avoid this fee if you arrive early in the morning or late afternoon.
Another option would be to get dropped off before town and then walk around the main street. Located about 4km from the town along the river road, the Upper Gorge has a series of boardwalks that lead you right down to the mighty Jinsha River. The view you get here is well worth the extra journey.
What can you do in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Yunnan Tiger Leaping Gorge include three parts: the upper section(Lijiang Side, Shangri-La Side), middle section and lower section. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is famous for its steepness, one of the deepest gorges in the world and sits between Haba Snow Mountain in the north and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the south. As a hiking paradise, Things to Do in Tiger Leaping Gorge Yunnan cover challenging sections like 28 Zigzag Turns and Middle Rapids which are considered as the highlights of Tiger Leaping Gorge. In addition, Walnut Garden Village, Bendiwan Village is also a favored spot by hikers. The Top Tiger Leaping Gorge Attractions are absolutely the splendid gorge and surging Jinsha River.
Tiger Leaping Gorge Weather and Climate by Month
Keep Reading
- Baoshan Climate
- Chuxiong Climate
- Dali Climate
- Dehong Climate
- Diqing Climate
- Honghe Climate
- Lijiang Climate
- Lincang Climate
- Nujiang Climate
- Pu’er Climate
- Qujing Climate
- Wenshan Climate
- Xishuangbanna Climate
- Yuxi Climate
- Zhaotong Climate
- Kunming Climate
Tiger Leaping Gorge Travel Weather and Climate in October
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River. When you go to Tiger Leaping Gorge in October. The average minimum temperature in October in Tiger Leaping Gorge (usually at night) is 6 degrees (43 degrees Fahrenheit). The average maximum temperature in October in Tiger Leaping Gorge is 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit).
Historical Tiger Leaping Gorge Average Daily Temperatures in October
| Number of days | Average High | Average Low |
| 1 | 22℃ /72℉ | 9℃ /48℉ |
| 2 | 22℃ /72℉ | 9℃ /48℉ |
| 3 | 21℃ /70℉ | 9℃/ 48℉ |
| 4 | 21℃/70℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 5 | 21℃ /70℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 6 | 20℃ /68℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 7 | 17℃ /63℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 8 | 17℃/63℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 9 | 17℃ /63℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 10 | 17℃ /63℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 11 | 17℃ /63℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 12 | 18℃ /64℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 13 | 17℃ /63℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 14 | 18℃ /64℉ | 6℃ /43℉ |
| 15 | 20℃/68℉ | 9℃ /48℉ |
| 16 | 20℃ /68℉ | 9℃ /48℉ |
| 17 | 20℃ /68℉ | 9℃ /48℉ |
| 18 | 20℃ /68℉ | 9℃ /48℉ |
| 19 | 16℃ /61℉ | 9℃/48℉ |
| 20 | 18℃ /64℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 21 | 19℃ /66℉ | 8℃/46℉ |
| 22 | 19℃ /66℉ | 8℃ /46℉ |
| 23 | 18℃ /64℉ | 11℃ /52℉ |
| 24 | 19℃ /66℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 25 | 19℃ /66℉ | 10℃/50℉ |
| 26 | 19℃ /66℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 27 | 19℃ /66℉ | 8℃/46℉ |
| 28 | 20℃ /68℉ | 10℃ /50℉ |
| 29 | 18℃ /64℉ | 8℃ /46℉ |
| 30 | 18℃ /64℉ | 8℃ /46℉ |
What to Wear for a October Tiger Leaping Gorge Travel
Mid-October-November are also excellent. Usually, it is dry and sunny. However, the scenery from mid-autumn to November is also excellent, such as beautiful landscape, green trees, and blossoms. It is necessary to bring a long-sleeve shirt, light sweater, and a coat.
How to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge
If you get dropped off in Hutiaoxia Town, you are right near the starting point for the High Trail. When you enter the town, the driver will stop off at the ticket booth, where you will be charged 65RMB for entrance to Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is valid throughout the duration of your stay in the area. It is possible to avoid this fee if you arrive early in the morning or late afternoon.
Another option would be to get dropped off before town and then walk around the main street. Located about 4km from the town along the river road, the Upper Gorge has a series of boardwalks that lead you right down to the mighty Jinsha River. The view you get here is well worth the extra journey.
What can you do in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Yunnan Tiger Leaping Gorge include three parts: the upper section(Lijiang Side, Shangri-La Side), middle section and lower section. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is famous for its steepness, one of the deepest gorges in the world and sits between Haba Snow Mountain in the north and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the south. As a hiking paradise, Things to Do in Tiger Leaping Gorge Yunnan cover challenging sections like 28 Zigzag Turns and Middle Rapids which are considered as the highlights of Tiger Leaping Gorge. In addition, Walnut Garden Village, Bendiwan Village is also a favored spot by hikers. The Top Tiger Leaping Gorge Attractions are absolutely the splendid gorge and surging Jinsha River.
Tiger Leaping Gorge Weather and Climate by Month
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Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour in November
Tiger Leaping Gorge Travel Weather and Climate in November Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River. When you go to Tiger Leaping Gorge in November. The average minimum temperature...
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Tips Before Travel
Bring copies of your passport
Don't assume you're restricted to the main hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, our tours can start from any city.
Register with your embassy
For your safety, please register with the Embassy.
Always have local cash
Exchange some local currency for your trip
Our Team
Fenggu Yingshan Tea House and Tea Culture Learning Lijiang
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Gary Elliot-Shareholder of Trans Asia Discovery
Michael Huang-Excellent French and English-speaking Tour Guide in Yunnan
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David Yao-Lijiang Tour Operator of Yunnan Exploration
Cindy Cao-Yunnan Tour Operator
Xilinshan Tea House (Kunming, Yunnan)
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Lydia Li-The Founder of Yunnan Exploration
Anna Chen-Yunnan Tour Operator
Kelly Yu-Yunnan Travel Consultant
Cloudy Fu-Website Editor of Yunnan Exploration
Cuiyuan Yang
Skye Zhang-website editor of Yunnan Exploration
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