Enjoying a worldwide fame for its magnificent and breathtaking scenery, the Tiger Leaping Gorge is one the narrowest gorges in the world- it is only about 30 meters across in the narrowest place. There is a legend that a tiger can leap across the river with a single jump.
Located nearby Lijiang County, the Tiger Leaping Gorge is a ravine with Jinsha River cutting through two giant snow-capped mountains - Haba Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The water here makes violent whirlpools and hits the banks so powerfully that soaring breakers are created. The high waves, soaring water and the mountains shrouded with clouds constitute the most magnificent scene of the gorges.
The most perilous section is the Middle Gorge. The gorge is rarely traversed by humans, but on the slope between the Middle and Lower Gorge there is a small village, where villagers lead a simple and natural life, dwelling in stone-plated houses.
The Lower Gorge is the most awe-inspiring part all as well as the best place to enjoy the magnificent scene. 12 precious ancient rock paintings in the cliffs along the gorge are appealing.
Type: River
Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30
Ticket Price: 65 RMB
Recommended visit time: 1 day
Tips:
Every year from June to September is the rainy season of the Diqing Plateau, thus it is not suggested to visit the gorge since mud-rock flow possibly happens.
Transportation:
By bus: The Tiger Leaping Gorge situated about 89 kilometers from Lijiang, you can take buses at the Lijiang bus stations and Shangri-La bus station to get there.
Car Rental: You could rent a car from Lijiang to the Tiger Leaping Gorge which cost about RMB 400-600.