The Simplest Guide to Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek: A Legendary Hike Through China’s Deepest Canyon

anywherechina020
Jul 14
5 min read

If you’re an avid hiker, you’ve likely heard of one of the world’s top 10 classic hiking trails tucked away in China’s Yunnan Province. Nestled between the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, with the roaring Jinsha River carving its way through, lies the epic Tiger Leaping Gorge.

1. Introduction

Tiger Leaping Gorge is located in the town of the same name in Shangri-La County, approximately 96 km from Shangri-La City and 80 km from Lijiang. The Jinsha River, originating from the glaciers of Geladandong in Qinghai, flows serenely for hundreds of kilometers before it suddenly crashes into the narrow gorge between the two massive peaks. The once-calm waters turn furious, creating one of the most dramatic canyons along the Yangtze River.

Legend has it that a tiger once leapt across the river at its narrowest point, giving the gorge its evocative name. With a staggering elevation drop of 216 meters and cliffs soaring 3,900 meters above the river, the gorge is famed for its awe-inspiring natural drama and sheer rugged beauty.

Though only 17 kilometers long, Tiger Leaping Gorge is packed with stunning scenery. Most hikers can complete the trek in one to two days. The gorge is divided into three main sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge

The narrowest section of the entire canyon, with the river narrowing to just over 20 meters wide. This area is well-developed and suitable for casual sightseeing.

Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge

The Middle Gorge is marked by clusters of sharp rocks in the riverbed. This section is best suited for outdoor hiking. The trail, though rugged and thrilling, is maintained by local villagers.

Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge

Here, the view opens up to patchworks of fertile farmland. Visitors can enjoy the meandering beauty of the river and the majestic scenery of Snow Mountains.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal hiking season runs from April to October, with April–June and September–October offering the most breathtaking views and comfortable weather conditions.

2. How to Get There

You can start your journey from either Lijiang or Shangri-La, both of which have airports:

Lijiang Sanyi Airport
Diqing Shangri-La Airport

From either city, you can reach the trailhead by bus, carpool, or private transfer. The journey typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Bus Options

Booking: Use the “丽交出行生活” WeChat mini program (for outbound), and “中峡景区直通车” mini program (for return).
Departure Points:
- Lijiang: Lijiang Ancient Town Bus Station
- Shangri-La: Shangri-La Bus Station
Departure Times:
- From Lijiang: 08:00 / 09:00 / 09:30 / 10:30 / 13:10
- From Shangri-La: 08:00 / 08:40 / 09:20
Ticket Price: ¥36–44

Return Bus:

Departs from: Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area or Zhong Hutiao Youth Hostel
To Lijiang: 14:20 / 15:30 / 16:30
To Shangri-La: 13:40 / 15:30 / 16:30
Ticket Price: ¥50–55

🧳 Luggage Tip: You can leave your bags on the bus if returning with the same driver. If not, your driver can store them at Teacher Zhang’s Hostel for ¥20.

Carpool (拼车)

Approximate cost: ¥160–¥180 per person

Private Car

Approximate cost: ¥700+

3. Hiking Route Overview

We recommend two versions of the hike:

Two-Day Route: Best for those with time and interest in a full experience.
One-Day Route: Ideal for travelers looking for a compact yet scenic adventure.

Two-Day Hiking Route

Day 1:

Qiaotou → Naxi Guesthouse → 28 Bends → Shanmeike Inn → Halfway Guesthouse

Day 2:

Halfway Guesthouse → Teacher Zhang’s Hostel → Middle Gorge → Sky Ladder (Yixiantian) → Tina’s Guesthouse

Accommodation Suggestions Near Halfway Guesthouse:

Name	Price	Phone
Yuntu Shanshe Homestay 云途山舍	¥230	+86-18810607078
Muyun Banshan 沐云半山民宿	¥332	+86-13578476888
Xingzhe Homestay 行者民宿	¥330	+86-051380703222

🚌 If starting from Naxi Guesthouse, you’ll need to take a shuttle to the scenic entrance, then hike or arrange a short ride (¥30–50) to the trailhead.

One-Day Hiking Route

Halfway Guesthouse → Teacher Zhang’s Hostel → Middle Gorge → Sky Ladder (Yixiantian) → Tina’s Guesthouse

🚌 If starting from Halfway Guesthouse, there's no need to buy an official scenic area ticket. Just inform the bus driver you’re heading to “Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge,” and they’ll drop you near the guesthouse.

4. Key Hiking Milestones

Upper Treking Route

After purchasing a ticket (¥45) at Qiaotou Town, walk several hundred meters along a cement road. Keep an eye out for a sign on the left marking the trailhead for the “High Trail.”

After 1.5 hours, you’ll reach Naxi Guesthouse.

From there, it’s a 3-hour, 5.5 km hike to Tea Horse Guesthouse, passing the famous “28 Bends” — a challenging but iconic zigzag climb with a rest stop.

Continue about 2 more hours to Halfway Guesthouse, which offers plenty of food, drinks, and lodging. It's also where one-day hikers usually start. Don't miss a coffee break on the “Shuangsini” terrace — with unbeatable views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Past Halfway Guesthouse, cross the Longdong Waterfall, then follow signs pointing toward Tina’s Guesthouse and Teacher Zhang’s Hostel. For the full experience, follow the path to Teacher Zhang’s Hostel and proceed to the Middle Gorge.

Middle Gorge Trail

This section features trails built by locals — some carved into cliffs, others with ladders. Each segment has a separate fee, totaling about ¥40. A round-trip hike takes roughly 3 hours.

This is where you get closest to the thunderous Jinsha River — perfect for those Instagram-worthy moments.

Final Stretch: Middle Gorge → Tina’s Guesthouse

There are three exit routes:

Sky Ladder (天梯)
Cloud Ladder (云梯)
Yixiantian (一线天)

The ladders are nearly vertical and significantly shorten the hike. Yixiantian, though longer (by about an hour), offers a stunning narrow pass and is favored by photographers and thrill-seekers.

The trek ends at Zhong Hutiao International Youth Hostel, marking the finish line of this unforgettable journey.

5. Hiking Tips & Notes

🚧 Note: The Middle Gorge section is under maintenance and is expected to reopen in mid-July or early August 2025.
🥾 Supply stops are plentiful — water, snacks, and meals are easily accessible, allowing you to hike light.
🗺️ Trails are clearly marked with English signs. Navigation is easy even for solo travelers.
👟 Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes. Trekking poles are helpful on steep sections. Bright clothing is recommended — both for safety and amazing photos!

Tiger Leaping Gorge is not just a trail — it's a breathtaking journey through geological wonder, highland culture, and untamed natural force. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a first-time hiker, this is a bucket-list adventure that will stay with you long after the dust has settled from your boots.