Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a canyon on the Yangtze River (known in Yunnan as the Jinsha River), located 60 km north of the city of Lijiang in Yunnan Province. About 15 kilometers long, the gorge lies between the 5,596-meter Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the 5,396-meter Haba Snow Mountain, where the river passes in a series of rapids under cliffs. Traversing the towering mountains of Yunnan, the Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest in the world and, with the many rocky slopes and cliffs running along it, it is one of the most picturesque sights too. The name of the gorge derives from a local legend that tells of a tiger who jumped across the river at its narrowest point (about 25 meters) to escape from a hunter. It was named in 2003 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site within the designation: Protected Areas of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan. It is considered one of the deepest gorges in the world, and the mighty Jinsha River demonstrates the incredible force of nature in its wake.
The Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into three sections: upper, middle and lower. The upper and middle sections are preferred for their stunning scenery, and the lower section is often overlooked due to its steep location. The upper section of the gorge offers hikers a perfect combination of accessibility and exploration. Travelers can opt for a short excursion lasting 1 to 2 hours or embark on a long trek lasting 1 to 2 days. Here is the narrowest part of the gorge, characterized by the rapid flow of water and a spectacular landscape of cliffs. The middle gorge, as a very demanding part, attracts fit hikers looking for a stimulating challenge. It generally takes half a day to absorb its splendid views. You can stand at the top of Tiger Leaping Rock to brave the intimidating Stairway to Heaven and witness the "Sunbeam", a narrow slit through which the river and sunlight pass through the mountain face. We generally recommend two main trails in the gorge, the lower trail and the upper trail. The lower path leads to the main entrance to the observation platform of the upper area of Tiger Leaping Gorge. This path extends to the lower part of the gorge. More intrepid hikers can brave the upper trail, as they go off-road and lead to the middle area of Tiger Leaping Gorge. While the trail is well maintained and not too strenuous, it does feature some steep climbs, so it's probably not the best option for small children or people with mobility issues.
Tiger Leaping Gorges have some of the most impressive landscapes in China, so avid hikers are attracted to the challenging Tiger Leaping Gorges route. They have the opportunity to appreciate the majestic landscapes and views of snow-capped mountains. At the same time, the rich Naxi culture adds a unique cultural dimension to this natural wonder.
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a year-round tourist destination, and each season offers unique landscapes. Autumn (September to October) offers pleasant temperatures between 12 and 25°C, making it an ideal time to go hiking and capture the enchanting beauty of the gorge. On the other hand, winter (November to March) offers serenity and snowy views, although the temperature can drop to 3°C. Spring (April to May) is the time when flowers and active agricultural life give a touch of color to the throat. On the contrary, the rainy season (June to August) is less recommended for hiking due to possible landslides.
