Things to Do at Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of those places that actually lives up to the hype, which is saying something given how much it gets talked about. Carved by the Yangtze River between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, this 17-kilometer gorge is genuinely one of the world's deepest river canyons - we're talking about a 3,900-meter drop from the peaks to the rushing water below. The name comes from a legend about a tiger that supposedly leaped across the narrowest point to escape hunters, and while that might be folklore, the dramatic landscape here feels mythical enough to make you believe it. What draws most people is the high trail - a multi-day trek that's become something of a rite of passage for hikers in China. You'll find yourself walking along ancient paths carved into cliffsides, with the Yangtze roaring below and snow-capped peaks towering above. The trail passes through Naxi villages where you can stay in guesthouses that range from basic to surprisingly comfortable, and the whole experience tends to be more about the journey than any single destination. That said, even if you're not up for the full trek, the gorge offers plenty of day hike options and viewpoints that'll give you a taste of why this place has such a reputation.

Most people start from either Lijiang or Shangri-La, both about 2 hours away by bus. From Lijiang, you'll want to catch a bus to Qiaotou, which is the main trailhead - buses run regularly and cost around 25 RMB. If you're coming from Shangri-La, it's a similar setup with buses heading to Qiaotou. Some travelers arrange private transport, which gives you more flexibility but obviously costs more. Worth noting that Qiaotou is basically just a small town that exists to serve trekkers, so you'll find everything you need there in terms of last-minute supplies, guides, or accommodation if you want to start fresh in the morning.