Tiger Leaping Gorge, also known as Hutiao Gorge, loacted about 100 kilometers northwest of Lijiang Old Town lying between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, is one of the deepest gorges in the world. From the top of the gorge you look down the steeply angled (70-90 degrees) mountain sides to the rushing Golden Sands (Jinsha) River with its 18 frothing rapids more than 200 meters below.
What to see?
Naturally divided into three sections, the first section, which is the narrowest and uppermost section, is the mouth of the fast flowing Jingsha River. In the midst of the river's mouth is a large rock that is positioned at the gorge's narrowest section-only 30 meters wide. The altitude of the mouth of the Tiger Leaping Gorge is 1,800m (984 fathoms).
A legend says that a tiger used this rock as its stepping stone so it could leap across from one side of the gorge to the other, which is how the place got its name.
As the river enters the middle section, it drops another 100 meters and its flow rate increases to an amazing speed. Here the thunderous rushing waters slam into sharp, large rocks and crash down into the river forming swirling whirlpools.
The cliffs over-looking this section are even steeper and much more dangerous. Here, the river twists and turns and the river vigorously surges forward creating high waves and a frothy spew as it collides with the mountainsides. This is a view that inspires a sense of adventure and satisfies the deepest yearnings for magnificent scenery.
The Tiger Leaping Gorge stretches about 15 kilometers and also affords people the possibility of rafting and drifting peacefully in its large quiet sections, for the gentler folks among us and an exciting rafting adventure for the more experienced.
The Tiger Leaping gorge is quite popular to hike along the gorge, and you can follow the signs made by other visitors along the way.
Travel Tips
Add: Longpan Township, Yulong County, 110 km northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town, Lijiang City, Yunnan Entrance Fee: CNY 110
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
Tel: 0888-5193237