[2025 Yulong Attraction] Travel Guide for Xiahutiao Canyon (Updated May)

1. Location and Overview 📍Address: Located in Hutiaoxia Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596m) and Haba Snow Mountain (5,396m), with the Jinsha River flowing through. Scale: Approximately 17-23km long, the narrowest section of the river is just over 20m wide, with a vertical drop of 3,900m. It ranks as the world's fourth-largest and China's second-deepest canyon. Attraction Rating: National AAAA-level scenic area. Ticket price: ¥45/person; student ticket: ¥22.5/person. 2. Core Landscapes and Section Highlights Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into three sections—Upper, Middle, and Lower—each with unique features: **Upper Tiger Leaping** - Narrowest point: Just over 20m wide, featuring the 13m-high "Tiger Leaping Rock" at the river's center. Legend says a tiger once leaped across the Jinsha River using this rock. - Scenic walkways allow close-up views of the roaring river. **Middle Tiger Leaping** - Famous for the "Starry Sky" reef area, where turbulent waves crash against the rocks. This is the core section for hiking adventures. **Lower Tiger Leaping** - Open terrain with deep ravines, offering panoramic views of the canyon's exit. **High Trail Hiking Route** - A world-class hiking trail showcasing breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and the winding Jinsha River. Passes iconic stops like Tea-Horse Guesthouse and Halfway Guesthouse. **Route Planning** - **Day Trip**: Enter from Upper Tiger Leaping, explore the scenic walkways, and return. Ideal for time-limited or less physically fit visitors. - **Two-Day Trip**: - Day 1: Hike from Upper to Middle Tiger Leaping, stay overnight at a mountain guesthouse (e.g., Walnut Garden Village) to experience the canyon at night. - Day 2: Continue to Lower Tiger Leaping to explore diverse landscapes. - **In-Depth Hiking**: Start from Naxi Family Guesthouse and trek the High Trail, taking 2-3 days. Best for outdoor enthusiasts. 🚗 **Transportation & Shuttle** - Self-drive: Park at "Tiger Leaping Gorge Visitor Center" (6km from the scenic area) and take the free shuttle to the core zone. **Opening Hours**: - Summer (May–Oct): 7:00–18:00 - Winter: 8:00–17:00 *(Today: May 21, 2025—summer hours apply.)* ❌ **Important Notes** - **Safety**: The terrain is steep; follow signs and avoid restricted areas. - **Climate**: Large temperature swings at high altitude; bring windproof/thermal clothing (e.g., jackets, down coats) and sun protection. - **Gear**: Wear anti-slip hiking shoes and carry sufficient water/snacks. Tiger Leaping Gorge blends natural wonders and cultural charm, perfect for hiking, photography, and immersive experiences. For epic views, tackle the High Trail; if short on time, don’t miss Upper Tiger Leaping’s classic vistas. 💋

Introduction to Tiger Leaping Gorge Tiger Leaping Gorge is located in Tiger Leaping Gorge Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Situated on the Jinsha River section between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, it is one of the deepest canyons in China and a national AAAA-level scenic spot. The canyon stretches 23 kilometers, with the narrowest part of the river being just over 20 meters wide. The peaks range from 3,000 to 5,596 meters above sea level, and the canyon walls are steep, with almost 90-degree slopes within 200 meters above the water level. There are three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge. The Upper gorge is famous for the "Tiger Leaping Stone," the Middle gorge for its narrow "One Line Sky," and the Lower gorge for its scenic beauty of "High Gorge Emerging into a Calm Lake." Travel Guide • Transportation: From Lijiang, you can take the "Lijiang Jiaoyun" bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge Town, or choose a carpool, chartered car, or self-drive. There are also buses from Shangri-La to Qiaotou Town. • Tickets: Tickets for the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge are 45 yuan, half price for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6 and seniors over 70. Villagers may charge around 15 yuan for some routes in the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. • Accommodation: There are some hotels and inns near the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. In the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can choose Halfway Guesthouse, Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse, etc. • Travel routes: If you are traveling with seniors or children, you can choose the well-developed Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, take the scenic bus, or use the escalator. Hiking enthusiasts can choose the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. Beginner routes include Tea Horse Guesthouse—Halfway—Longdong Waterfall—Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse. More advanced routes include Naxi Family—28 Bends—Halfway—Tina's—Sky Ladder—One Line Sky—Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse. The Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge is suitable for experienced hikers. Tips for Avoiding Tourist Traps • Transportation: Be aware of infrequent buses, distant drop-off points, early last buses for return trips, and lack of luggage storage. For carpools, clarify departure time, car type, pick-up/drop-off service, and luggage handling details. • Tickets: The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge ticket is a must-buy. Don't believe rumors about not needing tickets, as this could delay your trip. • Hiking: Wear professional hiking shoes, not high heels or slippers. Follow designated routes and avoid venturing off the trail. Do not use umbrellas in areas with falling rocks, as you could be hit.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into Upper, Middle and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge. The camera I took to check in is the Dazed Stone Life Photo Check-in Point at Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. On our way to Lijiang and Shangri-La by car, we hiked a short section of Zhonghutiao: Photos of Teacher Zhang's Inn Life. • Navigate from Lijiang to [Teacher Zhang's Inn in Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La]. • We also went to Xiahutiao, which is the Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic area. April is the dry season, so there is nothing to see in the scenic area and we have to queue. After visiting the scenic area for an hour, we went to [Teacher Zhang's Inn]. If you want to go directly to Teacher Zhang's Inn, you will meet staff on the way who will ask you where you are going. You must say you are going to Baishuitai and you can go directly! ! If you are going to Tiger Leaping Gorge, you will be asked to turn left and go uphill to queue. • Start hiking from Teacher Zhang’s Inn. The Zhonghutiao section is maintained by several villages, so a maintenance fee of 15 yuan per person will be charged at the entrance. • The way there is downhill, the slope is a bit steep, and there is a lot of gravel, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes. The road is very beautiful, and you can take more photos of the Grand Canyon from various angles. • It takes about 30 minutes to go down the mountain and arrive at the [Daze Stone] life photo check-in point. You must first buy a ticket for taking photos, then queue up and wait for your number to be called. It costs 98 yuan per person to take 4 photos, and the average photo time is 2 minutes per person. Then you need to scan the QR code with your mobile phone to download the photos, and you need to pay 2 yuan. The staff will help you pose. There are some big rocks nearby where you can take nice photos, or you can find other camera positions by yourself. • On the way back, you will reach the branch point of the ladder. You can choose to continue climbing up the slope to Teacher Zhang’s Inn, or you can take the 168-level Brave Ladder [charged 10 yuan per person]. • The cloud ladder is very exciting. Climbing up the almost vertical cloud ladder is very exciting. Friends who are not afraid of heights can try it! The ladder is divided into three sections. Don't look down when climbing, hold on to the railings and climb! • We chose to return to Teacher Zhang’s Inn by the same route, which took about 50 minutes. My friend and I were the type who lacked exercise, and our calves hurt for three days after the climb. The entire mountain road is covered with mud and rocks. If the wind is strong, you will find your head and face covered with dust when you return, so it is recommended to wear a hat, mask and sunglasses🕶️.

The Tiger Leaping Gorge High Road hike is known as one of the "world's top 10 classic hiking routes," famous for its perilous canyons, snowy mountain scenery, and magnificent river views. The entire route is about 25–30 km and takes two days to complete, making it suitable for beginners. Experienced hikers can complete it in one day; it's best to arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge Town (Qiaotou Town) the day before. ✅ Hiking Route Overview: 🌟 Core Sections: - Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge: A developed scenic area with well-maintained walkways, suitable for sightseeing. - Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge: The essence of the hike. Not fully developed, it requires passage through small trails maintained by local villagers, allowing you to experience the roar of the Jinsha River up close. - Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge: The canyon gradually widens, and fewer hikers venture here. 🌟 Classic Sections: 1. Naxi Family Hostel → 28 Bends → Tea Horse Guesthouse → Halfway Guesthouse (approx. 16 km, 800 m elevation gain). 2. Halfway Guesthouse → Dragon Cave Waterfall → Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge → Sky Ladder → Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse (approx. 10 km, including round trip to the valley bottom). 🗓 Detailed Itinerary: Day 1: Lijiang/Qiaotou Town → Naxi Family Hostel → Tea Horse Guesthouse → Halfway Guesthouse - Transportation to the starting point: Take a shared car or bus from Lijiang to Naxi Family Hostel (approx. 1.5 hrs). Travel light; luggage can be transported to the final destination. - 28 Bends Challenge: The first 2 km is a continuous climb (elevation 2,200 → 2,600 m) with a steep slope. You can ride a horse or walk slowly. There's an observation deck next to the mountaintop cafe overlooking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the First Bend of the Jinsha River. Taking photos costs CNY 10. - Tea Horse Guesthouse Break: Upon arrival, check in and see the wall full of hiking graffiti. From the second-floor observation deck, you can enjoy a distant view of Haba Snow Mountain. For lunch, we recommend local fried rice or rice with toppings (CNY 30 per person). - Cliffside Trail Highlights: In the afternoon, proceed along the cliffside path with a hundred-meter abyss below. To the right, the thirteen peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are shrouded in mist. Pass through pine forests and meadows, arriving at the Halfway Guesthouse in about 2 hrs. - Accommodation and Sunset: Check in to a room with a "fantastic balcony" offering stunning views (reservations required). Enjoy the sunset illuminating the golden mountains in the evening and gaze at the starry sky above the canyon at night. Day 2: Halfway Guesthouse → Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge → Sky Ladder → Return Trip - Morning Scenery: After breakfast, descend along the hanging cliff path, passing by Dragon Cave Waterfall (spectacular during the rainy season). Be mindful of falling rocks and slippery slopes. - Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Adventure: Descend from Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse to the riverside (CNY 15 fee). Cross the suspension bridge to Tiger Leaping Rock (additional CNY 10 fee) and feel the impact of the rushing river. Exercise caution near the edge during the rainy season. - Sky Ladder Challenge: Climb the 168 steps of the near-vertical Sky Ladder (free). It's divided into four sections with railings on both sides. Those with a fear of heights can choose to take a detour. - Return Transportation: Return to the parking lot at Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse and take a shared car back to Lijiang or Shangri-La (last bus around 3:30 pm). 🌟 Useful Tips: 1. Cost Reference: - Tickets: Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area CNY 45, Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge has separate fees (CNY 15–30/section). - Transportation: Round-trip shared car from Lijiang approx. CNY 150/person, luggage transport CNY 20–30. - Accommodation: Halfway Guesthouse beds from CNY 70, double rooms require advance booking. 2. Equipment Recommendations: - Essential: Non-slip hiking shoes, knee pads, sun-protective clothing and hats, trekking poles, headlamp (some sections have no lighting). - Optional: Rain gear (rainy season), gloves (for gripping rocks), some cash (weak signal in the mountains). 3. Safety Tips: - Avoid the rainy season (July–September) due to the risk of falling rocks. Focus on your footing while walking; don't take photos while moving. - Climb the Sky Ladder within your limits. Keep your backpack as light as possible to avoid losing your balance. 🌟 Trip Highlights: - Visual Feast: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain face each other, with the Jinsha River winding like a green silk ribbon (dry season) or surging with waves (wet season). - Cultural Imprint: Remnants of the Tea Horse Road, graffiti walls at guesthouses, and an atmosphere of international hiker exchange. - Challenge and Achievement: The 28 Bends test your endurance, and the Sky Ladder certifies your courage. Suitable for outdoor enthusiasts to capture "life-defining photos." The Tiger Leaping Gorge High Road hike is defined by its "peril," allowing you to measure the mountains and rivers with your feet, experiencing both the magnificence of nature and the warmth of humanity. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned hiker, you can find your own awe and inspiration here.

#Register October Hotel Sleep Tester Tiger Leaping Gorge🐅 is located in the middle of Lijiang and Shangri-La🌏 In the middle of the canyon is the Jinsha River, and on both sides are the two snow-capped mountains of Yulong and Haba🏔️ The Tiger Leap Gorge is 20 kilometers long and is divided into Upper Tiger Leap, Middle Tiger Leap and Lower Tiger Leap The gap between the valley bottom and the summit is 3800 meters, making it the deepest canyon in the country and one of the deepest canyons in the world😲 After entering, you can walk down 1000 stairs and slowly enjoy the surging water along the way, 🏞️ Or you can use the escalator all the way to the bottom to feel the impact of the river No matter what, it really looks like the might of a tiger🐯 🏖️ Environment/Facilities: Available on foot or by escalator (suitable for families) 📍Address: Shangri-La Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China 💰Average spend per person: Admission $80 (excluding escalator) 💞Reason for recommendation: Cloud car in addition to the mountain view, even has such a surging water flow after watching the person is very excited 🤣 #云南 #Shangri-La #Lijiang #global travel