Actually, buying a bus ticket is essential for the scenic area, as it doesn't seem to park at the scenic area entrance (perhaps only local vehicles with private tours can enter). Self-driving tourists can only park at the visitor center, which is quite far from the entrance. The parking directions were unclear. The first parking lot, number 7, is a long uphill road from the visitor center, and there's no mention of a shuttle bus. Parking lots 1-6 above the visitor center were blocked from entering (though other cars did get in, and I don't know how or when they were allowed in). I initially read in the guide that if you indicate you're going to Baishuitai, you'll be allowed through, which is true. However, even after reaching the entrance, I wasn't sure if you'd be allowed in, so I parked on the roadside about 500 meters from the center and walked back. Tiger Leaping Gorge is spectacular and truly worth the trip. The 70 yuan round-trip elevator fee is unnecessary; going up and down the stairs isn't tiring, but it can be quite crowded. It started raining halfway through our hike, but there were still a lot of people. I hope the scenic area's guidance and management become more standardized to live up to its reputation.