Tiger Leaping Gorge 虎跳峡
One of the deepest gorges in the world – view it or hike it.
Between Lijiang and Shangri-La, about 2 hours from Lijiang. Visit on the way north, or take one or two days to hike the High Trail.
What to see
First Bend of the Yangtze 长江第一湾
At Shigu, the Jinsha River – the upper Yangtze – suddenly turns sharply north-east, away from the parallel rivers flowing south. A small old town and a viewpoint overlook the wide bend.
Tiger Leaping Gorge 虎跳峡
Between the snow peaks of Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountain, the Jinsha River squeezes through one of the deepest gorges in the world. Walk down to the roaring rapids at Upper Tiger Leaping, or hike the famous High Trail over one or two days, staying in a guesthouse with views across the gorge.
- The High Trail is a real mountain hike – good shoes needed.
- Possible as a day trip from Lijiang, or on the way to Shangri-La.