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Tiger Leaping Gorge

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

River

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Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, located on the Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze in Yunnan Province, China. It stretches for approximately 15 kilometers between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596 m) and the Haba Snow Mountain (5,396 m). The maximum drop from the surrounding mountain peaks to the river surface is an staggering 3,790 meters. The canyon's name is derived from a local legend about a tiger that reportedly leaped across the river at its narrowest point, which is only about 25 meters wide. The gorge is a premier destination for hikers, offering trails that wind through terraced fields, dense forests, and past thunderous waterfalls. Geologically, it was carved over millennia by the river's erosive power combined with the tectonic uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. The area is a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas."

Location: China
Top sights: Tiger Leaping Gorge · Ladder · Flag viewpoint
Nearby: Dali (36 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr–Jun.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	4	7	11	14	17	17	17	15	11	6	3
Rain mm	10	13	23	39	71	137	229	215	138	65	9	4

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The gorge is located between Lijiang and Shangri-La in Yunnan province. Most visitors arrive via tourist buses or private cars from these cities, starting the hike at Qiaotou or the lower section near the river.

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Best season

October to May is the best time, as the weather is dry and clear. Avoid the rainy season (June to September) when the trails can become dangerously muddy and there is a high risk of rockfalls and landslides.

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Terrain & paths

The Upper Trail features a narrow path carved into steep mountain slopes with dramatic drops, requiring a good head for heights. The Lower Road is paved but less scenic, while the river bank itself is rugged and powerful.

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What to bring

Standard hiking boots with excellent grip are vital. Bring trekking poles for stability on steep sections, a light rain jacket just in case, and plenty of water, although small stalls sell refreshments along the upper trail.

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Parking

Parking is available in Qiaotou and at several guesthouses along the road. Many hikers leave their main luggage at guesthouses in Lijiang or Qiaotou, carrying only a daypack for the overnight hike through the gorge.

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Safety

Watch out for falling rocks, especially after wind or light rain. The '28 Bends' section is physically exhausting; take your time. Stay on the trail and be cautious on the narrow sections when encountering local donkey trains.

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Time needed

The full high-trail hike typically takes 2 days with an overnight stay at a guesthouse. Day visitors can opt for a shorter 2 to 4 hour trip to the river bank at the narrowest part of the gorge to see the 'leaping tiger' statue.

Geography

Coordinates

27.22000, 100.12000

Facts

Maximum depth of 3,790 meters from peak to riverbed
Located between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain
The river's narrowest point is approximately 25 meters wide
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2003
The upper hiking trail stays around 2,500 meters in elevation
First officially opened to international tourists in the 1980s

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain12 km · NExplore →

Lijiang13 km · NEExplore →

Pudacuo National Park18 km · SWExplore →

Three Pagodas30 km · EExplore →

Dali36 km · NEExplore →

Shangri-La44 km · SExplore →

Lugu Lake74 km · NExplore →

Loi Pangnao122 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Tiger Leaping Gorge (3)

Tiger Leaping Gorge 📍 landmark

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world's deepest canyons, where the Jinsha River roars between 5,000-meter peaks.

Ladder 📍 landmark

These steep ladders on the gorge's rock walls offer hikers an adventurous climb with spectacular views.

Flag viewpoint🌿 nature

The Flag viewpoint provides a dramatic look at the thundering Jinsha River deep below in the gorge.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Legend says a tiger jumped across the gorge at its narrowest point.

Is the hiking trail difficult?

There is a moderate 'High Trail' and a simpler road below.

How deep is the gorge?

At over 3,700 meters, it is one of the deepest gorges in the world.

Which river flows through it?

The Jinsha River, an upper reach of the Yangtze.

Are there accommodations there?

Yes, along the High Trail, there are simple guesthouses for hikers.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: where is it located?

Tiger Leaping Gorge is located in China.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: what is there to see?

Highlights include Tiger Leaping Gorge, Ladder, Flag viewpoint.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Jun.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: why is it worth visiting?

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, located on the Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze in Yunnan Province, China.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Best time to visit & climate