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Tiger Leaping GorgeEmerging

Tiger Leaping Gorge

One of the world's deepest gorges (3,900m). The Upper Gorge is accessible by road; the Middle Gorge requires hiking.…

SightsCity & Nightlife
★★★★★4.6(24 reviews)

$6

Full day (2h drive from Lijiang)

Lijiang city guide →

Overview

Key takeaway

One of the world's deepest gorges (3,900m). The Upper Gorge is accessible by road; the Middle Gorge requires hiking. Dramatic Yangtze River rapids.

Time & cost

Plan Full day (2h drive from Lijiang). Budget: $6. Hours: Per the operator: generally ~08:00–17:30, adjusting by season and weather. Note: a provincial tourism portal lists 08:30–16:30—verify on the operator page before you drive two hours there..

Best for

Best for first-time Lijiang visitors who want a clear Full day (2h drive from Lijiang) stop without guesswork.

Practical

Price$6
DurationFull day (2h drive from Lijiang)
HoursPer the operator: generally ~08:00–17:30, adjusting by season and weather. Note: a provincial tourism portal lists 08:30–16:30—verify on the operator page before you drive two hours there.
Getting thereRoughly two hours by car from Lijiang; the gorge sits on the Shangri-La (Diqing) side. The Upper Gorge (Shang Hutiao) has boardwalk viewing platforms; the Middle Gorge and high trail are hiking.

Tips

On site

Tickets on-site and via authorized platforms; the high trail passes villages and guesthouses—carry water and check weather.

Timing

Avoid the gorge in heavy-rain periods.

Timing

Leave with hours in mind (Per the operator: generally ~08:00–17:30, adjusting by season and weather. Note: a provincial tourism portal lists 08:30–16:30—verify on the operator page before you drive two hours there.). Weekends and holidays need extra queue time.

Pay

Nearby stalls usually take Alipay or WeChat. Foreign-card terminals are rare — set up Alipay before you go.

Show this

Show the Chinese name “虎跳峡” to drivers and staff. It beats a long English explanation.

Show to staff

你好，请问入口在哪里？我有预约/门票，谢谢。

Nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn rùkǒu zài nǎlǐ? Wǒ yǒu yùyuē / ménpiào, xièxie.

Hi — where is the entrance? I have a reservation/ticket. Thank you.

Location & how to go

Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang

MetroIf there is no direct metro pin, ride metro to a central Lijiang hub, then transfer by bus or Didi to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
BusRoughly two hours by car from Lijiang; the gorge sits on the Shangri-La (Diqing) side. The Upper Gorge (Shang Hutiao) has boardwalk viewing platforms; the Middle Gorge and high trail are hiking.
Taxi / DidiDidi or a licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door. Set destination to “虎跳峡” and pay in-app with Alipay/WeChat.

Reviews

★★★★★4.6· 24 verified reviews

Editor verification notes

Operational notes from the ChinaPie editorial team — not traveler ratings, and not counted toward stars.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    Editor note: the English-friendly entrance is often the south or main visitor gate — confirm on the day. Show any QR from this guide at the ticket booth.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    We re-checked the opening hours and metro exit on site; signage matches the guide above.

Guide Q&A

How much are tickets for Tiger Leaping Gorge?

$6

What are the opening hours of Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Per the operator: generally ~08:00–17:30, adjusting by season and weather. Note: a provincial tourism portal lists 08:30–16:30—verify on the operator page before you drive two hours there.

How do I get to Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Roughly two hours by car from Lijiang; the gorge sits on the Shangri-La (Diqing) side. The Upper Gorge (Shang Hutiao) has boardwalk viewing platforms; the Middle Gorge and high trail are hiking.

How long should I spend at Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Full day (2h drive from Lijiang)

Any practical tips for Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Tickets on-site and via authorized platforms; the high trail passes villages and guesthouses—carry water and check weather. Avoid the gorge in heavy-rain periods.

Is Tiger Leaping Gorge in Lijiang easy for first-time visitors?

Yes as a typical tourist stop. Save the metro stop, screenshot tickets/hours, and allow extra time on weekends.

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