Tiger Leaping Gorge: Hiking the World Deepest Canyon

Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan is one of the worlds deepest river canyons. The Jinsha (Yangtze) River cuts between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, creating a 3,000-meter-deep gorge. A famous legend tells of a tiger leaping across the gorge.

The Hiking Trail

The classic hiking trail follows the gorge rim, connecting guesthouses and villages. The trail takes 2 to 3 days to complete, with dramatic viewpoints at every turn. The most famous viewpoint is 28 bends, a series of switchbacks descending to the river.

Upper and Middle Gorge

The Upper Gorge is where a legendary tiger supposedly leaped across the river. The Middle Gorge is the deepest section. Guesthouses like Halfway and Tea Horse offer accommodation with stunning views.

Geology

The gorge was formed by the Yangtze River cutting through the mountains as they rose. The vertical drop from peak to river is greater than the Grand Canyon in the United States.

Getting There

The gorge is reached from Lijiang or Shangri-La by bus. The main hiking villages are Qiaotou and Tinajiecun. The hiking season is March to June and September to November.