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- Region
- China
- Biome
- Yunnan gorge (1,800–2,650 m)
- Best season
- March – May, September – November
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
Key takeaways
- Biome: Yunnan gorge (1,800–2,650 m)
- Best season: March – May, September – November
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)
Topic summary
A 2-day trek through one of the world's deepest gorges in Yunnan.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: March – May, September – November
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Yunnan gorge (1,800–2,650 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan) trip tools
How to get there
Tiger Leaping Gorge is 60 kilometres north of Lijiang City in Yunnan, southwestern China. Road transport is used to reach and leave the trek. The main hike starts at Changsheng Village, near the former trailhead at Qiaotou, and heads towards Walnut Grove.
- Changsheng Village
Starting point for the main hike towards Walnut Grove, near the former trailhead at Qiaotou. Plan road transport to reach the trail.
- Walnut Grove
The destination towards which the main hike runs from Changsheng Village. Plan onward road transport when arranging the walk.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)
Planning to fish Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan), China? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in China are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)?
- A China fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current China fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for China yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)
Thinking about hunting Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan), China? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in China are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)?
- Confirm the land around Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in China?
- A China hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for China yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
A deep canyon on the Jinsha River
Tiger Leaping Gorge cuts through the mountains of Yunnan in southwestern China, 60 kilometres north of Lijiang City. The Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze, runs through the canyon beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The maximum vertical difference from river to mountain peak is approximately 3,790 metres, placing the gorge among the world's deepest river canyons. That measurement describes the landscape, not the elevation gain of the walking route. The gorge also forms part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage Site. Its name comes from a legend of a hunted tiger crossing the river at its narrowest point, using a rock in the middle; even there, the span is 25 metres.
Walking the high trail
The high trail follows the northern side of the gorge through villages, forest, exposed mountainsides and terraced farmland. The main hike runs from Changsheng Village, near the former trailhead at Qiaotou, towards Walnut Grove. This is a mountain walk rather than a riverside promenade: the changing terrain and exposed sections call for secure footwear, weather protection and a realistic assessment of walking ability. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reaches 5,596 metres and Haba Snow Mountain reaches 5,396 metres, with snow-covered peaks rising on opposite sides of the canyon. Those summit elevations are not trail elevations. Plan the outing around the walking route and its road connections, with transport arranged for both arrival and departure rather than assuming a return to the starting point.
Villages and alternatives to the trek
Tiger Leaping Gorge is also a lived-in agricultural landscape. Its inhabitants are primarily indigenous Nakhi people, living in a handful of small hamlets where grain production and hiking tourism support livelihoods. The high trail's passage through villages and terraced farmland makes respectful walking important: keep clear of cultivated ground and treat settlements as people's homes rather than simply stopping places. Visitors who do not want to undertake the mountain hike can see part of the gorge using road transport and a paved walking route. This offers a different kind of visit, without following the high trail through its full sequence of forest, farmland and exposed slopes. Choose between the two approaches according to walking ability and the kind of terrain the group is prepared to handle.
Route options
- High trail: Changsheng Village towards Walnut GroveMountain hiking with exposed mountainside sections.
A mountain hike along the northern side of the gorge, passing villages, shady forest, exposed mountainsides and terraced farmland, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain rising on either side of the canyon.
- Road visit and paved walking route
Use road transport and a paved walking route to see part of the gorge without undertaking the high trail.
Sample itineraries
- Two-day high-trail plan · 2 days
Allow two days for the high trail from Changsheng Village toward Walnut Grove. Follow the northern side of the gorge through villages, forest, exposed mountainsides and terraced farmland. Arrange road transport at both ends and confirm an overnight stop before setting out.
- Gorge by road and paved path · 1 day
Use road transport and the paved walking route to see part of the gorge without undertaking the high trail. Keep the day focused on canyon views and the Jinsha River. Confirm the walking route's current accessibility and return transport locally.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; check current mountain conditions
Plan for changing weather on the exposed mountainsides. Carry layers and rain protection, and ask locally about high-trail footing before departure. Snow-covered summits are part of the surrounding landscape, not a reliable guide to conditions along the trail.
Summer
Summer; check the forecast before hiking
The high trail alternates between shady forest and exposed terrain. Carry drinking water and sun protection. If rain is forecast, reassess footing and exposure rather than assuming every section will remain straightforward.
Fall
Fall; confirm conditions close to departure
Prepare for temperature changes between shaded forest and open mountainsides. Check the forecast and available daylight when planning stages. Confirm transport and any overnight arrangements rather than relying on a fixed hiking pace.
Winter
Winter; seek a current local trail assessment
Treat this as a mountain outing, with warm layers and weather protection. Ask specifically about cold-weather footing and high-trail accessibility. Do not assume the road-based visit or paved walking route will be suitable without checking.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; check current mountain conditions | Plan for changing weather on the exposed mountainsides. Carry layers and rain protection, and ask locally about high-trail footing before departure. Snow-covered summits are part of the surrounding landscape, not a reliable guide to conditions along the trail. |
| Summer | Summer; check the forecast before hiking | The high trail alternates between shady forest and exposed terrain. Carry drinking water and sun protection. If rain is forecast, reassess footing and exposure rather than assuming every section will remain straightforward. |
| Fall | Fall; confirm conditions close to departure | Prepare for temperature changes between shaded forest and open mountainsides. Check the forecast and available daylight when planning stages. Confirm transport and any overnight arrangements rather than relying on a fixed hiking pace. |
| Winter | Winter; seek a current local trail assessment | Treat this as a mountain outing, with warm layers and weather protection. Ask specifically about cold-weather footing and high-trail accessibility. Do not assume the road-based visit or paved walking route will be suitable without checking. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current entry requirements and any hiking permissions with the managing agency before visiting.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Exposed mountainsides on the high trail require careful footing and a pace suited to the terrain.
- Mountain weather can change comfort and visibility; carry protection even when starting conditions appear mild.
- The Jinsha River runs through a very deep canyon. Keep away from unprotected edges and do not attempt river crossings.
- Road transport is needed to reach and leave the trek. Confirm pickup arrangements before committing to the walk.
What to pack for Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)
- Walking shoes with reliable grip
- Drinking water
- Food for the planned walking day
- Small first-aid kit
- Warm layers
- Rain and wind protection
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Offline route information
- Charged phone and backup power
- Confirmed transport details
- Headlamp for unexpected delays
Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan) FAQ
- Where is Tiger Leaping Gorge?
- It lies on the Jinsha River, about 60 kilometres north of Lijiang City in Yunnan, southwestern China. It forms part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage Site.
- Where does the main hike start and finish?
- The main hike runs from Changsheng Village, near the former trailhead at Qiaotou, toward Walnut Grove. Road transport is used to reach and leave the trail.
- What is the high trail like?
- It follows the northern side of the gorge through small villages, shady forest, exposed mountainsides and terraced farmland. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain rise on opposite sides of the canyon.
- Can the gorge be visited without hiking the high trail?
- Yes. Road transport and a paved walking route allow visitors to see part of the gorge without undertaking the mountain trek. Confirm current access and transport before traveling.
- Who lives in the gorge?
- Residents are primarily indigenous Nakhi people living in small hamlets. Grain production and hiking tourism support local livelihoods. Respect homes, farmland and daily village activity while passing through.
- Does the name mean visitors might see tigers?
- The name comes from a legend about a hunted tiger escaping across the river using a rock in the middle. It is not a basis for expecting tiger sightings.