123 Tiger Leaping Gorge,Tiger Leaping Gorge Lijiang China
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Tiger Leaping Gorge

Lying between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain and about 100 kilometers northwest of Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, is believed to be the deepest gorge in the world. While looking down the steeply angled (70-90 degrees) mountain sides from the top to the rushing Golden Sands (Jingsha) River with its 18 frothing rapids below, the distance is about 200 meters.

It was divided into three sections naturally, while the first section is the narrowest and uppermost section. It is the mouth of the fast flowing Jingsha River. In the midst of the River’s mouth at the gorge's narrowest section, there is a large rock located at the 30 meters wide section. An ancient legend says that a tiger used this rock as its stepping stone so it could leap across from one side of the gorge to the other, hence the name.

When the river enters the middle section, it drops another 100 meters and the flow rate increases to an amazing speed that thunderous rushing waters slam into sharp, large rocks and crash down into the river forming swirling whirlpools.

The third section is the wildest and most dangerous section. The river twists and turns and the river vigorously surges forward creating high waves and a frothy spew as it collides with the mountainsides. This is a view that inspires a sense of adventure and satisfies the deepest yearnings for magnificent scenery.

Moreover, with 15 kilometers length, it also offers tourists the possibility of rafting and drifting peacefully in its large quiet sections.

 

Tiger Leaping Gorge Notes

Wear skidproof shoes, bring your camera, you will find out the numerous chances to shoot the astonishments.

Admission Fee: CNY 100

Opening Hours: 08:30 to 18:00

Recommended Time for a Visit: Two hours