Tiger Leaping Gorge: A Complete Hiking Guide in Yunnan, China
Discover breathtaking trails, travel tips, and everything you need to know before hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Informations sur Gorge du Saut du Tigre
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a river canyon located in Yunnan province, southwestern China. Carved by the Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the Yangtze, the gorge stretches for about 15 kilometers and is considered one of the deepest in the world. At its narrowest point, the river rushes past cliffs that rise nearly 3,900 meters above the water, framed by the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the east and Haba Snow Mountain to the west.
The name “Tiger Leaping Gorge” comes from a local legend: it is said that a tiger once escaped a hunter by leaping across the river at its narrowest span, where a large rock still sits in the middle of the rushing waters.
This striking landscape is not only a natural wonder but also part of the Three Parallel Rivers UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and unique geography. The gorge lies between the ancient towns of Lijiang and Shangri-La, making it an iconic landmark of Yunnan’s diverse cultural and natural heritage.
