Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge Day Hike → Shangri-La

Tiger Leaping Gorge Day Hike Guide 1. Preparation Equipment: A pair of high-top, non-slip, breathable hiking shoes to protect your ankles and deal with complex terrain; quick-drying clothes and warm, windproof jackets to adapt to the changeable weather in the mountains; sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to block the strong ultraviolet rays on the plateau; trekking poles to reduce leg pressure and maintain body balance; a large-capacity backpack to hold water, food, and other essential items. Medicine: Prepare medicine for altitude sickness, such as Rhodiola (take in advance), Gaoyuanan, etc.; stomach medicine to deal with possible stomach discomfort; band-aids to treat minor wounds. Documents and money: Bring your ID card for ticket purchase and identity verification; prepare a small amount of cash in case mobile payment is not available in some places, but do not carry too much. 2. Transportation Guide From Lijiang: If you leave at 6 am, you can take a bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge Town at Lijiang Bus Station. The journey takes about 2 hours, and the ticket price is about CNY 30–40. You can also join a day tour group in Lijiang Old Town, which provides bus transfers. It is more convenient, but the itinerary is less flexible. After arriving at Tiger Leaping Gorge Town: Take a taxi to the entrance of Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area. The journey takes about 15–20 minutes, and the cost is about CNY 10–20 per person. You can also carpool to save money. 3. Hiking Route Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (9:00–10:30): Enter the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge area from the entrance of the scenic area. There is a mature plank road here. Walking along the plank road, you can easily enjoy the Tiger Leaping Stone and the surging river. The whole hike takes about 1–2 hours, suitable for all hiking enthusiasts. Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (10:30–13:30): Depart from Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. The mountain road is rugged, and the scenery along the way is magnificent. After arriving at Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can choose to take the ladder or the narrow path to the riverside to experience the shock of the canyon up close. The round trip from bottom to top plus the play time is about 3–4 hours. Pay attention to safety here, especially on narrow and steep sections. Lunch and Rest (13:30–14:30): Have a meal at the rest stop near Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge to replenish your energy. You can choose local snacks, such as roasted potatoes, corn cakes, etc., and take a short break to recharge for the rest of the journey. Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge (14:30–17:00): If you have enough energy, you can continue to Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge. The hiking route of Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge is relatively long, with fewer tourists and more primitive natural scenery. The whole hike takes about 2–3 hours, and you can enjoy the unique canyon scenery along the way. 4. Precautions Safety first: During the hike, strictly follow the signs and do not leave the established route to avoid getting lost or encountering danger. On steep sections, hold the handrails firmly and move slowly. Altitude sickness: The altitude of Tiger Leaping Gorge is relatively high. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hike, and pay attention to rest and adjust your breathing. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache and difficulty breathing, stop hiking immediately, rest in place, and inhale oxygen. If the symptoms are severe, seek medical attention in time. Environmental protection: Do not litter, keep the environment of the scenic area clean, and protect the natural landscape.