I will never go to Tiger Leaping Gorge again in my life. If I do, I'll say it again.

A detailed hiking guide to Tiger Leaping Gorge: Embarking on a hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge is like starting a soul dialogue with nature. As you walk along the winding mountain road, the roaring Jinsha River surges and roars under your feet, like thousands of horses galloping past, playing an exciting natural movement. Looking up, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain stand majestically, with steep cliffs. It is as if nature has split the majestic barrier with supernatural craftsmanship. The magnificent beauty makes people marvel at the insignificance of human beings in the face of nature, and the power of nature is so great. Climbing step by step, feeling the resonance of heartbeat and footsteps, every breath is full of freedom. The breeze brings a hint of coolness, blowing away the fatigue and dryness. In these lofty mountains, put aside the hustle and bustle of the world, immerse yourself in the embrace of nature, and feel the vigor and tenacity of life. This is not only a hike, but also a spiritual wash, a shocking journey to measure the earth with your feet and touch nature with your heart, leaving unforgettable memories for a lifetime. Transportation Guide • Self-driving: If you have good driving skills and are looking for a free and flexible travel experience, self-driving is a great choice. Starting from Lijiang or Shangri-La, you can enjoy the beautiful rural scenery and magnificent canyon views along the way. However, it should be noted that the canyon section is steep, so be sure to drive carefully, control your speed, and understand road conditions in advance. • Public transportation: ◦ Bus: There are buses from Lijiang or Shangri-La to Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area, but there are fewer buses, so it is recommended to check and book tickets in advance on the official website of the passenger station or related ticket purchase platforms. The journey takes about 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on the departure point and road conditions. ◦ Carpool: Near some youth hostels and inns in Lijiang Old Town or Shangri-La, you can usually find information about carpooling to Tiger Leaping Gorge. You can carpool with other tourists. Carpooling is relatively flexible and you can also meet fellow travelers. The price is generally more affordable than chartering a car. You can contact in advance online or ask locally. ◦ Travel agency chartered car: Participating in a one-day or multi-day tour of a travel agency can enjoy one-stop service, including round-trip transportation, tour guide explanations, etc. The price is relatively favorable, but the itinerary may be more compact and the freedom is slightly lower. Consumption Guide • Tickets: The ticket price for Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area is generally CNY 45/person, which is used to enter the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area. If you are only hiking on the high road, some sections can be free of charge (you can consult the local carpool driver or inn owner for details). • Transportation: ◦ Self-driving: The main costs are fuel and road tolls. Depending on the departure point, the round-trip fuel cost is about CNY 100–300; road tolls are charged according to the actual route. ◦ Public transportation: The bus ticket price is about CNY 30–50 for a one-way trip; the carpool price from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge is about CNY 70–100/person, and the price is similar from Shangri-La. • Dining: There are many supply points and inn restaurants along the hiking route, and the prices will be slightly higher than in the city. Simple meals such as fried rice and noodles cost about CNY 20–30/portion, mineral water costs CNY 5–10/bottle, and the price of fruits and snacks will also increase. It is recommended to bring some light, high-calorie snacks, such as chocolate and beef jerky, to replenish energy. • Accommodation: If you choose a two-day hike, the price of accommodation in the middle of the trip varies greatly. Ordinary bed rooms cost about CNY 50–150/person, standard rooms or double rooms cost CNY 200–500, and prices may rise during peak season, so it is best to book in advance.