[2025 Shangri-La Stay] Travel Guide for Teacher Zhang's Inn (Updated Feb)

The previous article provided a two-day guide for Tiger Leaping Gorge, but some of you may not have enough time and only plan to spend one day, or you may not have the physical stamina but still want to take some cool photos. Then this article is for you—a relaxed one-day hiking guide to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Without further ado, let's look at the route (map at the end). This route is more suitable for self-driving: 1. Leave Lijiang by car in the morning and head to 'Meet Halfway' at Tiger Leaping Gorge. The drive takes about 2 hours and parking is free, but the mountain roads are quite narrow, and you may need to reverse into the parking lot at the entrance. 2. After parking, you can walk back a bit along the high line to take photos and check in. There's no need to go too far; there are two bends that are particularly photogenic. 3. After checking in, return to the parking spot and continue walking down towards the halfway direction to take more photos. 4. Coming out from halfway, continue walking forward to check in at the small waterfall. 5. This is basically the end of the check-in spots. Head back to the car pick-up point and go to Teacher Zhang's. 6. Arrive at Teacher Zhang's Inn and take Teacher Zhang's trail down to the middle of Tiger Leaping Gorge to check in! 7. The return trip uphill is a bit challenging. If you feel energetic, you can return the same way. If you're not afraid of heights, you can climb the 168 steps of the Brave Man's Ladder for a more fun experience! Tips: Although this route doesn't involve much hiking, the schedule is quite tight. Time arrangement: It is recommended to depart at 8:30 am, have lunch at halfway around noon, and return to Lijiang before evening. Equipment recommendations: Sun protection!!! Focus on sun protection, followed by looking good. Wear whatever looks best because the route is not very challenging. Just consider sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, a windbreaker, an outdoor backpack, and trekking poles.

📍 Location: ❤️ Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area is located in Tiger Leaping Gorge Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is a famous canyon in the world, known for its spectacular and majestic scenery. Tiger Leaping Gorge was named one of the top 10 hiking trails in China by National Geographic. With Haba Mountain on the left, Jade Dragon Mountain on the right, and Jinsha River under your feet, you'll have an unforgettable experience. Opening hours: 08:30-17:30 Route: Beginner route: Tea Horse Inn → halfway → Empty Cave Waterfall → Zhang Laoshi Inn → Tianti Return Follow the red arrows, the signs are very clear, no need to worry about getting lost. 2. Master route: Naxi Yage → Pass through 28 turns → halfway → tinas → Yixiantian → Mid-Tiger Leaping Gorge → Tianti → Zhang Laoshi Inn → Return 🎟️ Tickets: Tickets🎫: 45 yuan. 💗 Other tips: Remember: Don't take photos while walking, and don't walk while taking photos. Light clothing is also possible, bring some snacks and 2 bottles of water. Quick-drying clothes, windbreaker, and innerwear are enough during the day, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so keep warm.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Guide for Beginners | Unlock Your First Hike in Life || During the Lunar New Year period in 2025, I finally completed my first hike in life—Tiger Leaping Gorge! 🌟 Itinerary: Day 1: Lijiang - Naxi Yage - 28 Bends - Tea Horse Inn - Halfway Day 2: Halfway - Mid-Tiger Leaping Gorge - Zhang Laoshi Inn - Lijiang 🎒 Equipment · Backpack: I didn't buy a hiking backpack, so I carried a North Face backpack (16L), which felt insufficient in capacity · Shoes: I used sneakers instead · Clothes: A windbreaker is essential, and the inner layer must be quick-drying · Other: Hiking poles, hat, sunglasses 💡 Tips · Be sure to bring knee pads, as your legs will feel like they're not your own after two days of hiking · The wind is very strong on the way from Halfway to Mid-Tiger Leaping Gorge, so don't take photos while walking · There are supply points along the way, so you don't need to carry too much water and food In short, hiking for two days in a row is really tiring, and you'll be lying down as soon as you get home, but the scenery along the way is really unforgettable!

1️⃣ Hiking Overview Tiger Leaping Gorge is located on the border of Shangri-La and Lijiang in Yunnan Province. It is known for its steepness and was rated as one of the top 10 classic hiking routes in the world by National Geographic. The hiking route follows the Jinsha River Gorge, facing the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and backed by the Haba Snow Mountain, with magnificent scenery. **Suitable for**: Moderate or above physical fitness (some sections are steep and require some endurance). **Hiking duration**: 1–3 days (the classic route is 2 days and 1 night). **Difficulty level**: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate difficulty, with an altitude difference of about 1,000 meters). 2️⃣ Best Time to Hike - **Spring and autumn (April–June, September–November)**: Cool weather, blooming flowers or colorful autumn leaves, and safer than the rainy season. - Avoid the rainy season (July–August): Risk of falling rocks and landslides; some sections are covered with snow in winter (December–February). 3️⃣ Classic 2-Day, 1-Night Route **Day 1: Qiaotou Town → Naxi Yage → 28 Bends → Halfway Guesthouse** - **Starting point**: Take a bus from Lijiang/Shangri-La to **Qiaotou Town** (Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area Ticket Office, ticket price is about CNY 45). - **Naxi Yage**: Start hiking, climb for about 2 hours to reach the destination, and have lunch there. - **28 Bends**: The steepest section of the entire route, after reaching the top, you can see the "Tiger Leaping Stone" viewing platform (photo fee is about CNY 10). - **End point**: Arrive at **Halfway Guesthouse** (recommended accommodation, the balcony offers a direct view of the snow-capped mountains, standard room is about CNY 150/night). **Hiking distance**: About 12 km, takes 6–7 hours. --- **Day 2: Halfway → Waterfall → Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge → Zhang Laoshi Guesthouse → Return** - **Waterfall section**: Depart from Halfway, pass by a cliff waterfall (spectacular in the rainy season). - **Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge**: Descend to the riverbank, experience the "Sky Ladder" (near-vertical iron ladder, be cautious) and "One Line Sky". - **Return**: Take a bus from Zhang Laoshi Guesthouse or Tina's back to Lijiang/Shangri-La (book in advance). **Hiking distance**: About 10 km, takes 5–6 hours. **Alternative**: If you are not physically fit, you can only walk from Halfway to Tina's on the second day (about 2 hours), and then take a bus to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. 4️⃣ Transportation Guide - **Outbound**: - Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge: Take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station to "Tiger Leaping Gorge Town" (about 2 hours, CNY 35), and charter a car to the starting point (Qiaotou) for about CNY 50/car. - Shangri-La → Tiger Leaping Gorge: Take a bus to Qiaotou Town (about 2.5 hours, CNY 40). - **Return**: Book a return bus with Tina's or Zhang Laoshi Guesthouse in advance (usually departs at 3 pm, CNY 50–80/person). 5️⃣ Essential Equipment - **Clothing**: Quick-drying clothes, windproof jacket, warm mid-layer (cold at high altitudes in the morning and evening), non-slip hiking shoes. - **Tools**: Trekking poles, headlamp (spare), knee pads (downhill protection). - **Others**: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat (strong UV rays), water bottle, small amount of cash (no signal in some sections). 6️⃣ Safety Precautions 1. **Cliff sections**: Some paths are narrow, stay away from the edge, and do not take photos at risk. 2. **Risk of falling rocks**: Wear a helmet or pass through the rockfall area quickly during the rainy season. 3. **Sky Ladder safety**: The Sky Ladder in Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge is steep, those with a fear of heights are advised to detour. 4. **Eco-friendly hiking**: Take your trash with you and protect the gorge's ecosystem. 7️⃣ Accommodation Recommendations - **Halfway Guesthouse**: Classic choice, great atmosphere, must experience the "World's Best Toilet". - **Tea Horse Guesthouse**: Alternative for Day 1, great view from the terrace. - **Tina's or Zhang Laoshi Guesthouse**: Close to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, convenient for the next day's itinerary. 8️⃣ Useful Tips - Light hiking: Large luggage can be sent to the guesthouse at the end of the route by the driver (about CNY 20/bag). - Download the "Two Steps" or "Six Feet" track in advance, as the signal is weak in some sections. - A "maintenance fee" is required to go down to the riverbank in Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (about CNY 10–15). Hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge is not only a physical challenge but also a visual and spiritual journey. Make a plan, bring your courage, and experience the majestic beauty of nature!

I was already amazed by the Tiger Leaping Gorge featured in National Geographic before. Only after experiencing it myself did I understand why it is one of China's top ten hiking trails. Some people might think a day in Tiger Leaping Gorge is enough, but for hiking, there is no path that isn't worth taking. And there is not a single part of Tiger Leaping Gorge that will make you feel like you've wasted your steps. Keep this 2-day, 1-night guide handy, and deeply appreciate the beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge. 💕About the itinerary Day1️⃣: Bridgehead ➡️ Naxi Family Guesthouse ➡️ 28 Bends ➡️ Tea Horse Guesthouse ➡️ halfway Guesthouse Day2️⃣: halfway ➡️ Longdong Waterfall ➡️ Tina's Guesthouse ➡️ Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge ➡️ 168 Brave Steps - Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse 🚘About transportation Self-driving: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area Ticket Office - Naxi Family Guesthouse (SUV rental recommended) Public transportation: Lijiang Bus Station - Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge 🏨About accommodation You don't necessarily have to exhaust yourself hiking 👨‍🦯 to see the beautiful scenery of Tiger Leaping Gorge; you can also see it while lying flat. For example, staying at the Shangri-La Secret Land Halfway Hotel, open the room's ceiling in the morning to see the sea of clouds surging, in the evening watch the golden sunlight on the mountains, and at night gaze at the stars. Wherever you walk to the hotel, look up to see the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, look down at the roaring Tiger Leaping Gorge river, and above the cliffs are layers upon layers of mountains. It will definitely immerse you in the atmosphere of living among great mountains and rivers, accompanied by the scenery. ⏰Specific itinerary timing Day1️⃣ 9 AM depart from Lijiang Bus Station to Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area gate (about 2 hours) After lunch at 1 PM, start the hike, crossing the famous 28 Bends (about 1.5 hours) Arrive at Tea Horse Guesthouse for a rest and a cup of coffee (about half an hour) Tea Horse Guesthouse to halfway Guesthouse, this section offers a view with the golden sunlight on the mountains (about 2 hours to reach halfway Guesthouse) Day2️⃣ Note the photo checkpoints 📸 9 AM at halfway Guesthouse 📸 Pass by Longdong Waterfall 📸 Then pass by several rocks 📸 Arrive at Tina's Guesthouse at 12 PM, where you can have lunch After lunch, head to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge - One Line Sky 📸 Then hike to the 168 Brave Steps 📸 Arrive at Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse, return trip ❗Essentials for the trip: ID card, power bank, headphones, charger Sunscreen, band-aids, alcohol spray, wet wipes, face mask, tissue paper, 1L of mineral water or beverage per person, bread and fruit (there are many supply points along the way, water on the mountain costs 10-15 yuan per bottle)

Choosing to come to Lijiang in spring was definitely the right decision!!! My friends had long told me that I must visit Yunnan for its incredibly beautiful scenery, and I chose Lijiang for my trip to Yunnan. Before coming, I was really worried that altitude sickness would disrupt the rest of my trip, but after arriving, I found that the biggest impact was actually my own lack of physical stamina. 1 I chose a relatively easy route, Blue Moon Valley. I'm quite grateful that although it was an overcast day, there was occasional sunshine, making the lake water shimmer like jewels under the sun, framed by the snow-capped mountains like a scene from a movie. I didn't arrange any subsequent itinerary, so I could take a leisurely stroll around the lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Before leaving, I kept taking live photos, saying I'd take one last look. 2 Finally, I arrived at Tiger Leaping Gorge. Starting from halfway to the Middle Tiger Leaping, I marveled at the scenery I had never seen before all along the way. From Mr. Zhang's guesthouse to the Middle Tiger Leaping, it was pure mountain climbing with strong winds and lots of dust. By the end, my pants, shoes, mask, and nostrils were all covered in dust, and even the water I drank was mixed with dirt. This part of the journey also resulted in cuts on my hands and a swollen knee, making it difficult to climb stairs the next day. The kindness of strangers who gave me a mask and band-aids reminded me that there is true kindness in the world. 3 I chose to wander around Lijiang Ancient Town, where the vegetation coverage far exceeds that of other cookie-cutter ancient towns. Walking through the ancient town and admiring the flowers was like strolling through a park. Spending is entirely up to oneself, and my most satisfying purchase was Jiahua fresh flower cakes and Dongba paper.

🚗🚗🚗Travel Itinerary: Day1: Changshui International Airport→Jinma Biji Square→Nanping Pedestrian Street→Kunming Old Street Day2: Xingsheng Bridge→Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Area→Cangshan→Dali Ancient Town Day3: Caicun→Panxi Village→Covered Bridge→Shuanglang→Xiaoputuo→Ideal State→Lijiang Ancient Town Day4: Baisha Ancient Town→Lijing Eighteen Bends Viewing Platform→Lige Island→Mosuo Traditional Bonfire Party Day5: Lugu Lake Viewing Platform→Gem Goddess Mountain→Xiaoluoshui Village→Lover's Beach→Lugu Lake Goddess Bay Day6: Pig Trough Boat Lake Tour (Lige Pier)→Lijiang Eternal Love Day7: Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La Section)→Diqing Naxi Ya Ge→Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge Tea Horse Inn→Tiger Leaping Gorge Midway Inn Day8: Tiger Leaping Gorge Midway Inn→Yunnan Shangri-La Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge→Shangri-La Middle Gorge International Youth Hostel→Shangri-La Middle Tiger Leaping Teacher Zhang's Inn→Baishuitai→Dukezong Ancient Town Day9: Songzanlin Scenic Area→Feilai Temple Day10: Xidang Village→Yubeng Scenic Area - Divine Waterfall→Upper Yubeng Day11: Ice Lake Day12: Divine Lake Day13: Ninong Valley→Cloud Water Between Secret Hotel Day14: South Pole Luo→Cizhong Village

🏔️I was not originally a sporty person, Last summer I started climbing in the suburbs of Beijing, The original intention was just to find some niche destinations. A trip to North Ling Mountain in autumn made me fall in love with hiking, At that time, I told my partner, let's arrange a trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge. · 🚶🏻Why Tiger Leaping Gorge? First, it was the place that came to mind, Secondly, I heard that it is an entry-level route among the world's classic hiking routes. · 📆January 13, 2024, arrived at Naxiya Pavilion in Tiger Leaping Gorge, My first real hike in life just started like this. · 😱Although hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge does not require heavy equipment, the whole journey only takes 2 days and 1 night, a short 22km, To tell the truth, for me who had only walked a short line in one day before this, Before I finished, I never thought I could walk down. · 📸Walk and take pictures along the way, pick up little friends from all over the country, 👬When we arrived at the Tea Horse Inn, we had already changed from 2 people to 10 people. 🙀The short girl from Emei Mountain actually turned around Gang Rinpoche in one day, 😱The little boy from Chengdu showed me his video of climbing the Four Girls Peak, 🥹These strong donkeys didn't complain that I was walking slowly and taking pictures was delaying time, On the contrary, they were talking and laughing, and took countless life photos, Unconsciously, I actually finished walking the Tiger Leaping Gorge‼️ 🥳At the moment of finishing, there were no excited tears, but the heart was surging. · 💪Easily conquered the small Tiger Leaping Gorge, Then in 2024, let's put Wusun Ancient Road, Yubeng, Antarctic Fall, and Abujicuo on the schedule. I used to like hiking because of the unknown scenery of the secret realm, Now, add one more reason, the people I meet on the road. · 🗺️Itinerary: The first day, arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge in the afternoon and stay at Naxiya Pavilion, The second day, start at 9:30 in the morning on the high road of Tiger Leaping Gorge, 28 turns is the biggest climb of the whole journey, after persisting, there is basically no difficulty. Arrive at the Tea Horse Inn at 13:30 for lunch and coffee, the fried rice is really delicious. Start at 14:30, arrive at Halfway at 17:30 just in time for the golden mountain of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The third day, start at 9:30 in the morning from halfway, don't forget to take the same style as Liu Wen on the balcony before you start. Arrive at Tina's for lunch and coffee at 11:30, start at 13:00 for Middle Tiger Leaping, arrive at Tingtao at 14:30, the life photo location is here. Start at 15:40 to walk the 168 brave ladder, arrive at Teacher Zhang's Inn at 16:40; Start at 17:00 to go down to Tiger Leaping Scenic Area, choose the elevator up and down, return to Lijiang at 17:50. · ❗Tips: 1️⃣Pay attention to the weather conditions, it is not recommended to travel in heavy rain; 2️⃣You can take a car directly to the Tea Horse Inn in Tiger Leaping Gorge, halfway to start walking without going 28 turns. 3️⃣There is mobile phone signal throughout the journey; 4️⃣The path is clear, don't worry about getting lost; 5️⃣Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area ticket: 45/person, remember to keep the payment voucher, Middle Tiger Leaping: downhill 15/person, ladder 10/person, 168-15/person, Tiger Leaping Stone photo 5/person. · Where was your first real hike in life? Is there anyone like me who is Tiger Leaping Gorge? I also want to see your life photos, tell me in the comments🤝🏻