A Treasure Trove for Hikers

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La Section) Hiking Guide I. Scenic Area Overview 📍- Location: At the junction of Lijiang City and Shangri-La City, Yunnan Province. One of the deepest canyons in China, renowned for its perilous beauty, it's a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. - Key Highlights: The surging Jinsha River, the magnificent scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the vertical canyon landforms, and a hiking experience of "finding beauty in danger." II. Pre-trip Preparations 📝1. Equipment Checklist (Essential): - Non-slip hiking shoes (a must in the rainy season), knee pads, trekking poles (some guesthouses offer free rentals), windbreaker, sun hat/sunglasses, quick-drying clothing, waterproof backpack. - Personal Items: Lightweight toiletries, power bank, ID card, some cash (weak signal in some areas). 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦2. Crowd Recommendations: - Family/Leisure Trip: Choose the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic area, with a short route (approx. 1 km) and an elevator, suitable for seniors and children. - Hiking Enthusiasts: Recommended 2-day route of the High Road + Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, moderate difficulty (elevation gain approx. 600m), requires a certain level of physical fitness. 🚙III. Transportation and Tickets - Transportation Tips: - After booking tickets on regular platforms, you need to carpool a second time at the scenic area entrance to the hiking starting point (such as Naxi Family Hotel or Tea Horse Guesthouse). Carpooling costs 35 CNY/person and requires waiting for the car to be full, which can be time-consuming. - Recommended Option: Take the Tiger Leaping Gorge direct shuttle bus (departures from Lijiang/Dali/Shangri-La). ✅ Advantages: ▶ Multiple departures from 7-10 am, adaptable to different itineraries; ▶ Direct access to hiking starting points (Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, Naxi Family Hotel, Tea Horse Guesthouse, etc.), free of charge for scenic area entrance tickets (saving 45 CNY); ▶ Free luggage storage at supply points, pick up on the return journey; ▶ Guesthouses provide free trekking poles and mineral water. - Tickets: - Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge entrance ticket: 45 CNY/person (mandatory purchase, free if taking the direct bus to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge for hiking). 🚶IV. Classic Hiking Route (2 Days 1 Night) ☀Day 1: Lijiang → High Road Hike → Tea Horse Guesthouse - Distance: Approx. 12 km, duration 6-7 hrs, altitude 1980m, elevation gain 300m. - Route: Pick-up from Lijiang Old Town/Shuhe Ancient Town → Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area → High Road Hiking Trail → 28 Bends → Tea Horse Guesthouse (overnight stay). - Highlights: Overlooking the Jinsha River, challenging the "28 Bends," and staying overnight at a snow mountain view guesthouse. ☀Day 2: Tea Horse Guesthouse → Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge → Lijiang - Distance: Approx. 8 km, duration 5-6 hrs, altitude 2400m, elevation gain 300m. - Route: Dragon Cave Waterfall → Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (take the "Brave Ladder" down to the riverside) → return to Lijiang by car. - Highlights: Experience the rushing river up close, challenge the 90° vertical "168 Cloud Ladder," and capture stunning photos. 🛎V. Practical Advice ❌1. Pitfalls to Avoid: - Luggage Storage: Luggage storage points within the scenic area are hard to find and expensive (20 CNY/day). It is recommended to use the free luggage storage service provided by the direct shuttle bus. - Route Planning: Check the return trip time in advance to avoid delays in subsequent itineraries due to overtime hiking. 💰2. Money-Saving Tips: - Take the direct shuttle bus to avoid the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge entrance fee. For the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge hike, you only need to pay the local guide fee (if taking undeveloped routes). ⚠️3. Safety Tips: - Walk close to the mountainside and avoid falling rock areas; be careful when stepping on slippery rocks in the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, and avoid hiking during the rainy season. 📸VI. Recommended Photo Spots 1. Tea Horse Guesthouse Open-Air Balcony: Panoramic view of the side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, framing the snow mountain and the canyon together, a must-shoot for sunrise/sunset. 2. "Shuang Si Ni" Balcony at Mid-way Guesthouse: Directly facing the main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with vast mountain views, suitable for taking long-distance shots of people. 3. Dragon Cave Waterfall: Splashing water, suitable for capturing dynamic close-ups or panoramic views. 4. Riverside of Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge: Standing on a giant rock, with the surging river as the backdrop, highlighting the thrill of "being in danger." 5. 168 Cloud Ladder: Shoot upwards from a vertical angle to record the moment of the hiking challenge, giving you a full sense of accomplishment. ❣️VII. Important Notes 1. Altitude Sickness Prevention: The highest altitude is about 2400m. Avoid strenuous exercise and drink plenty of water in small amounts frequently. 2. Seasonal Tips: - Rainy Season (June-August): Prepare rain gear, as some sections are muddy. Choose the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge hike with caution. - Winter (December-February): Pay attention to anti-slip measures. Some guesthouses may be closed, so confirm accommodation in advance. 3. Accommodation Recommendations: Tea Horse Guesthouse, Mid-way Guesthouse, etc., all have rooms with views and include breakfast and dinner (approx. 80-150 CNY/night). 💕 VIII. Trip Overview - Type: Leisurely hike, difficulty level ★★, 1 person can join, departs from Lijiang on odd-numbered days of each month (except the 31st). - Cost: Includes transportation, accommodation, and guide (some packages). Please refer to the platform for specific details. Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking is a double harvest of physical strength and beautiful scenery! Plan according to the guide, avoid the tourist traps, and immerse yourself in the magnificence and gentleness of the "First Gorge of the Yangtze River"～ 🌊🏔️