Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang

Catch a coach Qiaotou Town at 08:30 from the long-distance bus station on the first day. It will take you about 2.5 hours and you need to pay CNY18.5 one way, including insurance. Upon arrival at Qiaotou, take a local minibus to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. The price including the admission fee is CNY50. Pass by the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge and get off at the sign of 14 kiolmeters highway. Start up the high trail on foot. When you get to half way, start to climb down and arrive at Tina's which is actually Zhongxia Tavern. The hike will only take you about three hours, but  this stretch is the "the pick of the bunch" among the trails of Tiger Leaping Gorge. The river banks here are filled with jagged rocks and sheer cliffs. Even in the river indented rocks are spread as stars everywhere. Swift currents impact against them, which produces heavy fog on the river, so the scenery here is the most beautiful throughout the track. Since you only need to hike the latter part of the high trail, you can get some ideal of the splendid sights of the rest of the high trail, as well as save a lot of time and physical effort. Stay overnight at a hostel in Middle Leaping Gorge, like Tina's, Teacher Zhang's or Tianti Tavern.

Swift currents in the Tiger Leaping Gorge

On the morning of the second day, walk down along the Teacher Zhang's pland path to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. CNY10 in road toll is required here. Continue to follow the Celestial Ladder (Tianti) pland path and you will finally reach the highway.  Four hours walking may be needed here. Please remember not to look back when you climb up the Celestial Ladder since it is almost vertical and you might feel dizzy if you look back. After lunch and a short rest, take a minibus back to Qiaotou and then transfer yourself back to Lijiang. We recommend that you stay at the Lijiang International Youth Hostel (Address: No.44 Mishe Lane, Xinyi Road, Lijiang; Tel: 0888-5105403).

After two days hiking and riding, you may want to ease your body and mind. Stroll about in the old town of Lijiang. On the morning of the third day, walk to Lion Hill Park, which is located only 1.5 kilometers (0.9 mile) south of your hostel. The entrance fee is CNY15. It is the best place to get a bird's-eye view of the whole Lijiang Town. This former imperial garden is now covered with lush green trees. It is said that the cypresses on the mountain were planted in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 907). At the top of the hill is the five-storey wooden Wangulou Tower with typical Naxi architectural features. Look towards the distant north from here and you will see the beautiful and mysterious Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In the afternoon, walk north for about three kilometers (1.9 miles) to the Museum of Dongba Culture. The museum will help you understand the Dongba culture, so it is well worth a visit.

Farewell to Lijiang as your tour ends.