Tiger Leaping Gorge

Yunnan Sheng

85/100120 min

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a spectacular canyon located on the Jinsha River, the upper stretch of the Yangtze River, in Yunnan Province, China. The gorge is renowned for its dramatic natural scenery, with steep cliffs rising sharply on both sides, flanked by the snow-capped Haba and Jade Dragon Mountains. It stretches approximately 16 kilometers and is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge. The gorge's name stems from a local legend where a tiger supposedly leapt across the river at its narrowest point, where large rocks known as Tiger Leaping Stones sit amid the turbulent waters. The river here plunges over 200 meters with powerful rapids and a narrow width of about 30 to 80 meters, making it one of the deepest and most precipitous gorges in the world. The rock formations along the gorge are mainly composed of schist and marble, contributing to its rugged beauty. Tiger Leaping Gorge is a popular trekking destination, offering visitors challenging trails and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and river. Its unique combination of geological features, cultural significance, and natural grandeur makes it a must-visit for adventure and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Astuce: The best time to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the trails are most accessible. Visitors are advised to prepare for strenuous hiking and to bring appropriate gear for variable mountain weather. It is recommended to arrange permits and accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. While entry to the gorge itself is generally free, some sections may require small fees or guide services. Travelers should also be cautious of sudden weather changes and ensure they have sufficient water and supplies for the trek.

Faits intéressants

  • Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest river canyons in the world, with a vertical elevation difference of approximately 3790 meters from the valley floor to the mountain peaks.
  • The gorge is flanked by two towering snow mountains: Haba Snow Mountain to the west and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the east.
  • The name 'Tiger Leaping Gorge' comes from a legend that a tiger once leapt across the narrowest point of the river, using the large rocks in the middle as stepping stones.
  • The Jinsha River, which flows through the gorge, is the upper stretch of the Yangtze River and is historically significant for its gold deposits.
  • The gorge features extremely turbulent rapids and a natural drop of over 200 meters, making the river here non-navigable and a powerful force of nature.

Histoire

Tiger Leaping Gorge has long been an important natural landmark along the Jinsha River, which is the upper course of the Yangtze River.

The name 'Tiger Leaping Gorge' originates from a local legend dating back centuries, reflecting the area's cultural heritage.

Historically, the Jinsha River region has been significant for gold prospecting since the Song dynasty, which influenced the river's name meaning 'Gold Sand River.' Over time, the gorge has remained relatively remote and preserved, becoming a renowned natural attraction and part of the Three Parallel Rivers area, recognized for its ecological and geological importance.

Guide du lieu

1
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge

The upper section of the gorge where the river flow is somewhat calmer, offering scenic views and the beginning of the main hiking trail.

2
Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge

The most dramatic and narrowest section of the gorge, featuring the iconic Tiger Leaping Stones and the river's most turbulent rapids.

3
Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge

The downstream section where the river widens and the terrain begins to level out, concluding the main gorge area.

Contact

Téléphone: 0887 880 6952