Tiger Leaping Gorge Logistics (2025 Edition): A Real Guide for Hikers

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the most epic hikes in China (not to mention all of Asia), but figuring out the logistics can be super confusing, especially if you’re relying on outdated info or don’t speak Mandarin. We just did this hike in spring 2025, so this guide is based entirely on our experience.

I also did this hike in the beginning of 2014, when I was living in Beijing and wanted a little vacation from the hectic life there, and I am amazed by how many things have changed and developed in the span of a little over a decade. The hike is more accessible than it has ever been, but finding the right information is always difficult unless you are based in China.

Throwback picture from 2014 with a bit of better weather. Man, I have aged.

Why Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge?

If you like your hikes dramatic, scenic, and a little chaotic, this one’s for you. It’s not super polished (at least not for the entire time) and that’s part of the charm. You get stunning cliffside views, old-school guesthouses, goat traffic jams, and the chance to climb terrifying metal ladders bolted to a rock wall. What’s not to love?

Getting There: Buses from Lijiang or Shangri-La

Your journey by road to the Tiger Leaping Gorge and the hiking area will start from either Lijiang of Shangri-La in Yunnan. Lijiang is easily reachable by flight from major cities like Shanghai, Chengdu, and more. Both Lijiang and Shangri-La are also accessible by high-speed rail from many cities in the region.

We started from Lijiang, but the setup is similar from Shangri-La. A lot of these minibus drivers know the trail well and work with guesthouses, so if you ask nicely (or use a translation app), they can help streamline everything.

Here’s what happened in our case:

• Got picked up in Lijiang Bus Station at 8 am (we booked these one day in advance, but there are also a few later buses headed towards Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡)).
• Got dropped off at the bottom of the hill below Naxi Family Guesthouse.
• Our driver took our extra bags straight to Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse (where we’d end the hike).
• He also booked us a shuttle from there to Shangri-La the next day at 2pm.

Honestly, it made everything way easier. We were hiking light, didn’t have to backtrack, and didn’t need to scramble to book anything while exhausted. When in doubt, just stop your driver and ask.

Be prepared to encounter these little guys along the way. Don't worry, they are harmless.

Starting the Hike: Skip Qiaotou, Start at Naxi Family Guesthouse

A lot of blogs still tell you to start in Qiaotou, but Qiaotou doesn't seem to really be a thing anymore since the highway from Lijiang to Shangri-La got an upgrade. The better move is to get dropped off at the bottom of the hill from Naxi Family Guesthouse.

You’ve got two options once you get dropped off at the bottom of this hill:

• Hike up to the guesthouse (30 mins or more, but why be tired before you even begin?)
• Take a sketchy little shuttle van that is likely going to be waiting there when you arrive (cheap and kind of hilarious)

Either way, this is the actual trailhead now. Naxi Family Guesthouse is the perfect launch point to start the difficult 28 Bends portion of the trek.

Naxi Guesthouse is the perfect place to base yourself before you start the big hike, even if just for a meal.

Day 1: Naxi Family Guesthouse to Halfway Guesthouse

This is the big one. The infamous 28 Bends are real, and they will burn your legs. Bring water and snacks, although there are plenty of vendors along the way to fuel up in case you forget. The views on this stretch are stunning if the weather cooperates, but even in cloudy conditions like we had it’s still dramatic and atmospheric.

About to start the 28 Bends, very naive of the effort we will have to put in.

At the end of the 28 Bends, you can opt for an optional photoshoot with these Chinese flags.

We stopped for a bigger snack of yak meat and even a beer halfway through at the Tea Horse Guesthouse, and yeah...a few more hours later, our legs were shaking by the time we arrived at Halfway (which is the name of a legendary guesthouse, but also the midway stopping point for the night).

Grabbing some yak meat and a beer at Tea Horse Guesthouse was the perfect fuel for the rest of the day's hike.

Halfway is where you’ll likely sleep, whether it be in Halfway Guesthouse or one of the many places that have popped up in the decade since I first hiked the trail. One of the listings on Trip.com was translated as "Leaning against the small courtyard on the hill" and the cuteness of the name and place made us book it, although it actually was the highest guesthouse, which required a bit more hiking. While it was a very basic place, it was absolutely wonderful with a friendly family and some of the best homemade food we'd eaten in China, which was sourced all from her garden. There are a few other options nearby if you want something more upscale.

Our lovely abode for the night with an interestingly translated name, Leaning against the small courtyard on the hill.

Our wonderful host.

Day 2 (Day 2, Part 1): Halfway Guesthouse to Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse

This day is way easier than Day 1, if you give yourself time to take it slow. A lot more flat and downhill. You pass through a few tiny villages, edge around cliffsides, stumble through waterfalls, and the whole thing is just super peaceful. There is definitely a bit more of a crowd on this part, as some people only start the hike from Halfway.

Expect lots of waterfalls and sheer cliff drops on this part of the trek.

We cruised into Teacher Zhang’s Inn by early afternoon. Teacher Zhang’s is a solid place to end the hike or head on down to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, as the entrance is literally through the guesthouse. Good food, a chill vibe, an overnight stay if you need it, and they’ll help you book onward transport. This is where our big bags were waiting for us too. Success.

Optional Detour (Day 2, Part 2): The Middle Gorge

Honestly, this is the real highlight of the entire trail. If you skip this, you’re kind of missing the point. The detour starts near Teacher Zhang’s and takes you all the way down to the Jinsha River where the tiger supposedly leapt.

We recommend doing the zigzag path down and then climbing back up via the terrifying ladder path (known as the 168 Steps for the Brave). However, if the ladders are not your thing, you can also take the zigzags back up.

• Zigzags: steep but manageable
• Ladders: three stages of vertical metal death, the middle being the longest of the ladders, but so fun if you’re not afraid of heights

There are small entrance fees (15-30 RMB depending on who you run into) and it’s not super regulated. You’re kind of on your own out there, but that’s what makes it cool.

The Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge

Where to Stay

We only stayed one night at the halfway point, but if you have a bit more time to soak in the beauty of the area, you can stay one more night in the beginning and/or end of the trail.

Beginning of the trail

• Naxi Family Guesthouse: chill, basic, and the food is delicious to get you started for the hike

Halfway

• Halfway Guesthouse: great views, awesome place to meet others, decent beds
• “Leaning against the small courtyard on the hill”: kindest hosts, and fabulous food, immense views (where we stayed)

End of the trail

• Teacher Zhang’s Inn: end point, food, transport help, luggage storage

There are also a few nicer places you can book in advance through Trip.com if you want a little more comfort. Some rooms have balconies and huge windows overlooking the gorge.

What to Pack

• Layers (the weather changes fast)
• Daypack (especially if you’re forwarding your luggage)
• Snacks and water (you’ll thank us), but again there are vendors if you run out
• Good shoes (do not hike this in sandals)
• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer (the dream team)
• Cash - but this is just in case, as we paid EVERYTHING with WeChat or Alipay - the service is quite good up there and everyone accepts these forms of payments. So it is more useful to have an extra powerbank and data.

Food & Toilets

Every guesthouse sells food. Kung Pao chicken, fried eggs, rice, fried potatoes… it’s simple but tasty.

Bathrooms range from clean-ish to a hole in the floor with no privacy walls, but it’s all part of the experience.

Rough Costs (2025)

• Shuttle from Lijiang: 30-50 RMB
• Guesthouses: 100-150 RMB per night
• Meals: 30-60 RMB
• Middle Gorge fee: 15-30 RMB
• Zhang’s to Shangri-La: 60-100 RMB

Tips from the Trail

• Don’t overpack. Forward your luggage and hike light.
• Use translation apps. You don’t need fluent Mandarin but a few phrases help.
• Do the ladder path if you when you head back up from the Tiger Leaping Gorge. It’s terrifying but unforgettable.
• Try to allot more time than expected for the second day, as we were rushing up and down the gorge to get back to our bus in time.
• Signage is pretty good on the trail. It isn't entirely easy to get lost, but when it doubt as other hikers.
• Book your nicer guesthouses early, especially during spring and autumn.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge is generally from late March to early June and September to early November. These months offer milder temperatures and less rain, making the trail safer and more enjoyable. Summer (July–August) can be hot and rainy, which increases the risk of landslides, while winter can be cold and icy at higher elevations.

That said, the weather in the gorge is famously unpredictable. We had only cloudy days during our hike, and conditions changed quickly...one minute it was misty and cool, the next the sun would break through. Be prepared for anything, and pack layers, so you can adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

Tiger Leaping Gorge is absolutely worth it. The hike is challenging but never boring, the views are next level, and the guesthouses have just the right amount of chaos. With a little prep (and this guide), it’s a super doable and memorable two-day adventure.

See you on the trail.