Tiger Leaping Gorge

Honestly, I was a bit let down. Maybe I came with too high expectations after seeing all the hype. We hiked the middle section and it was okay, but the weather was overcast and the river looked muddy, not the bright turquoise I expected. The trail was also really busy with large tour groups pushing through. On top of that, the snack prices at the teahouses are ridiculous. For a bucket-list spot, it didn't blow me away. Maybe a clear day would make a difference, but for now, I'd say it's overrated and overpriced.

Good overall experience, but I have mixed feelings. The scenery is undeniably spectacular – those massive cliffs and the roaring water are jaw-dropping. However, the trail was quite crowded (even in early November), and some parts felt a bit too commercial with constant stalls selling water and snacks. Also, the entrance fee is on the high side for what you get. If you go, try to start early and avoid weekends. Still a solid 4 stars for the natural beauty.

Three days, two nights on the full trail. Every step felt like a postcard. The sound of the river echoing off the canyon walls is something you have to experience in person. Some sections are a bit narrow and exposed, but well-maintained. Stayed at the Halfway Lodge – the famous balcony with a view of the gorge is a must. Only wish I had more time to explore the side trails. 10/10 for adventure lovers.

Went on a sunny weekday in late October. The gorge is stunning – sheer cliffs dropping into turquoise rapids, with snow-capped peaks in the background. We only did the lower section (from the parking lot to the viewing platform), which was easy and gave us incredible photo ops. Felt like a scene out of a movie. Definitely worth the drive from Lijiang. A perfect day trip!

Absolutely breathtaking! Did the high trail from Qiaotou to Halfway Guesthouse in two days. The views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the roaring Jinsha River below are unforgettable. The 28 bends were tough but so worth it. Stayed at Tea Horse Inn – the owners were incredibly welcoming and the food was great. One of the best hikes I've ever done. Can't recommend it enough!

Went with a group of friends and we all agreed it was the highlight of our two-week trip. The combination of physical challenge and natural beauty is hard to beat. The trail is well-marked once you get past the initial section, and the tiny villages along the way offer welcome breaks with cold drinks and great views. We even saw wild goats on the cliffs! If you love nature and don’t mind a bit of leg burn, this is a must-do. Will definitely come back.

Absolutely incredible experience! I’ve been hiking all over the world and Tiger Leaping Gorge ranks in my top three. The sense of scale is humbling — you’re walking between two massive mountain ranges with the river raging far below. The local guesthouses are charming and the Naxi family that ran ours made us feel at home. Do the full two-day trek; don’t rush it. Every turn reveals a new jaw-dropping vista. Can't recommend enough!

Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed. Maybe it was because we got unlucky with fog and rain — could barely see the opposite cliffs for half the hike. The trail itself was muddy and slippery, and some of the steeper parts felt genuinely dangerous without proper rails. Also, the entrance fee felt steep for what you get. I can see why people love it on a clear day, but for me it was just a tough, wet slog. Not my favorite hike in Yunnan.

We went during the dry season and the views were insane. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on one side, the gorge on the other — it’s like walking through a postcard. The trail is well-maintained for the most part, though some sections are narrow and a bit scary if you're afraid of heights. We stayed at Halfway Guesthouse and the food was surprisingly good. Only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is that the signage could be better; we almost took a wrong turn near the waterfall.

Hands down the most epic day hike I've ever done! The trail along the gorge is breathtaking — sheer cliffs dropping into the roaring Jinsha River below, and the sound of the water echoes through the canyon. The 28 bends were tough but totally worth it for the views from the top. Bring plenty of water and start early. Wolke's guesthouse was a perfect spot to rest overnight. 10/10 would do again.

This place changed my life. I'm not exaggerating – standing on the trail with the sheer cliffs on one side and the thunderous river hundreds of meters below made me feel so small and alive. I met fellow travelers from six different countries, we shared dinner at the Halfway Lodge and watched the stars come out. The physical challenge of the 28 Bends was real, but the reward of that first glimpse of the gorge is unmatched. If you only do one thing in Yunnan, make it this hike. 11/10, no question.

Incredible value for money! We did the one-day shorter route from the upper viewing platform, and it was perfect for our limited time. The entry ticket is reasonable, and the local guide we hired (Mr. Zhang) was super knowledgeable about the geology and the legend of the tiger leaping. The best part was sitting on a rock near the water, feeling the spray from the rapids, and just listening to the roar of the river. One tip: bring cash – ATMs are scarce, and the little stalls only take cash.

Honestly, I was a bit let down. I'd heard so many rave reviews that my expectations were sky-high. The gorge is impressive, no doubt, but the constant dust from the road construction near the start really killed the vibe. The tea house food was overpriced and mediocre, and our guesthouse had no hot water in the morning. Plus, the weather turned cloudy, so we missed the snow-capped peaks. Maybe I'll try again in a different season, but for now, it felt like an overhyped tourist trap.

Great hike overall, but a few things hold it back from perfection. The scenery is stunning – especially the 28 Bends section – and the Halfway Lodge has the best panoramic terrace I've ever seen. However, the trail can get quite crowded during peak season (I went in October), and some parts are a bit slippery after rain. Also, the entrance fee felt a little steep for what you get. Still, it's a solid 4-star experience and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys hiking.

Absolutely breathtaking! I did the full two-day trek from Qiaotou to Tina's Guesthouse, and every step was worth it. The views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain towering over the raging Jinsha River are something you cannot capture in photos. The trail is well-maintained, the guesthouses along the way are cozy, and the locals are incredibly friendly. If you're physically fit and love adventure, this is a must-do. I'm already planning to come back with my friends next year!

Great scenery but prepare your legs! We did the one-day hike from the middle gorge to the Tiger Leaping Rock section, and the endless stone steps were brutal. The views of the rapids and the giant rock in the middle were amazing, though. My only complaint is the lack of clear signage at a few junctions—we almost took the wrong path. Also, some local vendors were a bit pushy selling walking sticks. Still, a rewarding experience overall. Just bring good shoes and plenty of water.

One of the best days of my life! We stayed overnight at Halfway Guesthouse and woke up to sunrise lighting up the gorge—it was pure magic. The hike itself is challenging but doable for anyone with moderate fitness. What made it special for me was the sense of remoteness: just you, the mountain, and the river. The fried rice at the guesthouse and the local guide's stories about the old mule trails added so much color. If you can, do the full two-day trek. Unforgettable!

Honestly, a bit overhyped. The gorge itself is beautiful, but the trail has become too commercialized. There are stalls selling overpriced drinks every kilometer, and the constant honking from the road above ruins the wild vibe. I came expecting a raw nature experience, but it felt like a theme park. Also, some sections of the path were muddy and poorly maintained. For the price and effort, I'd rather hike in less touristy spots like Yubeng. Disappointing.

A solid 4 stars. The gorge is impressive, no doubt—the scale of the cliffs and the sound of the river are powerful. We did the shorter walk from the upper viewing platform, and it was still stunning. Only reason I'm not giving 5 is that it felt quite crowded even in late October, and some of the photo spots had long queues. Also, the entrance fee of ¥45 feels a bit steep given the basic facilities. But overall, a must-see if you're in Lijiang.

Absolutely breathtaking! The trail along the gorge is a masterpiece of nature—the roaring river below, the towering cliffs on both sides, and the views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance are just unreal. We did the full day hike from Qiaotou to Halfway Guesthouse, and every step was worth it. The path is well-maintained, and the guesthouses along the way offer simple but hearty meals. If you're in Yunnan, don't skip this—it's the kind of place that makes you feel alive. 10/10!