Tiger Leaping Gorge
(Hutiao Gorge)
-Adventures with Rafting and Trekking
For the best Tiger-leaping Gorge experience,
please visit our dedicated China adventure site at:
https://newchinatours.com/tiger-leaping-gorge-hike.
About 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Lijiang Old Town, and lying between Jade Dragon Snow
Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) and Haba Snow Mountain (Haba
Xueshan), is Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Gorge). Tiger
Leaping Gorge is believed to be the deepest gorge in the
world. From the top of the gorge you look down the
steeply angled (70-90 degrees) mountain sides to the
rushing Golden Sands (Jingsha) River with its 18
frothing rapids more than 200 meters (about 700 feet)
below.
Naturally divided into three sections, the first
section, which is the narrowest and uppermost section,
is the mouth of the fast flowing Jingsha River. In the
midst of the river's mouth is a large rock that is
positioned at the gorge's narrowest section-only 30
meters (33 yards) wide.
An ancient legend says that a tiger used this rock as
its stepping stone so it could leap across from one side
of the gorge to the other, which is how the place got
its name.
As the river enters the middle section, it drops another
100 meters (330 feet) and its flow rate increases to an
amazing speed. Here the thunderous rushing waters slam
into sharp, large rocks and crash down into the river
forming swirling whirlpools. Can it get more exciting?
Yes, it can as the third and lowest section is acclaimed
for being the wildest attraction of all!
The cliffs over-looking this section are even steeper
and much more dangerous. Here, the river twists and
turns and the river vigorously surges forward creating
high waves and a frothy spew as it collides with the
mountainsides. This is a view that inspires a sense of
adventure and satisfies the deepest yearnings for
magnificent scenery.
The gorge stretches about 15 kilometers (nine miles) and
also affords people the possibility of rafting and
drifting peacefully in its large quiet sections, for the
gentler folks among us and an exciting rafting adventure
for the more experienced. Do not want to raft?
Useful Tips: This is a great sightseeing stop with
enormous photo opportunities. Bring your camera, wear
skidproof shoes, and be prepared to be astonished!
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