01/08/2026
If there was one day we could relive from our 2 week trip to China, it would be this.
We made this video because we struggled to find an up-to-date guide before doing the hike, especially around luggage, transport, where to stay, and how long it actually takes.
So this is the guide we wish we had before hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge!
Itâs a 2 day hike through one of the deepest gorges in the China, with the river rushing below and massive mountains surrounding you the entire time.
Honestly, itâs one of the most scenic hikes weâve ever done. Youâre walking along cliffside trails with nonstop views, waterfalls, and landscapes that donât even feel real.
And the craziest part, itâs not even that crowded since most people choose to visit only one section through a day trip instead of hiking.
âą Duration
2 days, 1 night
Day 1: ~6 to 8 hours
Day 2: ~4 to 6 hours
đ°ď¸ Day 1
Start at Naxi Guesthouse (Naxi Kezhan) or Tea Horse Guesthouse
The toughest part is the 28 Bends, 28 switchbacks with about 600m elevation gain
Stop at Tea Horse Guesthouse for coffee and lunch, views are insane
End your day at your guesthouse
Most people stay at Halfway Guesthouse, we stayed at Half Day and loved it
đ°ď¸ Day 2
4 to 6 hours
Mostly downhill with waterfalls, steep descents, and some of the best views of the whole hike
Finish at Teacher Zhangâs Inn where youâll get picked up to Shangri-La or back to Lijiang
đLogistics
Pack a small day bag and leave your luggage to a transfer service from Lijiang to the endpoint
đĄTips
Bring trekking poles, start early, and donât skip the overnight stay, itâs the best part!
Try to finish day 1 hike as quickly as you can so you can enjoy the sunset at your guesthouse
We also made a free Yunnan guide with all the transport contacts and stays, linked in our bio
Make sure to follow Marcus & Chelsey for more travel tips like these!