The Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges - the mountain peaks rise up to 3900m above the Yangzi river. The gorge is about 16km long and it takes about 2 days to hike the most beautiful portion. Most prefer to join an organized tour but in Lijang (the nearest city) you will find many agencies who are more than willing to help you with the organization if you prefer to stay by yourself. It is a fairly easy hike following an old trade route connecting the villages speckled in the gorge. There are several hiker lodges on the route where you can stay for the night or for a little snack and a beer. The owners tend to understand a little English so you should be able to find your way around without a guide if you wish. You may wonder about the name of the gorge. According to a tale a tiger once jumped from one side of the gorge to the other to esacpe from hunters. You can actually visit the corresponding place - the "Tiger Leaping Rock" - by scrambling down to the river somewhere near the lower end of the gorge. It is a slightly dangerous path though and people have died here. For the brave there's also a steep, unsecured ladder to climb out of the lower gorge with its vertical walls (for a fee).

Typical for most mountain areas the weather conditions can vary quite a bit so better take some weather-proof gear. The lodges don´t have any heating so a long fleece shirt for the evenings may also come handy. Once you´re on the road again you should be able to organize a taxi to return to the trailhead from where you can take a bus back to Lijang.