High-Speed Train to Shangri-La: Farewell to the City of Sun and Moon in My Heart

“As the plane dived at an astonishing speed, the air grew hotter the lower it flew. The scorching earth below resembled an oven momentarily opening its door. Majestic peaks roared past the window, the plane following a winding canyon, its bottom littered with rocks and dried riverbeds, like a floor strewn with chestnut shells…” This is a passage from James Hilton’s ‘Lost Horizon,’ depicting his flight scene upon landing in Shangri-La. The Shangri-La described in the book is like a paradise, untouched by worldly turmoil, where time seems to stand still.

With the development of the times, the mysterious Shangri-La, a city blessed by the sun and moon, now has a high-speed train! Since then, Shangri-La has entered the era of high-speed trains.

What a delightful experience! I was honored to be on the inaugural train from Lijiang to Shangri-La. On board, Tibetan people sang and danced, and at the station, they presented each passenger with a ceremonial scarf (Hada) and souvenirs, bags filled with highland barley flowers and Tibetan pear jelly, a rich taste of Shangri-La. The warmth touched everyone’s heart, and I love Shangri-La!

The CR200J1-D type Fuxing train we rode was specially designed for the high-altitude and cold environment of the plateau: windows with UV-resistant glass, electric heating systems to ensure cabin temperature, rotatable seats, and oxygen supplies on board… Racing towards the snowy plateau, the altitude rises from 2400m at Lijiang Station to 3274m at Shangri-La Station, with a total of 13 stations along the line, connecting famous scenic spots such as Lijiang Ancient Town, Lashihai, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Haba Snow Mountain, and Shangri-La, passing through autonomous regions of Tibetan, Yi, Bai, and Pumi ethnic groups…

Let the train fly!

Soaring with the future of Shangri-La!

Shangri-La Route Sharing:

Day 1: Take the high-speed train from Lijiang to Shangri-La, night tour of Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 2: Dukezong Ancient Town in Tibetan attire, Napa Sea, Songzanlin Monastery.

Day 3: Pass by Tacheng to experience the Naxi ethnic style, head to Deqin, and arrive at the Wu Longding Scenic Spot in the evening to photograph Meili Snow Mountain.

Day 4: Early morning photography of the sunrise on Jinshan, Baima Snow Mountain, head to Balagezong (refer to the previous article for the Three Parallel Rivers Loop).

Day 5: Visit Baishuitai, Haba Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and return to Lijiang Ancient Town.

Please note for Shangri-La travel:

√ High-speed train to Shangri-La can be taken from Kunming or Lijiang, and it is recommended to rent a car or take a taxi after arriving in Shangri-La for sightseeing.

√ The plateau area has variable climate characteristics. Shangri-La’s climate features monsoon climate, vertical climate, plateau climate, and cold temperate climate. Shangri-La is at a high altitude with thin air, large diurnal temperature variation, intense sunlight, dry climate, low average annual temperature, long and cold winters, and short and cool summers.

√ Pay attention to sun protection and keep warm. Winter temperatures are low, the climate is dry, and ultraviolet radiation is strong. It is recommended to bring warm jackets, down coats, gloves, and anti-slip boots. Women should also prepare sun protection items such as sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses.

√ Be mindful to prevent altitude sickness. Shangri-La is at a high altitude (3300 meters), and it is not advisable to engage in strenuous exercise or drinking alcohol. Eating more vegetables and fruits can help prevent altitude sickness.

√ Respect local religious culture. When encountering religious facilities, it is necessary to circumambulate in a clockwise direction. Do not pick up or sit on the mani stones. Do not step over religious instruments or fire basins; prayer wheels and cylinders should not be turned in reverse. It is considered taboo for others to touch the top of one’s head. Protect the environment by taking your trash with you.

Wandering through the Dukezong Ancient Town

The Dukezong Ancient Town is the first stop for most people coming to Shangri-La. Located in Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, this ancient town has a history of over 1300 years and is the best-preserved and largest Tibetan residential cluster in China. The name Dukezong originates from the Tang Dynasty’s Tubo Empire, which established a fortress here named Dukezong, meaning ‘Moonlight City’ or ‘Castle Built on Stones’ in**[Travel Guide to Dukezong Ancient Town and Surrounding Attractions]**

**Turning the Largest Prayer Wheel**
– It is believed that turning the large prayer wheel three times brings good fortune.
– This is the world’s largest prayer wheel, standing at 21.45 meters tall.
– It contains 1.24 million mantras and true words inside.
– The exterior is engraved with patterns of snow mountains, rivers, forests, traditional Tibetan auspicious symbols, national unity, and great leaders’ sayings.

**Transportation**
– From Shangri-La County, you can take a taxi or bus, or drive there yourself.

**Admission**
– The ancient town is open for free, but some attractions require separate tickets.

**Time Recommendation**
– It is recommended to spend half a day to a full day exploring the ancient town.

**Attractions in Dukezong Ancient Town**
– **Guishan Park**: Located at the highest point of the ancient town, offering a panoramic view of the entire town and surrounding scenery.
– **Dafo Temple**: The largest temple within the ancient town, housing a 21-meter tall gilded Buddha statue.
– **Sifang Street**: The central square of the ancient town, surrounded by numerous shops and restaurants where you can taste local cuisine and purchase souvenirs.
– **The Long March Museum of the Red Army**: Displays the history and culture of the Red Army’s Long March, a great place to learn about this historical event.

**Food Recommendations**
– There are many restaurants and snack stalls within the ancient town where you can try local specialties such as butter tea, tsampa, and highland barley wine.

**Shopping Recommendations**
– There are many shops and stalls within the ancient town where you can purchase local souvenirs such as Tibetan carpets, silver jewelry, and Tibetan incense.

**The ‘Little Potala Palace’ Songzanlin Monastery**
– The Songzanlin Monastery, known as the ‘Little Potala Palace’, is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, officially named ‘Ganden Songzanlin Monastery’, with a history dating back to 1679, completed in the 20th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign.
– The entire monastery is built on a mountainside, with a grand scale, featuring red eaves, white walls, and golden roofs, and a unique architectural style that integrates various cultural elements of Tibetan, Han, and Nepalese.

**Experience at Songzanlin Monastery**
– Stay under the fierce sunlight of the plateau, walk through the smoke of burning cypress leaves, spend a whole day taking photos, basking in the sun, chanting, praying, and carefully observing the large collection of cultural relics and artworks within the temple, Buddha statues, Thangkas, murals… Surrounded by green mountains and lakes, I feel a sense of inner peace.

**Address and Practical Information for Songzanlin Monastery**
– **Address**: No. 3 Niwan Road, Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan.
– **Transportation**: Free parking.
– **Hours**: 07:00-22:00.
– **Admission**: Adult 90 yuan.
– **Travel Tips**: Be sure to wear a Tibetan costume for photos when you come here! The average price for a costume in Shangri-La is 99 yuan, with various styles available including makeup and hair styling, unlimited time. Compared to the costume shops in Dukezong Ancient Town, the clothing here is more attractive with a wider variety of styles. It is recommended that friends wear their costumes first and take photos in Dukezong, then proceed to Songzanlin Monastery.
– **Respect Local Culture**: Tibetan costume photography is only allowed in squares and outdoor architectural photo sessions, no photography inside temples.
– **Altitude Considerations**: Songzanlin Monastery is located in a high-altitude area; carry water and snacks, and be mindful to walk slowly and rest.

**The Last Secret Land of Balagezong**
– Balagezong, a secret land that was once untraceable on any map, is filled with divine wonders.
– The Bodhi tree that has grown for thousands of years extends a ‘Buddha’s hand’, a natural sacred mountain resembling a pagoda, and there is also a person who seems to be chosen by heaven, Sina Dingzhu.
– Sina Dingzhu is the founder of the Balagezong scenic area and the hero who changed the fate of Balavillage for 1300 years. The once isolated Balavillage required five days to walk out of the mountains; anyone who fell ill would die on the way. Sina Dingzhu lost sight in one eye due to a childhood injury that was not treated in time. Since then, he dreamed of building a road for Balavillage. At the age of 13, he went out to do business and, after more than twenty years of struggle, used all his wealth to build a road back home. It took ten years and left him with a huge debt, but finally, there was this road of life for Balavillage, and from then on, Balagezong appeared on the world map.

**Must-visit spots in Balagezong**
– **The Millennium Bodhi Tree**: A Bodhi tree grows on the cliff, with its entire trunk and leaves resembling a phoenix’s tail, covering nearly 400 square meters of rock surface. More magically, a ‘hand’ grows from the tree’s waist, reaching into a rock crevice, with branches like arms and twigs like fingers, resembling the hand of an old man who has experienced many vicissitudes of life.
– **Sky Mirror**: The mirror surface allows one to see an inverted world, where the lake can give rise to the sun, moon, and stars, and the sky can be filled with green trees and blooming flowers.Embarking on a journey to Shangri-La unveils a tapestry of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Here, the azure skies and fleecy clouds are complemented by the majestic Geze Snow Mountain and the sight of eagles soaring overhead. A casual snapshot captures the essence of a visual masterpiece.

Nestled deep within the mountains, Bala Village stands as a serene and ancient sanctuary. Its earthen walls and stone paths have withstood the sands of time, offering a glimpse into the past with every step.

The Echo Wall Glass Plank Road, perched at an altitude of 3000 meters with a vertical drop of 1700 meters, presents a panoramic vista of the breathtaking mountains and rivers, along with the pastoral scenery. The exhilarating ‘floating’ sensation is a unique experience, and the opportunity to capture stunning photographs is唾手可得.

Xiangbala Pagoda, a symbol of the ‘Kingdom of Shambhala’ in Tibetan Buddhism, is revered as a mysterious and beautiful haven—a pure land and paradise devoid of pain and worry, where happiness and joy prevail. After navigating 108 bends, the natural pagoda reveals itself, with white snow morphing into clouds that surge towards the sky. A single glimpse is said to purify both the eyes and the soul.

Shangri-La Grand Canyon is a geological marvel, with its walls adorned with peculiar rocks and its lake water sparkling with clarity. Escaping the city’s chaos, one can wander through the canyon, delighting in the gentle streams and the melodic songs of birds. For the adventurous, zip-lining or a thrilling speedboat ride offers an exhilarating experience.

Balagezong Accommodation is a must for those seeking a deeper connection with this divine landscape. A fleeting visit via group tour and bus simply won’t do justice to the grandeur that awaits. Staying overnight is highly recommended, as it alleviates the concerns of high ticket and activity costs.

Our stay at the Snow Mountain Cliff Miracle Hotel, a creation of Balagezong’s divine figure Sina Dingzhu, exceeded expectations. Despite being in the mountains, the hotel is modern and well-appointed. The current room rate of 988 includes a double entry ticket for the scenic area, access to the high glass plank road, a thrilling zip-line or leisure rafting in the grand canyon, and a Tibetan Buddhist incense burner for prayer and flag hanging. The spacious rooms come with air conditioning and floor heating, and the hospitality is warm, with ceremonial scarves upon arrival, local specialty dishes, and a bonfire dance under the stars.

James Hilton’s ‘Lost Horizon’ paints a vivid picture of Shangri-La as an idyllic paradise, untouched by the world’s worries, where time stands still. This vision has been brought to life with the advent of high-speed rail, connecting Shangri-La to the modern world.

The inaugural high-speed train journey from Lijiang to Shangri-La was a delightful experience. The train, filled with Tibetan song and dance, welcomed passengers with ceremonial scarves and souvenir bags, encapsulating the essence of Shangri-La.

The CR200J1-D type Fuxing train, designed for high-altitude and cold plateau environments, features UV-resistant windows, electric heating, rotatable seats, and oxygen availability. As the train ascends from Lijiang Station at 2400 meters to Shangri-La Station at 3274 meters, it traverses a line with 13 stations, linking renowned scenic spots and passing through autonomous regions of the Tibetan, Yi, Bai, and Pumi ethnic groups.

Let the train race on, carrying Shangri-La’s future to new heights.

Shangri-La Route Sharing suggests starting with a high-speed train journey from Lijiang to Shangri-La, followed by a visit to Dukezong Ancient Town at night.**Shangri-La Travel Notes**

**Day 2: Dukezong Ancient Town and Surroundings**
– Change into Tibetan costumes at Dukezong Ancient Town.
– Visit Napa Sea and Songzanlin Monastery.

**Day 3: Cultural Exploration and Scenery**
– Pass by Ta Cheng to experience Naxi ethnic culture.
– Head to Deqin and arrive at Wu Longding Scenic Spot in the evening for Meili Snow Mountain photography.

**Day 4: Sunrise and Mountain Vistas**
– Early morning photography of the sunrise on the golden mountain.
– Visit White Horse Snow Mountain and Ba La Ge Zong as part of the Three Parallel Rivers Loop.

**Day 5: Natural Wonders and Return**
– Visit Baishuitai, Haba Snow Mountain, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
– Return to Lijiang Ancient Town.

**Transportation and Climate**
– Take the high-speed train to Shangri-La from Kunming or Lijiang.
– Rent a car or hire a car for sightseeing upon arrival.
– Be aware of the highly variable climate in the plateau area, characterized by monsoon, vertical, plateau, and cold temperate climates. Shangri-La is at a high altitude with thin air, large temperature differences between day and night, intense sunlight, dry climate, and a lower average annual temperature. Winters are long and cold, while summers are short and cool.

**Health and Safety**
– Pay attention to sun protection and keep warm. In winter, the climate is dry, and ultraviolet radiation is strong. It is recommended to bring warm coats, down jackets, gloves, and non-slip boots. Women should also prepare sun protection items such as sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses.
– Pay attention to preventing altitude sickness. Shangri-La is at a high altitude (3300 meters), and it is not advisable to engage in strenuous exercise or drink alcohol. Eating more vegetables and fruits can help prevent altitude sickness.

**Cultural Respect**
– Respect local religious culture. When encountering religious facilities, it is necessary to circumambulate in a clockwise direction.
– Do not pick up or sit on mani stone piles. It is forbidden to cross over ritual instruments or fire basins; prayer wheels should not be turned in reverse. It is taboo for others to touch the top of the head. Protect the environment by taking away trash.

**Wandering through Dukezong Ancient City**
– Dukezong Ancient City is the first stop for most people coming to Shangri-La, located in Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is an ancient city with a history of over 1300 years and one of the best-preserved and largest Tibetan residential clusters in China. The name Dukezong means ‘Moonlight City’ or ‘a castle built on stones’ in Tibetan.

**Turtle Mountain Park and Giant Prayer Wheel**
– Visit Turtle Mountain Park to see the giant prayer wheel. Climbing the steps to the point of breathlessness, take a break and rest, feeling the faint scent of Tibetan incense in the wind, listening to Tibetans singing ballads. Three rotations of the giant prayer wheel are believed to bring good luck. This is the largest prayer wheel in the world, 21.45 meters high, containing 1.24 million sutras and mantras inside, and carved with patterns of snow mountains, rivers, forests, traditional Tibetan auspicious eight treasures, national unity, and great man quotes on the outside.

**[Sightseeing Guide]**

**Transportation:**
– You can take a taxi or bus from Shangri-La County, or drive yourself.

**Admission:**
– The ancient city is open for free, but some attractions require separate tickets.

**Time:**
– It is recommended to arrange half a day to a day to visit the ancient city.

**Sightseeing Recommendations:**
– **Turtle Mountain Park:** Located at the highest point of the ancient city, you can overlook the entire ancient city and the surrounding beautiful scenery.
– **Dafosi Temple:** It is the largest temple in the ancient city, with a 21-meter-high gilded Buddha statue inside.
– **Sifang Street:** It is the central square of the ancient city, surrounded by many shops and restaurants, where you can taste local cuisines and buy souvenirs.
– **Red Army Long March Museum:** It displays the history and culture of the Red Army’s Long March, making it a good place to understand the history of the Long March.

**Food Recommendations:**
– There are many restaurants and snack stalls in the ancient city, where you can taste local specialties such as butter tea, tsampa, and highland barley wine.

**Shopping Recommendations:**
– There are many shops and stalls in the ancient city, where you can buy local specialty souvenirs, such as Tibetan carpets, silver jewelry, and Tibetan incense.

**The ‘Little PotalaThe entire monastery is built on the mountain, with a grand scale, featuring red flying eaves, pink-white walls, and golden temple roofs. The architectural style is unique, integrating various cultural elements of Tibetan, Han, and Nepalese.

Stay under the scorching sun of the plateau, walk through the smoke of burning cypress leaves, spend a whole day taking photos, basking in the sun, reciting sutras, praying, and carefully observing the numerous cultural relics and artworks collected inside the temple, Buddha statues, Thangkas, murals… Surrounded by green mountains and lakes, I feel inner peace.

Address: No. 3 Niwang Road, Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan.
Transportation: Free parking. Opening hours: 07:00-22:00.
Admission: Adult 90. Sightseeing tips: When you come here, you must wear Tibetan clothes for a good photo! The average price of makeup in Shangri-La is 99, with self-selected styles including makeup and hair, unlimited time. Compared with the costume shops in Dukezong ancient city, the clothes are more beautiful and have more styles. It is recommended that friends wear them first to Dukezong for photos, and then go to Songzanlin Monastery.
Respect the local culture; Tibetan costume photoshoots are only allowed in squares and outdoor buildings, not inside temples. Songzanlin Monastery is located in a high-altitude area; bring water and snacks, and take care to walk slowly and rest frequently.

The Last Secret Land of Balagezong
Balagezong, a once uncharted secret land filled with divine traces, features a millennium Bodhi tree with a ‘Buddha’s hand’ extending from its trunk, a natural sacred mountain resembling a pagoda, and a character akin to the chosen one, Sina Dingzhu.

Sina Dingzhu, the founder of the Balagezong scenic area and the hero who changed the fate of Balage Village for 1300 years, transformed a village once nearly isolated from the world, where it took five days to leave the mountains and the sick would die on the way. Having lost one eye to an untreated injury in his childhood, Dingzhu dreamed of building a road for Balage Village. At 13, he left to do business and, after more than twenty years of hard work, used his accumulated wealth to build a road home, taking a decade and incurring huge debts, finally creating the lifeline of Balage Village, and placing Balagezong on the world map.

Must-Visit Attractions in Balagezong
Millennium Bodhi Tree: A Bodhi tree grows on the cliff, its trunk and leaves resembling a phoenix’s tail, covering nearly 400 square meters of rock surface. Miraculously, a ‘hand’ grows from the tree’s waist, reaching into a rock crevice, with branches like arms and twigs like fingers, resembling the hand of an aged person who has seen much.
Sky Mirror: The mirror-like surface allows one to see an inverted world, with the lake able to reflect the sun, moon, stars, and the sky filled with green trees and blooming flowers. Here, you’ll find not only blue skies and white clouds but also the Gezong Snow Mountain and soaring eagles, making every snapshot a visual masterpiece.
Balage Village: Nestled deep in the mountains, this hidden and tranquil ancient village features earthen walls and stone paths that have withstood the test of time, immersing visitors as if they’ve traveled back in time.
Echo Wall Glass Skywalk: At an altitude of 3000 meters with a vertical drop of 1700 meters, every angle offers a breathtaking view of the mountains, rivers, and pastoral scenery, providing a thrilling ‘floating’ sensation and opportunities for stunning photos.
Shambhala Pagoda
In Tibetan Buddhism, the Shambhala Pagoda is considered a symbol of the ‘Kingdom of Shambhala’, a mysterious and beautiful place believed to be a pure land and paradise, free from pain and worries, filled with happiness and joy. After turning 108 bends, the natural pagoda comes into view. The white snow turns into clouds in the sky, and upon looking up, they seem to surge towards you. One glance is a purification for both the eyes and the soul. The majestic Shambhala Pagoda, where the mountain is the pagoda and the pagoda is the mountain.
Shangri-La Grand Canyon: The canyon’s cliffs are lined with strange rocks, and the lake’s waters shimmer with green waves. Far from the city’s hustle and bustle, hiking between the canyons, listening to the gentle flow of streams and the melodious songs of birds, one can experience the joy of flying on a zipline or 漂流 down the river on a speedboatThe current room rate is 988, which includes a pair of scenic area tickets, a 1000-meter high glass skywalk, a thrilling zipline or a leisurely canyon rafting experience, and a Tibetan Buddhist incense-burning platform for praying and hanging prayer flags. The room is spacious, equipped with air conditioning and underfloor heating. Upon arrival, staff presented us with ceremonial scarves, and in the evening, we enjoyed local specialty dishes and chicken hotpot. At night, under a sky full of stars and a bright galaxy, we danced around the bonfire. Considering the price, I believe the cost-performance ratio is very good.

Awakening on the second day marks the beginning of a high-end adventure! Pushing open the door reveals the breathtaking sight of the golden sun illuminating the snow-capped mountains until the valley brightens significantly. After breakfast, a leisurely stroll leads to the village of Ba La, where mountain springs flow gently through the village. The warm sunlight, prayer flags, stupas, Tibetan coffee, Gesang flowers, and museums… I adore this isolated simplicity and tranquility.

Baishui Terraces, China’s Version of Pamukkale, features creamy mountain spring water, rich in calcium carbonate, flowing slowly over the gentle slopes of the mountain. The intense high-altitude sunlight causes the water to evaporate significantly, allowing calcium carbonate to gradually deposit. Over time, this creates a spectacle resembling cotton and clouds, akin to layered terraced fields. The pooled water under the sunlight turns into sapphires, earning the name ‘Fairy’s Left Fields.’ This landscape has been around for thousands of years.

Located in Baidi Village, Sanba Township, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, BaiShui Terraces is not only a natural wonder but also the birthplace of the Dongba religion of the Naxi people. The area is surrounded by numerous Dongba temples and cultural sites, such as the ancestral temple of Dongba religion, BaiShui Palace. These cultural sites and temples are not only significant places for the Naxi Dongba religion but also essential windows for understanding the culture and history of the Naxi people.

Transportation Route: Self-driving from Shangri-La City along National Highway 214 takes about 3 hours to reach BaiShui Terraces. The journey to Lijiang passes through BaiShui Terraces, Haba Snow Mountain, and Tiger Leaping Gorge, making it a highly recommended route.

Admission Fee: 30 yuan per person.

Note: Protect the environment and cultural relics by not littering or trampling on the landscape. Pay attention to sun protection and altitude sickness.

Stopover at Haba Snow Mountain, located southeast of Shangri-La City, facing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain across Tiger Leaping Gorge, is a mountain that was rapidly elevated under the strong influence of the Himalayan orogeny and subsequent Quaternary tectonic movements. The highest peak reaches 5396 meters above sea level, while the lowest river elevation is only 1550 meters. The upper part of the mountain is relatively gentle, while the lower part is steep and towering, presenting a dangerous, majestic, yet beautiful and mysterious appearance. ‘Haba’ in the Naxi language means ‘flower of gold.’

Admission Fee: The admission fee for Haba Snow Mountain is 100 yuan per person, with free access to the viewing platform.

Suggested Visit Duration: It is recommended to allocate 1-2 days to explore Haba Snow Mountain.

Attraction Recommendations: Haba Village, a small village at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain, offers beautiful snow-capped mountain and pastoral scenery. Haba Snow Mountain Base Camp, the starting point for climbing Haba Snow Mountain, has guesthouses and restaurants available for accommodation and dining services. Black Sea, a high-altitude lake on Haba Snow Mountain, features crystal-clear water surrounded by dense forests and alpine meadows. Haba Snow Mountain Main Peak, the highest peak of Haba Snow Mountain, is accessible by cable car or on foot.

Tiger Leaping Gorge, the First Gorge of the Yangtze River, is described by China National Geography as having ‘the beauty of unrestrained surging of the river and the towering waves, as well as the profound and extraordinary canyons with towering peaks.’ Upon arriving, even at the entrance, one can hear the deafening roar. Descending along the steep plank road to the bottom of the canyon, the river becomes even more ferocious here. The steep cliffs on both banks resemble sharp blades, presenting a steep and perilous landscape. The river roars past, with rapid currents and thunderous waves, as the spray lashes against the rocks on the shore, resembling an army galloping into battle.

The south bank of Tiger Leaping Gorge is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the north bank is Haba Snow Mountain. The river, tightly confined by the towering mountains on both sides, narrows to just over 50 meters wide after entering the gorge, with the narrowest point being just a leap across for a tiger or leopard, hence the name Tiger Leaping Gorge.Visiting Tiger Leaping Gorge:

Tiger Leaping Gorge is among the deepest canyons in the world, boasting a vertical height difference of over 3900 meters. This stunning scenic area is divided into three distinct parts: Upper Tiger Leap, Middle Tiger Leap, and Lower Tiger Leap. The highlight of the gorge is the Tiger Leaping Stone, situated right at its heart, which is one of the most famous attractions. Legend has it that a tiger once leaped across the river from this massive stone.

Admission fees are as follows:
– Shangri-La section: $45 per person
– Lijiang section: $65 per person

For those who prefer a more vertical experience, the elevator offers two options:
– Full journey: $100
– Downward journey: $40

The platform also hosts various activities.

Operating Hours:
The gorge is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Visitor Tips:
– The terrain is steep and paths are narrow, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable and non-slip shoes, and to dress appropriately for your visit.
– The cliffs on both sides of the river are quite precipitous, so be cautious when flying drones to avoid any obstacles.
– There are designated photo-taking spots within the scenic area. You can get 2-inch small photos for free, and 8-inch laminated large photos are available for purchase at $20. These photos are printed and displayed on-site. I found myself buying them with a laugh and also received the digital versions.