Tiger Leaping Gorge as one of the deepest gorge throughout China is located at between Yulong Xueshan (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) and Haba Xueshan (Haba Snow Mountain) about 100 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town. It is also part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas of World Heritage Site. If you are standing on top and look down the gorge, you will be able to see the steep angled mountain sides as well as the rush flowing Jinshahe (Golden Sands River) with its frothing rapids for over 200 meters below.
The gorge is naturally divided into three sections. The first section which is the narrowest and uppermost section is the mouth of the fast flowing Jinsha River. A large rock can be found in the midst of the river’s mouth. This is the narrowest section of the gorge with total width of only 25 meters. There is a legend saying that there was a tiger that successfully jumped across the river here in order to escape from a hunter. Therefore, the site was given the name as Hutiao Xia which literally means Tiger Leaping Gorge.
The middle section of the gorge has dropped about 100 meters in height but its flowing rate is increased to an amazing speed. As for the high flowing speed of the river, swirling whirlpools are formed and therefore result in the third as well as the lowest section to be acclaimed as the wildest attraction throughout the whole scenic area. When you are here, you may witness with your own eyes regarding the wonderful of nature while inspiring a sense of adventure while satisfy the deepest yearnings of magnificent scenery.