| The Ancient City of Lijiang is girdled by a host of | | | | yearnings for magnificent scenery. |
| attractive and wondrous attractions. Hiking the Tiger | | | | The gorge stretches about 15 kilometers (nine miles) |
| Leaping Gorge outside the Lijiang city is one of the | | | | and also affords people the possibility of rafting and |
| great highlights of any visit to this region. | | | | drifting peacefully in its large quiet sections, for the |
| The Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Gorge) is about 100 | | | | gentler folks among us and an exciting rafting |
| kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Lijiang Old Town | | | | adventure for the more experienced. |
| and is believed to be the deepest gorge in the world. | | | | This is a great sightseeing stop with enormous photo |
| From the top of the gorge you look down the | | | | opportunities. Just bring your camera, wear skid |
| steeply angled (70-90 degrees) mountain sides to the | | | | proof shoes, and be prepared to be astonished. |
| rushing Golden Sands (Jingsha) River with its 18 | | | | Recommended Hiking Tours: |
| frothing rapids more than 200 meters (about 700 | | | | Day 1: TBA-Lijiang |
| feet) below. | | | | Arrive at Lijiang airport, pick up by our English |
| Naturally divided into three sections, the first section, | | | | speaking tour guide and transfer to hotel. Visit the |
| which is the narrowest and uppermost section, is the | | | | Lijiang Old Town, escorted tour to Square Street. At |
| mouth of the fast flowing Jingsha River. In the midst | | | | night, join in the singing competition party at the bank |
| of the river mouth is a large rock that is positioned | | | | of ancient streams which wind through the town. |
| at the narrowest section of the gorge-only 30 | | | | Day 2 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge |
| meters (33 yards) wide. An ancient legend says that | | | | In the morning we will drive to Middle Tiger Leaping |
| a tiger used this rock as its stepping stone so it could | | | | Gorge, on the way stop at the Upper Tiger Leaping |
| leap across from one side of the gorge to the other, | | | | Gorge for visiting. After checking in Tina Guesthouse, |
| which is how the gorge got its name. | | | | we will walk down to the bottom of Yangtze River |
| As the river enters the middle section, it drops | | | | which is the narrowest part of Tiger Leaping Gorge. |
| another 100 meters (330 feet) and its flow rate | | | | Then climb the "Sky Ladder" up carefully to Tina |
| increases to an amazing speed. Here the thunderous | | | | Guesthouse. Overnight at Tina Guesthouse. |
| rushing waters slam into sharp, large rocks and crash | | | | Day 3 Tiger Leaping Gorge-Daju-Lijiang |
| down into the river forming swirling whirlpools. Can it | | | | In the early morning, continue the trekking through |
| get more exciting? Yes, it can as the third and | | | | trails for 3km (about 1 hour) to a small ferry, cross |
| lowest section is acclaimed for being the wildest | | | | the river by boat, climb up the cliff and see the |
| attraction of all! | | | | beautiful Daju Town. Enjoy a local lunch in the village. |
| The cliffs over-looking this section are even steeper | | | | We will take our private car back to Lijiang. On the |
| and much more dangerous. Here, the river twists and | | | | way we will stop at Yak Meadow where a cable car |
| turns and the river vigorously surges forward | | | | visit to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is available. |
| creating high waves and a frothy spew as it collides | | | | Day 4 Lijiang - TBA |
| with the mountainsides. This is a view that inspires a | | | | See off at Lijiang airport. |
| sense of adventure and satisfies the deepest | | | | |