Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon located in southwestern China, in the province of Yunnan. It is part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gorge is carved by the Jinsha River, which is a tributary of the Yangtze River.
The Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world, with a depth of around 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) from the mountain peak to the river surface. The gorge is about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) long and its narrowest point is only about 30 meters (100 feet) wide.
The name "Tiger Leaping Gorge" comes from a local legend about a tiger that leaped across the gorge to escape from a hunter. The trekking trail along the gorge offers spectacular views of the mountains, waterfalls, and the river below. Hiking the trail is a popular activity among tourists, and it usually takes two to three days to complete.
The trail starts at the town of Qiaotou and ends at the village of Daju. Along the way, there are guesthouses and restaurants that provide accommodation and food for hikers. The trail is challenging and involves steep ascents and descents, but the scenery is breathtaking.
Apart from trekking, visitors can also enjoy other activities such as river rafting, rock climbing, and camping. The best time to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild and the views are the clearest.