Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in China. It is located in Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, 105 kilometers away from the county seat, and is renowned across the country for its perilous terrain.

Legend has it that a fierce tiger once leaped down the mountain, stepped briefly on a reef in the river, and bounded across the water in one jump — hence the name Tiger Leaping Gorge. The gorge is divided into three sections: Upper Tiger Leaping, Middle Tiger Leaping and Lower Tiger Leaping, featuring a total of 18 dangerous rapids. At its narrowest point, the river is merely over 30 meters wide. Flanked by the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, the river boasts an altitude difference of more than 3,900 meters. Its depth ranks among the world's top gorges.

To enter the gorge, travel from Tiger Leaping Gorge Town past the Chongjiang River Tunnel along the foothills of Haba Snow Mountain and follow the river downstream.

Upper Tiger Leaping, 9 kilometers from the town, is the narrowest section of the entire gorge and the easiest to visit among the three parts, earning it the nickname "Recreation Center for the Elderly". Standing in the middle of the river is a massive boulder 13 meters high known as Tiger Leaping Rock. The surging river crashes violently against the rock, creating a spectacular sight.

Middle Tiger Leaping has a sharp river drop, and the "Starry Sky" reef area is its most dangerous spot. Lower Tiger Leaping features a huge ravine stretching one kilometer inward, close to the gorge exit.

There are two ways to tour the gorge. You can take a vehicle to visit the key scenic spots, which is labor-saving and efficient. Alternatively, you may hike through the gorge, either along the mountain trails of Haba Snow Mountain or the gravel roads.

The scenery here can also be categorized into gorge views and mountain views. The landscapes of Upper, Middle and Lower Tiger Leaping mentioned above all belong to gorge views, which are mainly enjoyed along the gravel road on the left hillside of the gorge. Mountain views refer to the scenery seen while hiking on Haba Snow Mountain, primarily along footpaths and the route crossing Haba Mountain to Zhongdian White Water Terraces