Why go
The gorge's depth — over 3,000 metres from river to peak — makes it one of the world's deepest, and the trek that follows its rim is China's most famous. It is also genuinely doable for fit beginners: good paths, marked routes, and a guesthouse every few hours.
Day one climbs from Qiaotou through the 28 bends to the Halfway House. Day two continues to Tina's, then drops to the river at the Middle Gorge before climbing back out.
- The 2-day High Trail — 28 hairpin bends, 15km of switchbacks, guesthouse nights
- The Middle Gorge and the Tiger Leaping Stone at river level
- Breakfast on a guesthouse terrace facing the snow range
- The '28 bends' climb — hardest hour, best view of the trek
Practical tips
Pack light (the ascent is real) but take water and snacks — guesthouses are basic. The trail divides after the bend; follow the red arrows. Don't attempt the river section in heavy rain, when the path turns to mud. Trekking poles help a lot.
Logistics
Buses drop you at Qiaotou; the park ticket office is at the trailhead. Book the Halfway House in peak season. From Tina's at the end, minibuses return to Lijiang or Shangri-La daily.
Getting there
- Bus from Lijiang or Shangri-La to Qiaotou (~2h)
- Depth
- ~3,900 m (river to peak)
- Trek
- High Trail ~30 km over 2 days
- River
- The Yangtze (Jinsha)
