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Lijiang
Tiger Leaping Gorge
About 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of
Lijiang Old Town lying
between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) and Haba Snow
Mountain (Haba Xueshan) is Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Gorge), which is
believed to be the deepest gorge in the world. From the top of the gorge
you look down the steeply angled (70-90 degrees) mountain sides to the
rushing Golden Sands (Jingsha) River with its 18 frothing rapids more
than 200 meters (about 700 feet) below.
Naturally divided into three sections, the first
section, which is the narrowest and uppermost section, is the mouth of
the fast flowing
Jingsha River. In the midst of the river's mouth is a large rock that is
positioned at the gorge's narrowest section-only 30 meters (33 yards)
wide. An ancient legend says that a tiger used this rock as its
steppingstone so it could leap across from one side of the gorge to the
other, which is how the gorge got its name.
As the river enters the middle section, it drops
another 100 meters (330 feet) and its flow rate increases to an amazing
speed. Here the thunderous rushing waters slam into sharp, large rocks
and crash down into the river forming swirling whirlpools. Can it get
more exciting? Yes, it can as the third and lowest section is acclaimed
for being the wildest attraction of all!
The cliffs over-looking this section are even steeper
and much more dangerous. Here, the river twists and turns and the river
vigorously surges forward, creating high waves and a frothy spew as it
collides with the mountainsides. This is a view that inspires a sense of
adventure and satisfies the deepest yearnings for magnificent scenery.
The gorge stretches about 15 kilometers (nine miles)
and also affords people the possibility of rafting and drifting
peacefully in its large quiet sections, for the gentler folks among us
and an exciting rafting adventure for the more experienced. Do not want
to raft?
Useful Tips: This is a great sightseeing stop with
enormous photo opportunities. Bring your camera, wear skid-proof shoes,
and be prepared to be astonished.
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