Hutiao Gorge extending for 15 kilometers from the Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang to the Haba Snow Mountain in Shanggri-la, the Hutiao (Tiger Leaping) Gorge with a drop of 3,000 meters is believed to be the world’s deepest canyon. The name of the gorge is attributed to the legend that a tiger had once jumped across the gorge at its narrowest section 30 meters in width.

    Tiger Leaping Gorge

    Situated to the northwest of the Ancient Town of Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge with a splendid view of the swift turbulent current of the Gold Sand River is created through constant cutting by the waters between Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain and Haba Mountain. The gorge, 17 kilometers long and with drops about 300 meters in a series of 18 rapids, is divided into the Upper Gorge, the Middle Gorge and the Lower Gorge. The Lower Gorge is the most awe-inspiring part of all. The gorge, in which the Jinsha (Gold Sand) River pounds furiously at its rocky shores in an awesome fashion, sending up skyful of white froth, is a dream place for adventurers.

    Source: http://www.yunnan.cn/english/content/tc.htm