Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Trip: A Deep Dialogue with Nature

"Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Trip: A Deep Dialogue with Nature"

After staying in the hustle and bustle of the city for a long time, I always long for a trip that can cleanse my soul. Not long ago, I embarked on such a wonderful journey of 5 days and 4 nights, hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge, and then encountering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The ancient city of Lijiang, as the starting point and end point of this journey, also left me with a very deep impression. Those shocking scenes are still replaying in my mind.

Day 1: Step into the starting point of the hike and encounter beautiful Culture

When I stepped into the ancient city of Lijiang, this charming ancient city welcomed me with its unique quaint atmosphere. The bluestone roads, old wooden houses and gurgling streams all told the story of the years. The streets in the ancient city of Lijiang were built by the mountains and rivers, paved with red breccia. The streets were winding, and there were all kinds of shops on both sides, some selling special handicrafts, some selling local food, and some quaint teahouses and inns. Walking through it, you can hear the Naxi ancient music coming from every corner. The melodious melody adds a mysterious and elegant atmosphere to the ancient city.

 
But I know that what I am more looking forward to on this trip is the upcoming Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking trip. After a night of rest and rest, I adapted to the altitude and climate of Lijiang, tasted the local specialties, and felt its tranquility and lively atmosphere. Then I headed to the starting point of the Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking the next day.

Day 2: Embark on a hiking trip with expectations
We arrived at Shanghutiao, the narrowest section of the canyon. There is a boulder about 13 meters high in the middle of the river, called Hutiao Stone. Legend has it that a tiger once jumped from Shanghutiao through the boulder in the middle of the river, from the side of Yulong Snow Mountain to Haba Snow Mountain.
We arrived at Naxi Yage, the starting point of our hiking route. However, the next thing we have to face is the famous 28 turns of Naxi Yage. Looking at the continuous mountains in front of us and the looming Haba Snow Mountain and Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance, the excitement in my heart is indescribable. These 28 turns are like a giant dragon entrenched in the mountains, and each turn carries the challenges and expectations of hikers. The mountain road is narrow and rugged. Some places can only accommodate one person, and the slope is extremely steep, almost at an angle of 50 to 60 degrees. The dirt and stone road under your feet is not flat, so you need to be extra careful when walking, and you may slip if you are not careful. I took a deep breath and took the first step full of challenges and expectations. At first, I could still rely on the momentum of the hike, but as the altitude increased, my physical strength gradually consumed, and each step became more and more difficult. I could feel the pressure on my legs, and it was as if I was filling my legs with lead when I lifted my feet. It was extremely difficult. I silently encouraged myself in my heart, looking forward to seeing more beautiful scenery after turning over this turn. Walking along the winding mountain road, the scenery is like a slowly unfolding painting. The green vegetation swayed gently in the breeze, as if cheering for me. And the surging Jinsha River, with waves coming from the depths of the canyon, showed us its majestic momentum. And the Haba Snow Mountain and Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance also kept changing their angles during my climb, sometimes blocked by clouds and mist, and sometimes showing their majestic figures, as if silently watching me, a hiker who challenged 28 turns.

Finally, after a difficult climb, we successfully reached the top of the 28 turns of Naxi Yage. I was already out of breath at this time, but when I looked back, I could see the winding 28 turns, and a strong sense of accomplishment surged in my heart. And what unfolded in front of me was another magnificent scene. The snow-capped mountains in the distance were more clearly visible, and the Jinsha River was rushing in the canyon with more and more momentum, as if it was a reward from nature for my successful challenge. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stood majestically on the other side, and the two snow-capped mountains echoed each other from a distance, forming an extremely spectacular picture with the rushing Jinsha River under my feet. I stood there quietly, immersed in the beautiful scenery given by nature, and my heart was deeply shocked.
 
After a brief rest, I set out on the hiking road again. Going to the Tea Horse Inn, this section of the journey was relatively easy, in sharp contrast to the difficult climb of the previous 28 turns. On the way, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the canyon and the magnificent scenery of the surrounding mountains. Walking along the path on the mountainside, you can see some houses and farmlands of local residents and feel the local life atmosphere.

When we arrived at Halfway Inn, I was really amazed by the famous "Balcony that will blow you away". Standing on the balcony, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Haba Snow Mountain were right in front of us, as if they were within reach. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the magnificent figures of the two snow-capped mountains were fully revealed. The snow-capped peaks shone with dazzling light under the sun, making people sigh at the wonders of nature.
 
However, the most fortunate thing was that we saw the Golden Mountain in the Sun, which was extremely shocking and beautiful. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance was gradually covered with a layer of golden brilliance under the sun, and the light and dark light and shadow made the layers of the snow mountain more distinct. This dreamy Golden Mountain in the Sun will be forever fixed in my memory.

However, what I look forward to most is the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Day 3: Go deep into Tiger Leaping Gorge and feel the majestic power of nature
Starting from Halfway, walk along the steep path to the bottom of the canyon. All the way to Longdong Waterfall, the waterfall pours down from the cliff, and the splashes and mist formed by the water hitting the rocks form a spectacular scene. Below the waterfall, there is a pool of water, where you can feel cool and moist. Looking down, you can see that the waterfall will flow into the Jinsha River. The sound of waves is very inspiring. While enjoying the waterfall, you can also feel the charm and power of nature. Going forward, I came to Teacher Zhang's Inn to rest and replenish my energy. At the top of the canyon, the blue sky and white clouds form a sharp contrast with the canyon. The sky is as blue as a gem, and the clouds are as white as cotton wool, floating leisurely, which further highlights the depth and steepness of the canyon.
 
Going down all the way to the bottom of the canyon, standing by the surging Jinsha River, I was completely shocked by the scene in front of me. The river water roared like a galloping horse, and the sound of waves was deafening, as if it was going to swallow up everything in the world. The huge impact splashed water and made me really feel the majestic power of nature. I stood there quietly, letting the roar of the river fill my ears, but my heart was extremely calm, as if I was having a silent dialogue with this great nature. The scenery of Zhonghutiao combines the majestic river, the steepness of the canyon, the firmness of the boulders and the clarity of the sky. Every scene can become a very shocking picture in the photos of life.

Farewell to Tiger Leaping Gorge, the trip was worthwhile, but it brought me great exercise, and the bitterness before the sweetness became concrete.

Day 4: Encounter Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, touch the ice and snow wonderland

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Riding the large cable car to rise slowly, looking at the gradually changing scenery outside the window, my heart is full of expectations. As the altitude increases, the temperature drops sharply, and the world in front of me has changed from green to a silver-clad world. When the cable car arrived at the top of the mountain, the moment I stepped out of the car, it seemed as if I had stepped into a fairyland of ice and snow. The mountains in the distance are rolling and shining under the sun. The thick snow seems to have covered the peaks with a gorgeous white cloak. The sea of clouds is rolling under my feet, sometimes like a turbulent sea, sometimes like light cotton wool, and the snow-capped mountains set off each other, forming a beautiful picture. I walked on the top of the mountain, carefully touching the white snow, feeling its coldness and purity, and my heart was full of awe for nature.

After getting off the cable car, we came to the Blue Moon Valley. If the top of Yulong Snow Mountain is the kingdom of ice and snow, then the Blue Moon Valley is a fairyland on earth. The lake water presents a unique blue color, clear to the bottom, as if it is a mirror of the sky. The surrounding green trees, green mountains and snow-capped mountains in the distance are reflected in the lake. With the ripples of the breeze, the picture becomes more vivid. I strolled along the lake, breathing the fresh air, listening to the birds singing, and enjoying the tranquility and beauty.

After getting off the cable car, we came to the Blue Moon Valley. If the top of Yulong Snow Mountain is the kingdom of ice and snow, then the Blue Moon Valley is a fairyland on earth. The lake water presents a unique blue color, clear to the bottom, as if it is a mirror of the sky. The surrounding green trees, green mountains and snow-capped mountains in the distance are reflected in the lake. With the ripples of the breeze, the picture becomes more vivid. I strolled along the lake, breathing the fresh air, listening to the birds singing, and enjoying the tranquility and beauty.

Day 5: Farewell to Lijiang, take away the good memories
On the last day, I returned to the ancient city of Lijiang again. There is more tranquility and peace in my heart. Looking at those quaint buildings, I recall the bits and pieces of the past few days.

Here, I have tasted the delicious Lijiang specialties, experienced the party's characteristic culture, and felt the Yunnan special songs in the shops on the streets and alleys, listened to the people around me chatting, and felt the leisurely and contented atmosphere of life. Every corner of the ancient city seems to hide stories. Those mottled walls and ancient doors and windows have witnessed the changes of time.

I also witnessed many friends who hiked together. This trip not only allowed me to appreciate the magnificent beauty of nature, but also made me feel the warmth and friendship between people.

When I dragged my luggage and slowly walked out of the ancient city of Lijiang and embarked on the return journey, I felt more satisfied. This 5-day and 4-night Tiger Leaping Gorge hike and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain trip is like a deep dialogue with nature. It allows me to see the majestic power and ingenuity of nature, and makes me cherish this gift from nature more in my heart. I know that this beautiful memory will always remain in my heart and become an unforgettable experience in my life.

I hope that more people can walk out of the city, walk into nature, feel the pure beauty and shock, and start their own wonderful journey of life. Yunnan, a place I will go again!