Discovering the Hidden Shangri-La
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world, known for its spectacular natural beauty. he gorge is named after a legend that tells of a tiger leaping across the river at this point. Tiger Leaping Gorge sits above the Jinsha River (part of the upper Yangtze River) between Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain.
he gorge is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower, with the Upper section being the most famous, attracting hikers and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can hike along well-marked trails and enjoy the breathtaking views of the gorge while experiencing the cultures of the Lisu and Naxi peoples who live along the route.
Meili Snow Mountain
Meili is not a single peak but a series of mountains with an average elevation of over 6,000 meters, collectively known as the "Thirteen Peaks of the Crown Prince." The main peak, Kawagebo, stands at 6,740 meters and is the highest peak in Yunnan Province, remaining unconquered to this day.
According to Tibetan legends, Kawagebo was once a source of malevolent power but was subdued by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), transforming it into a guardian deity of Buddhism. These legends add to the mystique of Meili Snow Mountain and reinforce its status as a holy site in Tibetan Buddhism.