Updated: May 23, 2026
Written by: Corry + Ling
Categories: Asia, China, Yunnan
Introduction
This complete Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking guide will help you navigate one of the world’s most breathtaking tiger leaping gorge hiking destinations in China. Whether you’re planning your first tiger leaping gorge hiking adventure, a 1-day hike, a 2-day trek, or a multi-day adventure, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
Carved by the mighty Jinsha River, Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡, hǔ tiào xiá) is not just another scenic canyon. It’s one of the world’s deepest gorges, plunging over 3,700 metres below towering mountain peaks. The legend goes that a tiger once leapt across the narrow chasm to escape a hunter — and that’s how Tiger Leaping Gorge got its iconic name. Whether you believe the tale or not, this place is seriously impressive.
Whether you’re hiking the upper trail from Lijiang, exploring the dramatic middle gorge with its Sky Ladder, or planning a multi-day backpacking adventure, this guide has you covered. Get ready for jaw-dropping scenery, epic tiger leaping gorge hiking routes, and essential travel tips to make the most of your adventure.
Quick Links
- How to Get from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Tiger Leaping Gorge Best Trails & Routes
- Travel Tips
- Must-See Spots
- Where to Stay
- Eat & Drink
- Best Time to Visit
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How to Get from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
The most common starting point for tiger leaping gorge hiking is Lijiang, a charming city in Yunnan Province, southern China. You can also access Tiger Leaping Gorge from Shangri-La to the north, but the Lijiang route is more popular with backpackers and independent travelers.
How to get from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge is straightforward. There are several ways to travel from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge, with options for different budgets. You have three main transport options: shared taxis (pin che), private taxis, or organized tours. We’ll break down each option so you can choose what works best for your budget and schedule.
Pin Che (Shared Taxi) — Budget-Friendly & Most Popular Way to Get from Lijiang
Pin che is the most economical way to get from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge. These shared minivans operate daily and are run entirely through WeChat (there’s no official website). This is exactly how we traveled, and we highly recommend it for budget-conscious hikers.
How to Book a Pin Che
To book your shared taxi from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge, use the WeChat mini program. In the WeChat search bar, search for ‘虎跳峡徒步直通车’ (Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking shuttle) to find the booking page. The interface is in Chinese, so you may need to use WeChat’s built-in translation feature.
No WeChat? Ask your hostel to help you book — most Lijiang guesthouses have experience booking these shuttles for guests.
Cost of Pin Che from Lijiang
- One-way trip: 79¥ ($11 USD) — best if you’re flexible about your return date
- Return trip (1–2 days): 140¥ ($19 USD) — includes the 45¥ entry fee to the Upper Hiking Trail
- Return trip with onwards transport to Shangri-La: 149¥ ($21 USD) — includes Upper Trail entry; choose your onwards journey 1–2 days later
Note: When booking, confirm whether the 45¥ Upper Trail entry is included. At the time of our visit, some travelers still had to pay separately, so it’s worth double-checking.
Departure Times & Journey Details
The pin che departs daily from outside Lijiang Ancient City between 7:00–8:00 AM. The shuttle follows a fixed route, so the driver will contact you the night before to arrange a pickup point closest to your accommodation.
Journey time: ~2.5 hours
Arrival at trailhead: Usually by 10:30 AM at Naxi Village
Return buses: 4:30 PM from Middle Gorge (end of Upper Trail) or 5:00 PM towards Shangri-La
Caption: Friendly encounter on the shared minivan (pin che) returning from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangri-La
Private Taxi — Flexibility & Comfort
If you prefer more flexibility or are traveling in a group, a private taxi from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge costs around 390¥ ($54 USD) each way. This option is ideal if you have four or more people (cheaper per person) or want to set your own schedule and stops along the way.
Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking: Best Trails & Routes
Tiger Leaping Gorge offers flexible hiking options to suit all fitness levels and time constraints. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular routes.
Recommended 2-Day Itinerary: Naxi Village to Middle Gorge
This is the most popular way to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge, and it’s our personal recommendation. The 2-day route allows you to complete the entire Upper Trekking Route and also explore the spectacular Middle Gorge with its dramatic Sky Ladder and river scrambling.
Day 1: Naxi Village → Halfway (Yongsheng) — 5 Hours
What to know: This is relatively easy hiking with moderate scenery. The day starts with the famous 28 bends, but don’t let the name intimidate you — it’s not too bad and you’ll warm up quickly.
Morning (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM): Start your tiger leaping gorge hike from Naxi Village at the trailhead. The first section features the 28 bends switchbacks — which sound scarier than they are. After about 3 hours, you’ll reach the Tea Horse Guesthouse (茶马客线, chá mǎ kè xiàn), a great spot for a late lunch break.
The guesthouse has a lovely viewing balcony and café/bar with simple rice dishes for around 30¥ ($4 USD). Grab a beer, admire the views, and recharge.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): From Tea Horse Guesthouse, it’s another 2 easy hours to Halfway (半途) — the unofficial name for Yongsheng (永胜, yǒng shèng), a small town nestled on the hillside. This is where most hikers stay overnight.
You won’t find a place literally called “Halfway” on Google Maps, but any local or guesthouse owner will point you to Yongsheng. It has plenty of guesthouses, homestays, and hostels to choose from.
Day 2: Halfway → Middle Gorge — 2–4 Hours (Plus Exploration)
What to know: This is the best part of the hike. Although it’s only 2 hours of actual hiking, you’ll want to arrive by midday to have time to explore the Middle Gorge in the afternoon.
Morning: Leave Yongsheng early and hike the final section of the Upper Trail. The scenery gets progressively more spectacular as you approach Tina’s Guesthouse (香格里拉中峡国际青年旅舍), which marks the end of the Upper Trekking Route.
Afternoon — Explore the Middle Gorge: This is where things get exciting. The Middle Gorge (中虎跳, zhōng hǔ tiào) features three different descent routes down to the river, each offering a unique experience:
- Ray of Sunshine Path (一线天) — Our choice. Spectacularly beautiful with incredible photo opportunities.
- Sky Ladder Path (天梯) — The most adventurous option with ladders. Fastest route down and back up.
- Teacher Zhang’s Inn Trail (张老师) — The most scenic, with more steps and views.
Each trail costs about 15¥ ($2 USD) to access. We entered via Ray of Sunshine and exited via Teacher Zhang’s Inn, which gave us the full experience.
What to expect: Rock scrambling, steel wire ladders, homemade wooden bridges, and dramatic river views. In winter, the water is a stunning turquoise blue. In summer, rain swells the river into a raging, muddy beast — both are incredible to see up close.
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Caption: Exploring the dramatic river scrambling and trail options in the Middle Gorge
Short on Time? One-Day Hiking Options
If you only have one day, Tiger Leaping Gorge is still highly customizable. Here are your best options:
Option 1: Half-Day Upper Trail (Halfway to Middle Gorge)
Duration: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Skip the first half of the upper trail. Instead, start from Halfway (Yongsheng) or Tea Horse Guesthouse and hike directly to Middle Gorge. Many hikers consider this the most scenic part of the trail, and you’ll still have time to explore the Middle Gorge before catching the 4:30 PM return bus.
Option 2: Explore the Middle Gorge Only
Duration: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Skip the upper trail entirely and focus on the Middle Gorge. There are 4–5 hours worth of trails here with river access, ladders (including the famous Sky Ladder), and amazing photo opportunities. You can easily spend a full day exploring without rushing.
Option 3: Visit Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area
Important: The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area (上虎跳峡景区) is a separate, officially ticketed area (45¥/$6 USD) distinct from the hiking trail. It’s more touristy and better suited for elderly visitors or those with mobility limitations. If you want a true hiking experience, skip this and do the hiking trail instead.
Multi-Day Options & All-Inclusive Tours
Want to stay longer? You can extend your visit by exploring the Lower Gorge (includes privately maintained sections, ladders, and access fees) or doing a 3+ day trek with camping.
Prefer guided experiences? Several operators offer all-inclusive 2-day/1-night tours for around 860¥ ($119 USD) per person, which includes transfers, private guide, insurance, accommodation with mountain views, all meals, entry tickets, and photography stops. Contact your hostel for current operators.
Must-See Spots on the Tiger Leaping Gorge Trail
The Upper Trekking Route: Your Hiking Path
The Upper Trekking Route is the main hiking trail that most visitors follow. Here are the key landmarks and stops you’ll encounter:
The 28 Bends (Qiaotou Start — Optional)
The official trail starts at Qiaotou (桥头, qiáo toú), where you’ll encounter the famous 28 bends switchbacks. These switchbacks climb through a lush green valley and offer early views of the gorge. If you want to maximize your hiking experience and arrive early to beat crowds, stay overnight at Qiaotou and start here.
Naxi Village: Where Most Hikers Start
Naxi Village (纳西雅阁, nà xī yǎ gé) is the most common starting point for day hikers. It marks the beginning of the 28 bends section and saves you 1–2 hours compared to starting at Qiaotou. Most pin che shuttles from Lijiang arrive here by 10:30 AM.
Tea Horse Guesthouse: The Lunch Stop
Tea Horse Guesthouse (茶马客线, chá mǎ kè xiàn) is a welcome rest point about 3 hours into your hike. It has a restaurant, café, and scenic balcony — perfect for refueling before the afternoon push to Halfway. Simple meals cost around 30¥ ($4 USD).
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Caption: Travelers enjoying the stunning mountain backdrop at a scenic rest stop on the upper trail
Halfway (Yongsheng): Your Overnight Base
Halfway (半途) or Yongsheng (永胜) is the most popular overnight stop for hikers. This small town sits on a hillside with plenty of guesthouses and homestays. We stayed at a lovely family homestay (book via Trip.com), where the rooms were simple but comfortable, and the views from the porch were spectacular.
Why stay here? It’s centrally located between the start and end of the trail, allowing you to do the Upper Trekking Route and Middle Gorge exploration without exhaustion.
Dragon’s Cave Waterfall
On Day 2, you’ll pass the Dragon’s Cave Waterfall (龙洞水瀑布, lóng dòng shǔi pù bù), where the trail crosses a small waterfall. Be cautious in this 30-meter section — goats often cause rockfalls from above. Keep moving steadily but carefully.
Tina’s Guesthouse: End of Upper Trail
Tina’s Guesthouse (香格里拉中峡国际青年旅舍) marks the end of the Upper Trekking Route and your entry point to the Middle Gorge. This is where you’ll arrange luggage storage and access to the Middle Gorge trails.
The Middle Gorge: Where the Magic Happens
This is the most dramatic part of your tiger leaping gorge hiking adventure. The Middle Gorge features three main descent routes, each with its own character and adventure level.
The Sky Ladder (天梯) — Most Famous
The Sky Ladder is the most iconic feature of the tiger leaping gorge hike. This dramatic series of ladders descends steeply to the river below. It’s the fastest route in/out (and the most adrenaline-pumping). If you’re short on time or crave adventure, this is your route.
Cost: 15¥ ($2 USD)
Ray of Sunshine Path (一线天) — Our Favorite
Ray of Sunshine Path is absolutely stunning — narrow, dramatic, and incredibly photogenic. We took this route on our way down, and it was genuinely one of the best hikes we’ve done. Allow extra time for photos.
Cost: 15¥ ($2 USD)
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Caption: The stunning and narrow Ray of Sunshine Path descending to the river in Middle Gorge
Teacher Zhang’s Inn Trail (张老师) — Scenic & Steep
Teacher Zhang’s Inn Trail is the longest route, with lots of steps and arguably the most beautiful views. It’s steeper than the others, so take your time and bring plenty of water.
Cost: 15¥ ($2 USD)
Pro tip: Enter via one route (e.g., Ray of Sunshine) and exit via another (e.g., Teacher Zhang’s). This gives you the full experience.
Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge
We didn’t hike the Lower Gorge, but we’ve heard from other travelers that it’s beautiful. It includes privately maintained sections, more ladders, and wooden bridges over the river. Avoid this section during summer’s rainy season when bridges are slippery.
Travel Tips for Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
What to Pack for Your Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek
- Water: Bring at least 2–3 liters. There are guesthouses en route, but you don’t want to run dry on the trail.
- Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit. Guesthouses have limited selection, so bring extras.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. The gorge is in a high valley with intense sun.
- Sturdy hiking boots: Non-negotiable. You’ll be scrambling over rocks and crossing ladders.
- Layers: Weather can change quickly in the mountains.
- Insect repellent: Especially in summer.
- Poles or walking stick: Helps on descents and scrambling sections.
Food & Water on the Trail
Eating and drinking options on the trail are limited. Your best strategy is to stock up in Lijiang before you leave. Guesthouses along the route (Tea Horse, Halfway, Tina’s) offer basic meals, but selection is limited and hours can be unpredictable.
Can you find vendors on the trail? There are a few local vendors along the way selling snacks and drinks, but don’t rely on them for meals. It’s better to pack your own.
Water safety: Guesthouses provide boiled water. Tap water from the river isn’t safe to drink. Bring purification tablets or a filter if you want flexibility.
Luggage Storage
If you’re doing the 2-day hike and want to leave your main backpack behind, arrange luggage storage with your transfer company. The two most reliable guesthouses offering free storage are:
- Tina’s Guesthouse (香格里拉中峡国际青年旅舍)
- Teacher Zhang’s Inn (张老师客线)
Cost to move bags between locations: 80¥–100¥ ($11–14 USD) per bag per trip — expensive and unnecessary if you can avoid it.
Recommendation: Carry only essentials (water, snacks, camera, rain jacket) in a small daypack.
Best Physical Fitness Level
- Day 1 (Naxi to Halfway): Easy to moderate. Mostly gradual climbing with one steep section (the 28 bends).
- Day 2 (Halfway to Middle Gorge exploration): Moderate. Short hiking but includes scrambling, ladder climbing, and river crossings.
- Overall: No technical climbing required. This hike is accessible to anyone with basic fitness. Overweight or very unfit hikers might find it challenging but doable.
Permits & Fees
- Upper Trekking Route entry: 45¥ ($6 USD) — usually included if booked via pin che
- Middle Gorge trail access: 15¥ ($2 USD) per trail — charged by locals with QR code payment
- No permit required — just show up with a ticket
Where to Stay: Guesthouses on Tiger Leaping Gorge
Halfway (Yongsheng): The Hub
Yongsheng is the unofficial overnight capital of Tiger Leaping Gorge hikers. It has the most guesthouses, homestays, and hostels, with prices ranging from 30–80¥ ($4–11 USD) for basic rooms.
Where we stayed: A family homestay called “Leaning against the small courtyard on the hill“ (visible on Trip.com). Simple rooms, shared bathrooms, but the porch views were absolutely worth the stay. Home-cooked meals were available for 30–40¥ ($4–6 USD).
Book via: Trip.com, which has lots of local homestay options and is foreigner-friendly.
Why stay here? Perfect location for tackling the trail’s second day without rushing. The town has multiple guesthouses so you can compare options.
Qiaotou: Early Start Option
Qiaotou (桥头) is the official trailhead. If you want to start early and beat the crowds of hikers arriving from Lijiang around 10 AM, consider staying here overnight. Several guesthouses cater to hikers.
Tina’s Guesthouse: Middle Gorge Access
Tina’s Guesthouse (香格里拉中峡国际青年旅舍) sits right at the top of the Middle Gorge. Some hikers stay here overnight to do a full day of Middle Gorge exploration. It’s more expensive than Halfway but convenient if you want to linger.
Teacher Zhang’s Inn: Alternative Mid-Trail Stop
Teacher Zhang’s Inn is another Mid-trail guesthouse option, especially if you use their trail for Middle Gorge access.
Eat and Drink on the Tiger Leaping Gorge Trail
Guesthouses & Homestay Meals
Tea Horse Guesthouse: Simple rice dishes, noodles. ~30¥ ($4 USD)
Halfway/Yongsheng homestays: Home-cooked meals. ~30–50¥ ($4–7 USD)
Caption: Delicious home-cooked meal enjoyed at our homestay in Halfway
Tina’s Guesthouse: Standard traveler meals.
Selection is limited, but meals are inexpensive and filling. Eat what they offer — you likely won’t have other options.
Local Vendors
A few vendors operate along the trail selling instant noodles, snacks, bottled water, and drinks. Don’t count on finding them, but it’s a nice surprise if you do.
Best Strategy
Stock up in Lijiang. Hit the supermarket and grab energy bars, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, and instant noodle cups. These items store well and give you flexibility and variety on the trail.
Best Time to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is hikeable year-round, but timing affects your experience:
Winter (December–February): Clear & Calm
Best for: Photography, clear views, calm river Water conditions: Stunning turquoise blue Weather: Cool but dry; 10–15°C during the day Crowds: Fewer hikers, especially January–February Cons: Cold mornings; can be muddy in shaded areas
Winter is spectacular if you can handle the chill.
Spring (March–May): Mild & Green
Best for: Pleasant weather, growing vegetation Weather: 15–20°C, mostly dry Crowds: Increasing mid-to-late spring Water conditions: Still relatively clear Cons: Occasional rain
Great balance of weather and moderate crowds.
Summer (June–August): Wet & Wild
Best for: Dramatic river views, waterfalls, raw power Water conditions: Raging, muddy, powerful — genuinely breathtaking Weather: Warm but very wet; frequent afternoon rain Crowds: Peak season — expect lots of hikers Cons: Slippery paths, muddy water, rain gear essential
We actually hiked in summer and loved the raw energy of the swollen river. Just be prepared for mud and rain.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp & Golden
Best for: Perfect weather, clear views, fewer crowds Weather: 15–22°C, dry, sunny Crowds: Lower than summer, perfect conditions Cons: None really
Autumn is arguably the best overall season.
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Caption: The dramatic river views in Middle Gorge showing the beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge
FAQs: Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
Q: How many days should I spend at Tiger Leaping Gorge?
A: 2 days/1 night is the sweet spot. Allows you to do the full Upper Trekking Route and explore Middle Gorge without rushing. 1 day is possible but tight; 3+ days if you want to relax and explore more.
Q: Is Tiger Leaping Gorge hard to hike?
A: No. It’s mostly moderate hiking with one steep section (the 28 bends). The main challenge is the Middle Gorge scrambling and ladder climbing, which requires sure feet but not technical skill.
Q: Can I do Tiger Leaping Gorge as a day trip from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge?
A: Technically yes, but it’s very tight. You’d spend 2.5 hours traveling each way, leaving ~5–6 hours for hiking. The second half of the Upper Trail to Middle Gorge is doable in a day if you’re fit and fast.
Q: What’s the difference between the Upper Trekking Route and Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area?
A: They’re completely different. The Upper Trekking Route is a real hiking trail. The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area is a separate, officially ticketed viewing area — more touristy, less adventurous.
Q: Which route to the Middle Gorge is best?
A: Depends on your style. Sky Ladder = fastest & most adrenaline. Ray of Sunshine = most beautiful & photogenic. Teacher Zhang’s = longest with best views. Do two if you have time.
Q: Can I hike Tiger Leaping Gorge independently without a guide?
A: Yes, absolutely. The trail is well-marked, and many solo travelers hike it daily. Guides aren’t necessary.
Q: What if I’m scared of heights?
A: You can still hike the Upper Trekking Route — it’s not exposed. The Middle Gorge has some exposure on ladders, especially Sky Ladder. Skip that if you’re uncomfortable, and do Ray of Sunshine or Teacher Zhang’s instead.
Q: Do I need hiking permits?
A: No, just the entry ticket (45¥ for Upper Trail, 15¥ per Middle Gorge trail).
Final Thoughts on Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of our favorite hikes in China. The combination of dramatic scenery, manageable difficulty, budget-friendly pricing, and flexible options makes it accessible to almost any traveler.
The Upper Trekking Route delivers the classic tiger leaping gorge hiking experience, but the Middle Gorge is where the magic really happens. If you only have time for one part, don’t skip the Middle Gorge and the Sky Ladder — it’s truly unforgettable.
Whether you choose the 2-day option we recommend or customize your own itinerary, Tiger Leaping Gorge won’t disappoint.
Want More China Travel Guides?
Check out our other Yunnan & China guides:
- How to Get from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge — Transportation details
- Lijiang, China Guide — Where to stay before/after
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — Avatar mountains
- Wulong Karst National Park — Another stunning gorge
Happy hiking!
Corry + Ling
About the Authors
We’re Corry + Ling, a couple of Aussies who love chasing sunsets, good food, and unforgettable places around the world. We spent 8+ months traveling through China and created this guide based on our real experience hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge. We share practical itineraries, honest tips, and the little discoveries that make adventures special. Follow us on Instagram @traveldayztravel for more travel inspiration.
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So much useful information, thank you.
You’re welcome! Always happy to share our knowledge with fellow travellers :)
There are vendors every 200 meters!
Yes Ben, there are a few vendors along the way—perfect for snacks and refreshments.
One even helped shoo away some wild goats that were bothering us.
Definitely an unexpected bonus of having locals around!
After doing my research on ChatGPT, I came to the conclusion that if I only have a day, the best experience of TLG will be hiking from Naxi guesthouse to Halfway guesthouse. Your post seems to suggest otherwise and I’m confused.
Hi, great question! We understand why you may feel some confusion, so we just want to emphasise that the blog reflects our personal experiences and opinions based on what we found during our visit :)
Personally, we LOVED the middle gorge and felt it was easily the most exciting part of our hike because it involved lots of climbing and allowed us to be close to the river. That said, everyone (including AI!) will likely have their own views so it’s really up to you to pick your own adventure!!
Hi,
Thanks for so many useful information.
I have only one day for Tiger leaping Gorge and would like to go from Halfway (or Tea Horse) Guesthouse to Middle Gorge (I guess you mean Tina’s GuestHouse)… it is apparently the nicest part of upper trail.
Do you know if it can be done as a day trip from Lijiang ? (in such case, do you think it is feasible by my own with public buses ? or can only be done with organized tour ?)
Thank you
Denis
Hi Denis, yes you’re definitely right that the second part is the nicest part of the the upper trekking route! You could potentially do it as a day trip and definitely without a tour, though you’ll just need to manage your timings quite tightly. From what we know there’s no public bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge, but there are daily charters for a good price (much better than private taxi). Try to book via the WeChat mini program we included in our blog since we’ve used it ourselves and had a few readers use it since – all with good feedback :)
Just note from memory, the last departure from TLG to Lijiang is around 4-5pm and the journey there takes a few hours and we only started at 11am from the trail head. That said from, halfway to Middle Gorge is fairly short and we only spent a few hours at a leisurely pace. If you’re ahead of schedule we’d suggest exploring a bit of Middle Gorge cause it’s really quite beautiful too.
Hope that helps!!
Corry + Ling
Great post, thank you!
Regarding “fully guided 2D1N tour for 860¥ (119 USD) per person”, any idea where I can find more information about this?
Thank you so much for all the helpful information you shared! It was really useful.
Just a small update that would be great to add near the top of this section: at the moment, the second part of the trail is closed. The three of them:
Ray of Sunshine Path (一线天)
Sky Ladder Path (天梯)
Teacher Zhang’s Inn Trail (张老师)
I heard it was due to an incident where someone passed away, but it’s unclear when it will reopen.
Maybe add a short note like this above the trail options so people see it before reading:
Update: The second section of the trail is currently closed. There is no confirmed reopening date at the moment. Please check the latest updates before visiting.