How to Get from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge: Bus, Train & Transfer (2026)

Quick Answer

Recommended Route Steps

1. Get to Lijiang Bus Station: The station is on Kangzhong Road (康仲路) in Lijiang Old Town district. Take a taxi (CNY 10–15 from Old Town) or local bus. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
2. Buy your ticket: Go to the ticket counter and show your passport. Say "虎跳峡" (Hǔtiàoxiá) or "桥头" (Qiáotóu). Tickets cost CNY 30–40 one-way. You can also book via Trip.com or the WeChat mini-program "丽江交运".
3. Show your passport: Foreign passports are accepted. The staff will register your passport number on the ticket.
4. Find the right bus: Check the departure board for "桥头" (Qiáotou) or ask staff to point you to the correct platform. Buses are typically medium-sized coaches.
5. Get off at Qiaotou: The bus arrives at Qiaotou Town (虎跳峡镇) after approximately 2 hours. The driver will usually call out the stop.
6. Continue to the trailhead: From Qiaotou, take a local minibus or taxi to the Tiger Leaping Gorge trailhead (~15 min, CNY 10–20). Many hikers start from Qiaotou directly on the high trail.

Transport Mode Comparison

Precise Location Info

🇨🇳 Show This to the Driver

Screenshot or copy the Chinese text below and show it to bus station staff or taxi drivers.

我要去虎跳峡（桥头镇），请问这辆车是否经过？

I'm going to 虎跳峡（桥头镇） (Qiaotou Town (Tiger Leaping Gorge)). Does this bus stop there?

请问从哪里上车？几点发车？

Where do I board? What time does it depart?

到虎跳峡（桥头镇）多少钱？

How much is the fare to 虎跳峡（桥头镇） (Qiaotou Town (Tiger Leaping Gorge))?

💡 Tip: Take a screenshot of the Chinese text above and keep it on your phone. You can also copy it into Baidu Translate for audio playback.

Ticket & Payment Tips

Trip.com: Can book bus tickets online with international credit cards — recommended for foreigners.
WeChat mini-program "丽江交运" (Lijiang Transport): Works but requires a Chinese phone number. Ask your hotel to help book.
Foreign passport: Accepted at the bus station counter. Bring your physical passport — digital copies may not be accepted.
Chinese phone number: Not required for on-site purchase. Needed for WeChat mini-program booking.
On-site purchase: Available at Lijiang Bus Station. Arrive early in peak season as buses can sell out.
Payment: Cash (CNY), WeChat Pay, and Alipay all accepted at the station. International credit cards not accepted.
Shared van alternative: CNY 79 one-way or CNY 140 round-trip, bookable via WeChat. More flexible departure times.

Seasonal Notes & Warnings

⚠️July–August monsoon—landslides possible; road was closed July 31, 2026 due to heavy rainfall. Best months: April–May and September–October. Last return bus typically departs around 16:00.

Schedules and fares may change seasonally. Always confirm locally before travel.

Return Journey

To return to Lijiang, take a bus from Qiaotou back to Lijiang Bus Station. The last bus typically departs around 16:00. Shared vans (CNY 79 one-way) can also be arranged through guesthouses and offer more flexible timing. Alternatively, continue onward to Shangri-La from Qiaotou.

Backup Options

What if the bus is full or you miss the last departure?

Private car/taxi CNY 300–400; Didi intercity ~CNY 250–280; Shared van via WeChat CNY 79 one-way or CNY 140 round-trip. If the last bus has departed, negotiate a taxi at the bus station or arrange a pick-up through your guesthouse.

Verification & Updates

Schedules and fares may change seasonally. This information was last checked on 2026-08-03.

Spotted a change? Report a Route Update via WhatsApp and help fellow travelers.

Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge