Tiger Leaping Gorge is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Tiger Leaping Gorge?
You should plan to spend around $54 (¥384) per day on your vacation in Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $28 (¥198) on meals
- $17 (¥121) on local transportation
- $27 (¥191) on hotels
A one week trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge for two people costs, on average, $754 (¥5,376). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$377
¥2,688
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2 Weeks
Per person
$754
¥5,376
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One Month
Per person
$1,617
¥11,520
-
One Week
For a couple
$754
¥5,376
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,509
¥10,752
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,233
¥23,040
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge cost?
A one week trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge usually costs around $377 (¥2,688) for one person and $754 (¥5,376) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge on average costs around $754 (¥5,376) for one person and $1,509 (¥10,752) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Tiger Leaping Gorge will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge on average costs around $1,617 (¥11,520) for one person and $3,233 (¥23,040) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Tiger Leaping Gorge expensive to visit?
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Tiger Leaping Gorge can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $23 (¥162) per day, mid-range travelers spend $54 (¥384) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $118 (¥843) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Within Asia, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Mandalay, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Tanah Rata.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Tiger Leaping Gorge Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge?
The average Tiger Leaping Gorge trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Tiger Leaping Gorge travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge cost?
Tiger Leaping Gorge on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$6
(¥40)
|
$13
(¥95)
|
$29
(¥205)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(¥53)
|
$17
(¥121)
|
$32
(¥226)
|
Food 2
|
$11
(¥81)
|
$28
(¥198)
|
$65
(¥464)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(¥44)
|
$15
(¥106)
|
$32
(¥231)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-4
(¥10-31)
|
$3-10
(¥23-69)
|
$6-18
(¥42-127)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Tiger Leaping Gorge on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
Tiger Leaping Gorge on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $23 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most tourists in Tiger Leaping Gorge are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $54 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $118 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Tiger Leaping Gorge
The cost of hotels in Tiger Leaping Gorge can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $0, but peak season () average prices jump to $0. Overall, prices range from $0 to $0. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Tiger Leaping Gorge for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $27 (¥191). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $13 (¥95) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Tiger Leaping Gorge? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By skipping and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Tiger Leaping Gorge
In Tiger Leaping Gorge, the public transit system is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $17 (¥121) per person, per day, on local transportation in Tiger Leaping Gorge. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Tiger Leaping Gorge is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
¥121
How much does it cost to go to Tiger Leaping Gorge? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Tiger Leaping Gorge will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Tiger Leaping Gorge
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Tiger Leaping Gorge can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Tiger Leaping Gorge is $28 (¥198) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$28
¥198
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Tiger Leaping Gorge is around $28 (¥198) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $65. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Tiger Leaping Gorge are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $11
- Dinner: $8 to $19
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Local dishes consist of traditional cuisine of the Naxi people. Jidou Liangfen (a kind of jelly made from chick pea) is one of the favorite snacks of locals, as is Baba, a kind of fried potato cake that is eaten with seasoning. Others such as Bingfenliangxiao (a tasty and refreshing dessert) and butter tea are also popular with visitors. The Naxi people also have a banquet of 39 courses to entertain distinguished guests. A banquet such as this and other traditional fare can be found at Rongpo Restaurant, located in Xinhua Street in the Old Town of Lijiang. Lijiang's Square Street is also an ideal location for sampling the local snacks. There are also dining options in Qiaotou and Daju on either end of the gorge, as well as a few stops on the trail itself like the Naxi Family Guesthouse and the Halfway Guesthouse which also provide beautiful scenic views and overnight accommodations.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a water bottle instead of constantly buying drinks. It's not only convenient but also eco-friendly.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Tiger Leaping Gorge typically cost an average of $15 (¥106) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
¥106
At Tiger Leaping Gorge, the scenery of the place steals the show. The gorge itself is one of the deepest in the world, measures about 18 kilometers long, and is divided into three segments called Upper Gorge, Middle Gorge, and Lower Gorge. The town of Qiaotou is located at the Upper Gorge and is where most people begin their hikes. The Yangtze River then cuts through the depths of the gorge changing from narrow rapids to twists and turns and wider swirling whirlpools all the way through to the end of the gorge in the town of Daju. In Yunnan, this river is also called the Golden Sands River and is one of the most important in China. Either side of the gorge is shadowed by Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the east and Haba Snow Mountain to the west, standing majestically in the distance with lovely snowcapped peaks.
The area is also an ecological hotspot with many rare species of plants and animals that call the gorge home. Due to its environmental richness and sheer natural beauty, Tiger Leaping Gorge was named an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
Most people come to Tiger Leaping Gorge with the intention of hiking the High Trail which runs the length of the valley. The hike is not too strenuous if you take your time, spreading the journey out along two days. The recommended route is to hike from Qiaotou to Halfway Guesthouse on the first day, about 17 kilometers taking 6 hours. A good stopping point along the way is to have lunch at the Naxi Family Guesthouse. On day two, you can then hike the rest of the trail from Halfway Guesthouse to Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge, passing waterfalls and canyons, and then taking a ferry across the river to end in the town of Daju. The best times to hike are in October, November, and May. June to September is the most dangerous time to hike as it is the rainy season, while the winter months are very cold.
Nightlife Budget in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.47 (¥46) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Tiger Leaping Gorge per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.47
¥46
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
Traveling in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan province, China
One of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge gets its name from legend, where a tiger used a great rock in the center of the gorge as a stepping stone to leap from one side to the other. It is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery on either side with the Yangtze River rushing down through its center. Visitors come to Tiger Leaping Gorge to hike and witness its natural beauty.
Neighborhoods & Around
Tiger Leaping Gorge is bookended by a town on either end, Qiaotou at the Upper Gorge and Daju at the Lower Gorge. Both are small towns with some accommodations and dining options, however, if you are looking to spend a day getting lost in the city culture of the area, you may want to find your way to Lijiang about 60 kilometers south of the gorge.
Several small villages can be found in the gorge, and this is where most hikers find food and accommodation along their hike (thus eliminating the need for camping equipment).
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.