The first hidden gem of the year is a grand canyon behind the snow-capped mountains.

A mountain separates two cities. To the south is the ancient city of Lijiang, a place of dreams, with jade-like lakes, peacocks, and beautiful scenery. To the north is the ancient Tea Horse Road, the Tiger Leaping Gorge, temples, prayer flags, white pagodas, and mani stones in the snow, and the magnificent Shangri-La. From Shangri-La to Lijiang, you will be surrounded by the endless Jade Dragon Snow Mountain! Tiger Leaping Gorge is a grand canyon behind the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. 🚩 Tickets for Tiger Leaping Gorge are CNY 45 per person. You can buy a direct elevator ticket for CNY 65 one way or CNY 100 round trip (discounts are available on some travel apps, CNY 50 one way or CNY 70 round trip). ⚠️ However, the stairs are not very long, and you can finish them in about 10 minutes. There are many benches along the way, so I don't think the elevator ticket is necessary unless you are too tired to climb the stairs. ❗️ The visitor center of Tiger Leaping Gorge is 5 km north of the scenic area and parking lot, so don't miss it. The scenic area only accepts paper tickets, so you need to exchange your online ticket at the visitor center before entering the scenic area and parking. There are also specialty stores in the Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area, selling local snacks, coffee, and five-colored ema for visitors to make wishes. Finally, there is a hidden level! There is a small tiger statue on the cliff of Tiger Leaping Gorge, roaring at us! Did you see it?՞˶･֊･˶՞ The canyon forest is colorful in winter. The Jinsha River is sometimes turbulent and sometimes quiet, flowing past the canyon. The Jinsha River is gentle and clear in winter, with green water. The waves splashing on the Tiger Leaping Stone are also pure white. ‼️ On the way from Shangri-La to Lijiang, there are several free parking observation decks where you can enjoy the distant bridge and the Tea Horse Road on the cliff. The local residents selling local specialties at the observation decks are very enthusiastic and will introduce the Tea Horse Road and the geography of the area to visitors. They will also promote their local specialties, but they will not chase visitors for consumption, which makes people feel comfortable. Returning to the ancient city of Lijiang from the back of the canyon, the temperature has dropped a lot recently, and it rains from time to time. Remember to bring an umbrella when you go out.