Temple of Xian - Shortcut
This skip takes you from the alcove with the Gold Dragon Secret directly to the WOODEN BRIDGE WITH THE ROLLING BLADE. It's great if you're going for the "Only Play for Sport! Still!" achievement/trophy (complete the game in less than 6 hours). You will, of course miss many pickups, including the other 2 secrets. This sequence is also shown in a short video. As with all my guides, I use classic tank controls. If you're using modern controls, check out this alternative from Eycore on YouTube.
Beginning in the alcove where you found the Gold Dragon, you'll take a running jump with a curve around to the right to land on the sloped block near the wooden bridge, as indicated in the screenshot above. Here's how to do it:
Position Lara at the outer right corner of the alcove, with her chest against the side wall. Sidestep left to the edge.
Take one walking step back.
Pivot slightly to the left, so Lara is facing the bridge with just enough room to clear the corner of the opening, as shown above. Then hop back once.
The view goes a little wonky, with the camera in the crevice behind Lara, but trust in the process.
Now take the running jump by pressing Forward then Jump, as usual. While Lara is in the air, steer to the right...
...to defy the laws of physics and land on the sloping block facing uphill. Slide back and grab grab the edge.
Once you've got hold of this edge, traverse to the left as far as possible.
NOTE: You can save again while hanging. Just be sure to hold Action as the game reloads, so Lara doesn't fall.
Pull up and immediately press Jump + Roll + Right to backflip off the slope...
...do a mid-air somersault, swerve slightly to the right...
...and land on the bridge. Hold these controls a little longer than usual to stick the landing. But be sure to release before Lara can jump again.
NOTES: You can then pick up the main walkthrough at the WOODEN BRIDGE WITH ROLLING BLADE section here.
To the best of my knowledge, this shortcut was discovered by Varatharaju, who posted it on tombraiderforums.com. It was first brought to my attention by Mman, who used it in his OG Temple of Xian speedrun, unfortunately no longer online.
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