By Plane

Lijiang Airport (LJG)

Name: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport

Distance to city: 28 km from Old Town

To city center: Airport shuttle bus (¥20, 40 min), taxi (¥80-100, 30 min)

Direct Flights From

Kunming

55min Multiple daily

Chengdu

1.5h Daily

Beijing

3.5h Daily

Shanghai

4h Daily

Guangzhou

3h Daily

Shenzhen

3h Daily

Tip: Lijiang Airport has good connections. Flying from Kunming takes 55 min. Many visitors fly direct from major cities or connect via Kunming.

By High-Speed Train

Lijiang Station

Location: Rail station, 10 km from Old Town

Take bus or taxi to Old Town (20 min).

Popular Routes

From	Duration	Price	Notes
Kunming	3-4h	¥100-200	❌ No G-trains! Only regular trains. Bus is faster and more frequent.
Dali	3h	¥70-150	Direct bus is faster (3h, ¥70). No direct high-speed train.

Tip: IMPORTANT: No high-speed G-trains to Lijiang! Flying from Kunming (55 min) or taking bus (3h) is faster than regular train. Lijiang is usually combined with Dali in Yunnan circuit.

By Long-Distance Bus

Lijiang Long-distance Bus Station

Location: Near Old Town

Routes: Routes to Kunming, Dali, Shangri-La

Tip: Bus from Kunming: 3h, ¥80-100. Bus from Dali: 3h, ¥70 (very popular route). Bus to Shangri-La: 4h, ¥80. Bus is often the best option in Yunnan.

By Car

From Kunming

Distance: 500 km

Duration: 6h

Route: G56 Hangrui Expressway

From Dali

Distance: 180 km

Duration: 2.5h

Route: G5611 Dali Expressway

From Shangri-La

Distance: 180 km

Duration: 3h

Route: G214

Parking: Parking at Old Town entrance (¥20-30/day). Old Town is pedestrian-only.

Getting Around Lijiang

Public Transport

Bus to attractions (¥2-5). Tourist bus to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (¥15). No metro.

Taxi & Ride-Hailing

Taxis affordable (starting ¥8). Didi app works. Old Town is pedestrian-only - taxis drop at entrance.

Bike Rental

Bike rental available. Good for exploring surrounding areas, but Old Town is walking-only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get to Lijiang?

FLYING is fastest: Direct flights from Beijing (3.5h), Shanghai (4h), Chengdu (1.5h), Kunming (55 min). BY BUS: From Kunming (3h, ¥80-100) or Dali (3h, ¥70) is convenient. NO high-speed trains to Lijiang.

How do I get from Kunming to Lijiang?

Fastest: Fly (55 min, ¥300-600). Most popular: Bus (3h, ¥80-100, frequent departures). Train: Regular train (3-4h), but no high-speed rail. Many travelers combine Kunming-Dali-Lijiang by bus.

Can I visit Dali and Lijiang together?

YES! Classic Yunnan route: Kunming → Dali (2h by train) → Lijiang (3h by bus from Dali). They are only 3h apart by bus. Many travelers do this 5-7 day circuit. Dali is more relaxed, Lijiang has more nightlife and shopping.

How do I get from Lijiang to Shangri-La?

Take bus from Lijiang Bus Station (4h, ¥80). There are also flights (45 min) but bus is more frequent. Many travelers continue: Lijiang → Shangri-La → Tiger Leaping Gorge.

What makes Lijiang special?

Lijiang Old Town is UNESCO World Heritage: (1) Naxi culture - ethnic minority traditions; (2) Ancient architecture - canals, cobblestone streets; (3) Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - 13 peaks, glacier park; (4) Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of deepest gorges in world, 2-day trek; (5) Nightlife - bars, music, vibrant atmosphere.

How long should I spend in Lijiang?

Minimum 2-3 days: Old Town (1 day) + Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (1 day). 4-5 days allows: Old Town, Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge trek (2 days), and Shuhe Ancient Town. Many travelers spend a week in Lijiang area.