How to get to Lijiang

A journey to Lijiang is an immersion into the atmosphere of ancient China amidst the majestic mountains of Yunnan Province. This unique city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts travellers with its distinctive architecture and the culture of the Naxi people. You can reach this picturesque destination in various ways: by taking a direct flight, a high-speed train, or enjoying a drive along mountain roads.

The fastest way to reach the region is by air. Lijiang International Airport (LJG) boasts modern infrastructure and receives flights from many major cities, ensuring convenient connections with the outside world.

Alternatively, you can consider flying to neighboring cities such as Shangri-La or Dali. The airports in these cities are relatively close, allowing you to easily reach your final destination while enjoying the views of Yunnan during a short ground transfer.

Rail travel is one of the most comfortable ways to get to the city of Lijiang. The city's railway station accommodates modern high-speed trains that connect it with key transport hubs in the province, including the popular city of Dali. A journey by rail allows you to not only save time but also enjoy stunning mountain landscapes from the carriage window.

If you are planning a route from more distant regions, stations in the cities of Shangri-La or Baoshan can serve as convenient transfer points. The developed railway network makes travelling around Yunnan accessible and pleasant for any tourist.

Bus services remain a popular and budget-friendly way to reach the city of Lijiang, connecting it to neighboring regions via picturesque routes. Regular services depart from tourism centers such as Dali and Shangri-La, allowing travellers to plan their schedule flexibly.

Although a bus trip may take longer compared to the train, it offers a unique opportunity to witness the authentic life of the Chinese countryside. Comfortable buses ply the mountain roads, revealing views to passengers that are inaccessible from the height of a flight.

A journey by car offers you freedom of movement and the opportunity to make stops at the most beautiful points along the route. The drive from the city of Dali will take just about 2.5 hours, during which you will cover a distance of 193 km on high-quality roads.

If you are departing from Shangri-La, expect to spend approximately 3.4 hours on the road, covering 186 km of mountain routes. A longer but no less picturesque route awaits tourists from the city of Baoshan: the road spanning 377 km will take about 4.8 hours.

Preparing for a trip to Lijiang requires attention to details related to the city's high-altitude location and local specifics. To ensure your journey runs smoothly, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Footwear. The historic center is paved with ancient cobblestones, so comfortable flat-soled shoes are mandatory. The weather in the mountains is changeable: even in summer, evenings can be cool, so bring a warm jacket or sweater.
2. City Transport. The Old Town is a pedestrian zone where vehicles are prohibited. You will need to move around inside on foot, while for trips to distant attractions, it is better to use taxis or local minivans.
3. Finances. The main currency is the Chinese Yuan. International cards are rarely accepted, so it is better to install Alipay or WeChat Pay applications in advance, or carry a sufficient amount of cash.
4. Health and Altitude. The city is located at an altitude of about 2,400 meters, which may cause mild altitude sickness. In the first few days, avoid strenuous physical exertion, drink plenty of water, and use sunscreen due to active UV radiation.
5. Communication. English is not spoken everywhere. It is recommended to download an offline translator on your smartphone to communicate with drivers and vendors, or have cards with addresses written in Chinese.
6. Local Etiquette. Be respectful of the Naxi people's culture. Ask for permission before photographing locals and observe silence when visiting temples.
7. What to Avoid. Beware of pushy offers for "tea ceremonies" from strangers on the street — this is a common tourist trap with inflated prices.
8. Additional Tip. A special maintenance fee may be charged for entering the Old Town of Lijiang. Keep your ticket, as it may be checked again when entering various zones within the city.

Following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient city, enjoying its history and nature.