Lijiang and Dali, the two cultural treasures of China’s Yunnan Province, attract travelers from all over the world with their unique natural sceneries, ethnic minority customs and the charm of their thousand-year-old cities.
This guide will detail how to get to Lijiang and Dali, must-see attractions, food and tips to help foreign travelers plan their trips efficiently.
Table of Contents
How to get to Lijiang and Dali
International Traveler’s Guide
Via major cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu (all have international airports, then connect to Lijiang Sanyi Airport).
Transit via Kunming (capital of China’s Yunnan Province): Most Asian cities can arrive at Kunming Changshui Airport (KMG) before transferring to a high speed train (approx. 3.5 hours) or airplane (50 minutes) to Lijiang.
Transportation to Lijiang from various cities in China
| From | Transportation | Time | Cost |
| Beijing | Direct flight to Lijiang | 4 hours | ￥1500-3000 |
| Shanghai | Direct flight to Lijiang | 3.5 hours | ￥1200-2500 |
| Guangzhou | Direct flight to Lijiang | 2.5 hours | ￥800-1800 |
| Chengdu | Direct flight to Lijiang | 1.5 hours | |
| Chongqing | Direct flight to Lijiang | 1.5 hours | ￥600-1200 |
| Xiamen | Kunming transfer (airplane/high speed train) | 5-6 hours | ￥900 up |
| Zhangjiajie | Kunming transfer (airplane) | 4h | ￥800 up |
| Guilin | Kunming transfer (high speed train + airplane) | 6 hours | ￥700 up |
Transportation from Lijiang to Dali
| Transportation | Time | Cost |
| high speed train | 2 hours | ￥34-80 |
| bus | 3 hours | ￥60-100 |
| Rental car | 2.5 hours | ￥200/day |
Ticketing Tips:Foreign tourists can use their passports to buy high-speed rail tickets on the 12306 official website/APP, and need to verify the information in advance.
6-Day Itinerary and Must-See Attractions
Lijiang must-see attractions (3 days)
Day 1: Ancient City Cultural Exploration
Lijiang Old Town: Stroll along the stone road, hit the Sifang Street and Mufu (Naxi Tusi residence).
Black Dragon Pool Park: shoot the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Dinner recommendation: Granny’s Spare Ribs Hotpot (South Gate of Old Town) or Naxi Copper Hotpot.
Day 2: Snow Mountain and Nature
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: take the glacier cable car (¥180), visit the Blue Moon Valley and Yunchengping.
Shuhe Ancient Town: more peaceful than Lijiang Ancient Town, experience the culture of the old tea-horse road.
Day 3: Lugu Lake Day Trip
Transportation: chartered bus or with a group (4 hours each way), tour around the lake to visit the Rigel Peninsula, walking bridge.
Dali must-see attractions (3 days)
Day 4: Dali Old Town and Erhai Lake
Transportation: Lijiang→Dali high speed train (2 hours, ¥80).
Dali Old Town: visit Wuhua Building, Renmin Road Bazaar, ride Erhai Ecological Corridor.
Dinner Recommendation: Dali Fish in Casserole, Milk Fan (Fuxing Road Snack Stall).
Day 5: Cangshan Mountain and Chongsheng Temple
Cangshan Ropeway: Sentong Ropeway (¥100) Hiking Jade Belt Road, overlooking the Erhai Lake.
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: Dali’s landmark, a Buddhist cultural site.
Day 6: Xizhou and Zhoucheng
Xizhou Ancient Town: White folk house Yan family compound, taste Xizhou broken pastry poop.
Tie-dye experience in Zhoucheng: make traditional tie-dye fabrics.
Food Map
Must-eat in Lijiang
Spare Ribs Hot Pot: Recommended “Ama Yi Naxi Restaurant” (in Lijiang Old Town).
Chickpea Cold Noodle: Zhongyi Market Granny’s stall (￥5/bowl).
Naxi rice sausage: freshly made and sold at the Sifang Street Night Market.
Must-eat in Dali
Milk Fan: Xizhou Broken Crispy Poi Shop (rose sauce flavor is the best).
Hot and Sour Fish: Er Yue Kitchen (Erhai Fish + Papaya Hot and Sour Soup).
Three Way Tea of the White Ethnic Group: Tianlong Baji Movie & TV City Show (free tea break included).
Travel Tips
Plateau reaction: Lijiang is 2400 meters above sea level, avoid strenuous exercise for first-timers.
Best Season: April-June (azalea blooming) or September-November (autumn colorful).
Visa and Entry: Hold a tourist visa (L visa) and make sure your passport is valid for ≥ 6 months. Some countries are entitled to 144-hour visa-free transit (via designated ports such as Kunming).
Lijiang Tourism Complaints: 0888-12345