How to Get to Lijiang: Best Routes & Insider Tips

Stuck at Lijiang Airport with no idea how to reach the old town? That was me on my first visit. Now I lead tours here, so you get the real how to get to Lijiang playbook without the trial-and-error. Here's the honest truth: the most expensive option isn't the fastest, and the cheapest isn't the smartest.

Most first-timers overpay for airport taxis, miss the last high-speed train, or book a hotel room that requires a 20-minute suitcase haul over cobblestones. I'll show you how to avoid all three. You'll also learn about paying with WeChat, booking tickets with your passport, and why Google Maps is your enemy in China.

At the end, check the FAQ for direct answers to the five questions I hear most. And remember — no matter which route you choose, keep your phone close. The crowds near Sifang Street are pickpocket central.

How to Get to Lijiang: The 30-Second Overview

Before we dive into each option, here's a quick reality check. Most travelers arrive from Kunming, the major gateway. The table below compares the main transport modes from Kunming to Lijiang.

As you can see, the high-speed rail hits the sweet spot for most visitors. If you're coming from further away, flying saves you time. Buses are only worth it if you want to see the countryside slowly.

How Do You Get to Lijiang by Plane?

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) is the only commercial airport in the region. It's about 28km south of the old town. Flights from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen land daily. The airport is modern but small — expect quick passport checks and a short walk to baggage claim. International flights are limited, so you'll likely connect through Kunming or Chengdu.

Booking your flight as a foreigner

You'll need your passport number to book, and Trip.com or the airline's official site are your safest bets. Avoid third-party sites that don't support international cards. I've seen too many travelers get stuck with invalid tickets because they used a random aggregator.

Price expectations

A domestic one-way ticket from major hubs ranges from roughly 300 to 1500 CNY. Prices are lowest in late autumn and peak during summer and Chinese national holidays. Use Skyscanner to compare prices, but book on Trip.com for easier cancellation.

Pro Tip: If you're flying into Lijiang, don't book a hotel in the middle of the old town for your first night. You'll have a heavy suitcase. Instead, stay near the South Gate or Zhongyi Market area — it's a 5-minute walk to the lively streets but accessible by taxi.

What's the Easiest Way From Lijiang Airport to the Old Town?

Three reliable ways take you from Lijiang Airport to the old town. Here they are in order of convenience:

1. Airport shuttle bus (20 CNY) — The blue bus departs after each flight arrival to Lijiang Air Terminal near the old town. Look for the official counter after baggage claim. Ignore anyone who offers to sell you a faster ticket.
2. Taxi (80 CNY fixed) — Go to the official taxi queue. Ask the driver how much to the old town before getting in. The fare should be 80 CNY. If they say more, walk to the Didi pickup zone.
3. Didi ride-hailing (60–70 CNY) — You'll need Didi app in Chinese. Set your destination as 大研古城 or show the driver the Chinese address. Tip: walk up to the departure level to catch a Didi, as the arrival area often has a long queue.

The shuttle bus is the cheapest and most reliable. It runs until around 10 p.m. or the last flight, but don't rely on it for midnight arrivals. If you land late, pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or Trip.com.

Insider Advice: At baggage claim, ignore the guys shouting taxi, taxi — they're not official and charge double. Stick to the marked queuing area.

How to Get to Lijiang by Train?

The high-speed rail from Kunming South Railway Station is my favorite way to reach Lijiang. It takes just about 3 hours and costs 220 CNY for a second-class seat. Trains run several times daily from about 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to book train tickets

Use Trip.com to buy tickets on 12306, the official system. International cards work there, though they add a small booking fee. You'll receive a confirmation with a QR code, but at the station, your passport is your ticket — you'll scan it at the gate. If you prefer 12306 directly, it's free but in Chinese. You'll need to register with your passport number and a Chinese phone number. That's a headache for most visitors, so Trip.com is the smarter choice.

Arriving at Lijiang Railway Station

The station is about 5km from the old town. You can take bus 4 or 18 (2 CNY) if you don't have much luggage. A taxi to the old town costs about 20 CNY. Again, make sure the taxi uses the meter or a fixed fare.

Pro Tip: The 18 bus stops at the ancient town's south gate. If your hotel is near Sifang Street, that's your best stop. Don't take the first taxi in the queue — walk 50 meters to the main road and hail one. It's often cheaper.

How to Get to Lijiang by Bus or Car?

Long-distance buses are the budget option, but they're slow. From Kunming West Bus Station to Lijiang, the ride takes 6–7 hours and costs around 250 CNY. Buses are comfortable, with air conditioning, but the mountain roads can make you queasy. If you're coming from Dali, the direct bus is actually better than the train — it's about 2.5 hours, costs 70 CNY, and the scenery is stunning. Trains from Dali also run, but they take a longer detour.

What about renting a car?

Forget about driving in Lijiang as a foreign tourist. China requires a temporary Chinese driver's license, which means translating your license, getting it notarized, and applying at the traffic bureau. The process takes at least a day. Plus, navigating old town alleys is a nightmare. Use Didi or hop on tours instead.

How to Get Around Lijiang Once You Arrive?

The old town of Dayan is completely car-free. You'll walk on uneven cobblestone streets. Pack light — wheels on suitcases rattle and get stuck between stones. If you have a large bag, store it at your hotel and take only a daypack out.

For short hops around the city, walking is best. For day trips to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or the Tiger Leaping Gorge, book a private car through your hotel or use Didi. Public buses are cheap but crowded and hard to navigate without Chinese.

Navigation note: Google Maps doesn't work well in China. Apple Maps uses TomTom data and is decent. Or download AMap Global (高德地图) in English. Always carry the Chinese name of your destination, like 大研古城 for the old town.

Common Mistakes Foreign Travelers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

After leading dozens of trips, I've seen the same mistakes over and over. Here are the big ones:

• Choosing a hotel deep inside the old town. Most hotels are in pedestrian alleys. It's romantic until you're dragging luggage at 10 p.m. Stay near the Sifang Street edge or south gate.
• Forgetting to pre-book attraction tickets. Many nearby sights (like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) require timed entry and a passport. Use Trip.com or Klook to reserve; don't show up hoping to buy tickets on site.
• Assuming your credit card is accepted everywhere. Small noodle shops, souvenir stalls, and even some hotels won't take cards. Link WeChat Pay or Alipay to an international card, and carry 200–300 CNY in cash as backup.
• Skipping a VPN. You'll need it to use Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and many travel websites. Download a reliable VPN before you leave home.
• Relying on Google Maps for directions. As mentioned, it's unreliable. Use Apple Maps or AMap Global.

FAQ: Lijiang Transport Questions, Answered

Here are the questions I get most from foreign travelers about reaching Lijiang.

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.