Ming Yang
Quick Navigation — What Would You Like to Know?
Overnight bus? No way. I still shudder thinking about my first trip to Lijiang — that 8-hour bumpy ride from Kunming. Never again.
If you are searching for how to travel to Lijiang, the biggest hurdle is the journey. Most old articles still tell you to take the night bus, but the new high-speed rail makes it a breeze.
Here is my honest advice: fly into Lijiang Sanyi Airport or catch the high-speed train from Kunming — both take around three hours. Skip the bus unless you are on an extreme budget. This guide covers everything from getting there to getting around, booking tickets, payments, and what to see. Let us get you there without the headache.
How to Get to Lijiang: Flights, Trains, and Buses
Your choice depends on your starting point and budget. Here is the breakdown from my years of guiding trips.
Flying into Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG)
If you are coming from Chengdu, Shanghai, Beijing, or Kunming, flying is your fastest option — the airport is only 40 minutes from the old town. International flights are scarce, so most travelers connect via Kunming. The airport shuttle bus to Lijiang city costs around ¥20 and takes about an hour. A taxi costs around ¥100. Use Didi or a metered taxi.
Taking the High-Speed Train to Lijiang
The high-speed train from Kunming is my top pick for affordability and convenience — it drops you right in the city center, no extra transfer needed. The ride takes about three hours on the D-series trains, with second-class seats around ¥220. Book tickets via Trip.com to avoid the Chinese-only 12306 app, and remember to bring your passport to collect paper tickets if you buy offline.
Long-Distance Buses and Private Transfers
Only consider an overnight bus if you are on the tightest budget and have plenty of time — it takes eight hours and your back will hate you. A standard bus from Kunming costs about ¥150 and leaves throughout the day. Private transfers are also possible but are usually priced for groups (¥400+ per car).
| Transport | Duration | Approx. Cost | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1 hr from Kunming | ¥400–800 | High | Those short on time |
| High-speed train | 3 hrs from Kunming | ¥220 | Medium | Budget + convenience |
| Long-distance bus | 8 hrs from Kunming | ¥150 | Low | Extreme budget travelers |
Pro Tip: If you are coming during Chinese holidays, book your train tickets at least a week in advance. They sell out fast, and you will be stuck with an overnight bus.
Getting Around Lijiang: Local Transport Tips
The old town is compact, but the greater Lijiang area requires a mix of walking, taxis, and ride-sharing.
Walking in Lijiang Old Town – The Only Way to Explore
The old town is a maze of cobblestone paths with no vehicle access — walking is the only way to soak in its charm. Wear comfortable shoes with grip, as the stones get slippery when wet. Trust me, dragging a suitcase over these is a nightmare, so pack light or take a taxi to your guesthouse entrance if allowed.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps in Lijiang
Taxis are metered and cheap (flagfall around ¥8), but Didi is even easier — the app works in English and links to international cards. For short trips within the city, pay with Alipay or WeChat. If a driver quotes a flat price, politely decline and use the meter or the app. Avoid unlicensed drivers near the airport and bus stations.
Renting a Car or Bicycle – Worth It or Not?
Skip renting a car unless you are an experienced mountain driver — the roads to remote sights are narrow and parking is limited. If you want to explore the countryside, hire a private driver for the day (around ¥300–500) or join a minibus tour. Bicycles are fine for the flat areas, but the cobblestone old town will rattle your bones.
Top Attractions in Lijiang: What to See and Do
Lijiang Old Town (Dayan) – a Living UNESCO Site
Dayan is the heart and soul of Lijiang — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is still a residential and commercial hub. Wander the black-tiled roofs, cross the tiny bridges, and get lost near Sifang Street. The entrance is free once you show your passport at the main gates. Visit early (before 8 am) to see the town without the selfie sticks.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Booking and Logistics
This snow-capped mountain is the biggest day trip from Lijiang, but it is crowded and weather-dependent — book your ticket a day in advance. The entrance fee is around ¥100, plus extra for the cable car and sightseeing bus. Use Trip.com or Klook since the official WeChat mini-program is Chinese-only. Bring a jacket, even in summer — it is cold up there!
Baisha Village and the Frescoes (My Hidden Gem)
Baisha is a tiny preserved village north of Lijiang, home to the famous Ming-era Buddhist frescoes — and very few tourists. It is only 10 km away, so take a taxi (about ¥30) for a quieter afternoon. The entrance to the fresco hall is around ¥30. I always bring clients here to escape the crowds and taste the best local coffee.
Tiger Leaping Gorge – A Day Trip Without the Hype
If hiking is your thing, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a must-see — one of the deepest gorges on earth, with a 2-day trek route that is surprisingly accessible. From Lijiang, a shared shuttle takes around 2 hours and costs ¥50 per person. The park entrance fee is ¥45. You can walk the upper trail for a 3-hour taste, but full trekking requires physical preparation.
Where to Stay in Lijiang: Old Town vs. New Town
Old Town Accommodation – Charm with a Catch
Staying inside the old town puts you in the middle of the atmosphere, but be prepared for noise, thin wooden walls, and no elevators. Most guesthouses are converted Naxi courtyard homes, charming but not soundproof. Prices range from ¥200 in the low season to ¥800+ during holidays. If you select a courtyard, ask the host to help you carry luggage across the cobblestones.
New Town Hotels – My Recommendation for Most Visitors
For a stress-free sleep, choose a hotel in the new town a 10-minute walk from the old town — you get modern comforts and back streets lined with eateries. The area near Zhongyi Market is ideal, with hundreds of hotels from ¥150 for a basic double room. You will sacrifice a bit of romance but gain peace and quiet. I usually book my family into the new town for this reason.
| Area | Pros | Cons | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town | Atmosphere, everything is close | Noisy, hard to carry luggage, expensive | ¥200–800 | Romantic getaways, photographers |
| New Town | Quiet, modern, cheaper | No old-town vibe | ¥150–400 | Families, solo travelers, light sleepers |
What to Eat in Lijiang: Local Dishes Worth Trying
Food is a huge reason to love Lijiang. I constantly recommend these dishes to my clients:
- Lailang (腊排骨) hotpot — smoky and salty pork ribs simmered with vegetables. Try it from a local joint in Xiangshan Market. My go-to place is along Xiangshan Road, any restaurant with a queue outside.
- Lijiang baba (丽江粑粑) — a flaky pastry, sometimes sweet with honey, sometimes savory with ham. Perfect with a cup of butter tea.
- Jidou liangfen (鸡豆凉粉) — a jelly-like snack made from chicken-pea flour, served cold with chili oil. It is an acquired taste but refreshing.
- Naxi-style yak meat — chewy and flavorful, best enjoyed at a street stall in Baisha.
For a sit-down meal, head to either Sifang Street or the Baisha market area. Many restaurants have picture menus, so just point — no Chinese needed.
Practical Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors: Payments, Navigation, and Booking
Payments in Lijiang – Cash, Card, or WeChat?
Lijiang is a cashless society where even street vendors expect a phone payment, so set up Alipay with your international card before you arrive. Cash is accepted but rarely preferred. Visa and Mastercard only work in upscale hotels and tourist shops. Keep a bit of cash for emergencies — ATMs are plentiful, but most give out ¥100 notes that small stalls cannot break.
Navigating Lijiang with Your Phone – The Right Apps
Do not rely on Google Maps — it is inaccurate and blocked in China. Download Apple Maps or AMap (高德地图) for walking directions. AMap has an English mode called A Map Global? Actually the app is in Chinese but you can use the English UI if your phone language is set to English. For public transport, use the app called 'Metro' but Lijiang has no metro. For taxi, use Didi with the English version. Also download a translation app like Baidu Translate or Apple Translate — you will need it when dealing with menus and signs.
Booking Attraction Tickets as a Foreigner
Many sights require real-name registration with your passport, but you can skip the Chinese-only mini-programs by booking through Trip.com or Klook in English. For Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the quota is limited, so book a day ahead if possible. For the old town, no reservation is needed, but you may be asked to show your passport at the entrance. If a platform asks for your Chinese ID number, just enter your passport number instead.
Insider Advice: If you arrive without a pre-booked ticket for a major sight, ask your hotel front desk to call the tourist hotline or reserve through their internal channel. They usually have a way to secure same-day spots.
Sample 3-Day Lijiang Itinerary
Here is a realistic plan that I use for first-time visitors. Adjust based on your energy.
- Day 1: Old Town immersion — Start at the Lion Hill viewpoint, wander around Sifang Street, visit Mu Mansion (¥50 entrance), and pop into the night market. Time: 6 hours, plus a 2-hour break for lunch. In the evening, watch the Naxi orchestra perform at the Naxi Music Hall.
- Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain — Take a morning bus to the mountain (pick up at your hotel around 8 am). Take the cable car to Spruce Meadow or Glacier Park, walk around Blue Moon Lake, and return to town by 5 pm. Book everything a day before. Tip: Bring a light oxygen canister, available at pharmacies.
- Day 3: Baisha or Tiger Leaping Gorge — For a relaxed day, go to Baisha for two hours of fresco viewing and coffee. If you are craving a hike, do the Tiger Leaping Gorge shuttle tour (half-day). End with a bonfire dinner at your guesthouse.
If the weather is bad and the mountain is hidden, swap Day 2 with the Lijiang Impression show, a large-scale cultural performance staged outdoors. You can buy tickets from Klook.
FAQ: How to Travel to Lijiang – Common Questions Answered
This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision.
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