Lijiang is served by Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) for air travel, Lijiang Railway Station for train connections, and several bus stations, with Lijiang Bus Station being the primary hub for long-distance routes.
By Air:
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) is located approximately 28 kilometers south of Lijiang city center.
Direct flights connect Lijiang with major Chinese cities like Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an.
Flights from Kunming to Lijiang typically take about 1 hour and cost between CNY 400-700.
Journeys from Beijing can take 3.5 to 4 hours, with round-trip flights starting from around $507-$570.
Flights from Shanghai are approximately 4 hours, with one-way tickets from $80 and round trips from $186.
Upon arrival, an airport shuttle bus to Lijiang Old Town costs CNY 20-25 and takes 45-60 minutes. Taxis are also available, costing around CNY 80-90 for a 35-minute ride to the Old Town.
By Train:
Lijiang Railway Station is situated about 11 kilometers south of Lijiang Ancient City.
High-speed trains from Kunming take approximately 3-4 hours, with second-class seats ranging from CNY 166-220 and first-class seats from CNY 265-351.
An overnight normal speed train from Kunming is also an option, lasting about 9-10 hours and costing around CNY 141.5 for a hard sleeper.
A railway line connects Lijiang with Shangri-La, with journeys taking roughly 1.5 hours and tickets priced between CNY 49-63.
From Lijiang Railway Station, local city buses (Routes 4, 16, 18) can reach Lijiang Ancient City in about 25-30 minutes for CNY 2-4. Taxis to the Old Town are approximately CNY 35 for a 25-minute ride.
By Bus:
Lijiang Bus Station is the main terminal for long-distance routes.
Buses from Kunming to Lijiang typically take 6-10 hours, with fares ranging from CNY 160-250.
Travel by bus from Dali to Lijiang is around 3-3.5 hours, costing CNY 50-80.
From Lijiang Bus Station, a city bus (Route 11) to Lijiang Old Town takes about 30 minutes for CNY 1, or a taxi can complete the journey in about 15 minutes for up to CNY 20.
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