China Tripos

Lijiang Transport Guide

Everything You Need — Metro, Taxis, Airport Transfers & Payments

Lijiang Transportation Guide

There is no subway in Lijiang. You can only get around the Old Town on foot (stone-paved roads and stairs—you’ll need to carry your luggage). Within the city, take a taxi or the bus. To get to Yulong Snow Mountain: the scenic area shuttle takes about 40 minutes. The high-speed train from Dali to Lijiang takes about 2 hours (52 yuan). A taxi from the Old Town to the train station takes about 20 minutes (20–30 yuan).

Pro Tips

  • You can only walk within the Old Town—the cobblestone streets make it impossible to drag a suitcase
  • Take the scenic area shuttle bus to the Snow Mountain
  • High-speed train from Dali to Lijiang: 2 hours, 52 yuan

Taxis & Didi

The starting fare for taxis in Lijiang is 7 yuan. Short trips around the Old Town cost 10–15 yuan. A round-trip private car to Yulong Snow Mountain costs about 150–200 yuan. A taxi to Baisha Ancient Town costs about 30 yuan. It’s more convenient to book a ride via Didi. During peak season, it’s hard to hail a taxi, so it’s recommended to book in advance.

Pro Tips

  • Using Didi to book a ride is more reliable than hailing a taxi on the street
  • A private car to Yulong Snow Mountain costs about 150–200 yuan round-trip
  • It’s hard to find a taxi during peak season, so it’s recommended to book in advance

Airport Transfer Guide

Sanyi International Airport (LJG): There is no subway. The airport shuttle bus costs 20 yuan to the Old Town (about 40 minutes). A taxi ride costs about 80–100 yuan (about 30 minutes). The airport is about 28 kilometers from the Old Town.

Pro Tips

  • The airport shuttle bus to the Old Town for 20 yuan is the most economical option
  • A taxi ride costs about 80–100 yuan
  • The airport is about a 30-minute drive from the Old Town

High-Speed Rail Guide

Lijiang has one high-speed rail station: Lijiang Station (Kunming–Dali–Lijiang High-Speed Rail). A 20-minute taxi ride to the Old Town costs 20–30 yuan. The high-speed train from Dali to Lijiang takes 2 hours and costs 52 yuan; the high-speed train from Kunming to Lijiang takes about 3.5 hours and costs 220 yuan.

Pro Tips

  • Choose the station closest to the scenic area