How to Get to Lijiang. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Flying to Lijiang

Major Airports and Airlines

Many Chinese airlines operate flights to Lijiang.

Domestic and International Connectivity

Domestic flights from major Chinese cities (Kunming, Chengdu, Shanghai, Beijing).
International arrivals typically transfer at a major Chinese city before connecting to Lijiang.
Use Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club for flight searches.

Airport Transfers and Practicalities

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport offers basic facilities.

Getting to Your Accommodation

Airport Shuttle Bus: Cost-effective, ¥20 per person to city center.
Taxi: Readily available, approximately ¥100-¥150 to Lijiang Old Town.
Didi Chuxing: China's popular ride-sharing app, offers transparent pricing.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices peak during Chinese national holidays and summer months.

International Transfers

Allow sufficient layover time for immigration and domestic flight transfers.

Airport Services and Tips

Airport Facilities

Restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops.
ATMs are available.
Wi-Fi is available, though it might need a Chinese phone number for registration.
Restrooms and luggage services are present.

Departure Timing

For domestic flights, arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.
Allow extra time during peak travel periods.
Ensure all necessary documents are easily accessible.
Pass through check-in and security with ample time.

Lijiang's Land Connections

Train Connections

Lijiang Railway Station offers high-speed trains to Kunming (3-3.5 hours) and Dali (1.5-2 hours).

Long-Distance Buses

Lijiang Bus Station connects to various cities and towns in Yunnan, including Shangri-La and Qiaotou (Tiger Leaping Gorge).

Road Conditions

Major roads are generally well-maintained. Mountain roads can be winding and prone to landslides during the rainy season.

Land Transportation Details

Train Travel

High-speed rail is a comfortable and efficient way to travel within Yunnan Province.

Booking and Stations

Lijiang Railway Station serves routes to Kunming and Dali.
Book tickets online via apps like Trip.com or at train stations.
Your passport is needed for booking and boarding.

Bus Travel

Buses are often the only option for smaller towns or direct routes to hiking trailheads.

Routes and Comfort

Lijiang Bus Station offers connections to Kunming, Dali, Shangri-La, and Qiaotou.
Generally slower and less comfortable than trains for longer distances.
Can be a more budget-friendly option.

Self-Driving Notes

An international driving permit is not recognized in China.

Driving Requirements

A Chinese driving license is needed to drive legally.
Obtaining a Chinese driving license is a lengthy process not feasible for short-term tourists.
Self-driving is not recommended for most foreign visitors.

Road Conditions and Safety

Be aware of varying road conditions and traffic dynamics.

Safety on the Roads

Major roads are generally well-maintained.
Mountain roads can be winding, narrow, and prone to landslides during the rainy season.
Traffic can be chaotic; exercise caution if walking or cycling near main roads.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Lijiang is a landlocked city in the mountains.
There are no sea or major river ports that serve Lijiang for inter-city or international travel.
The Jinsha River flows through the region, but it is not navigable for passenger transport to Lijiang.

This section clarifies that water-based arrivals are not a travel option for Lijiang.
Focus on air and land transportation methods for Lijiang access.
Direct sea or river routes are outside Lijiang's geographical scope.

Departing Lijiang

Departure Procedures and Timing

Plan your departure with sufficient time for a smooth process.

Steps

For domestic flights from Lijiang Sanyi Airport, arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.
For trains from Lijiang Railway Station, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
Ensure all necessary documents, including your passport and boarding pass, are easily accessible.

Airport/Station Facilities and Exit Fees

Lijiang Sanyi Airport and Lijiang Railway Station offer functional facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities and Costs

Lijiang Sanyi Airport: Cafes, small shops, and waiting areas.
Lijiang Railway Station: Waiting rooms, restrooms, and small shops.
Exit Fees: No specific departure tax for international flights from China; taxes are usually included in the ticket price.

Check-in Efficiency

Allow plenty of time for check-in and security during peak periods.

Document Readiness

Keep your passport and boarding pass readily accessible.

Station Navigation

Train stations can be large; find your platform with time to spare.

Lijiang Railway Station

The Lijiang Railway Station connects the city to other major destinations in Yunnan Province, making train travel a popular choice for inter-city journeys.

How to Get to Lijiang