Lijiang Tours: Private Vacation Packages to the Old Town

FAQs on Lijiang Tours

How many days is enough for Lijiang?

3 days are generally sufficient to explore most highlights of the city - one day in Lijiang Old Town, the second day exploring the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Village and the local Naxi culture, and another day admiring the raw power of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. If you have 4 or 5 days, consider extending your tour to the secluded and unspoiled Lugu Lake. Have more time? A 7 to 10 days’ panoramic Yunnan tour is a traveler favorite, covering Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La.

Which month is best to visit Lijiang?

March to May and September to December are the best months for Lijiang tours, thanks to their favorable weather, beautiful natural landscapes, and relatively low costs. During these two periods, the average temperature ranges from 7 to 23℃ (45-73°F), so a windbreaker, a long-sleeve shirt or thin sweater, and jeans work well for your visit.

June to August can be sweltering, so pack cool, breathable clothing. January and February are chilly but manageable, and an overcoat or padded jacket should be enough. For a quieter and less crowded experience, you’d better avoid planning a Lijiang trip during Chinese New Year in January or February and National Day holiday from October 1 to 7.

How do I get to Lijiang?

Lijiang is well-connected both internationally and domestically. Travelers from Southeast Asia can take advantage of 2-3 weekly direct flights from Bangkok of Thailand as well as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam. Within China, daily flights serve major hubs including Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Guilin, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Kunming. For rail travelers, Lijiang is accessible from more cities. There are 10+ high-speed trains every day from Kunming, Dali, and Shangri-La.

How to visit Lijiang Old Town?

From Lijiang airport, you can hail a taxi to the Old Town in 40 minutes costing about CNY 100 (USD 15), or take the airport shuttle to the ‘Dayan Flower Lane’ stop, taking 50 minutes and costing CNY 20 (USD 3) per person. If you are arriving by train, the journey is shorter: a 20-minute taxi ride costs around CNY 40 (USD 6), while the direct bus offers a budget-friendly alternative at CNY 8 (USD 1.2), running 40-50 minutes to the ‘South Gate Street’ or ‘Old Town Gate’.

Exploring the old town is best done on foot, and it usually takes half a day to a whole day. Why not try this classic itinerary? Large Waterwheels → Dayan Flower Lane → Square Street for the Naxi dance performance at 12:00 → Immortality Tower to overlook the entire town and the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain → Mu’s Residence → Loyalty Market. If time permits, consider an overnight stay; the vibrant nightlife would be a highlight of your Lijiang vacation packages.

How to go from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Lijiang Bus Station offers 2-5 direct coaches daily from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. to Tiger Leaping Gorge. This over-2-hour journey costs CNY 50 (USD 7) per head. Please note that the final return bus departs at 16:50. For greater flexibility, consider chartering a private car for CNY 400-1,000 (USD 60-145), or carpooling at CNY 70-100 (USD 10-15) per head one-way or CNY 140-180 (USD 20-26) round-trip. One day is enough to visit the gorge. Even if you board the latest coach, you’ll still have 2-3 hours to adventure.

Do you get altitude sickness in Lijiang?

The downtown Lijiang lies at an elevation of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), so most visitors won’t experience altitude sickness. As for the scenic spots over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) above sea level, such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Jade Lake Village, some elders, children and people with a history of heart or lung conditions may feel uncomfortable. To prevent such discomfort, you’re advised to avoid strenuous activities, ensure sufficient sleep, and stick to light meals after arrival.

Which is better, Dali or Lijiang?

Lijiang tour is a no-brainer for first-time visitors within limited time. Both center on their ancient towns. Lijiang boasts Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Naxi cultural legacy, while Dali features Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, and Bai ethnic traditions. They seem quite similar, but have different vibes: Lijiang is lively and romantic - perfect for lovers of bustling streets, night landscapes, and bar culture. Its convenient transportation and concentrated attractions are also major pluses for many travelers. Dali, in contrast, is tailored for slow-paced travelers. Got 4-5 days? Visit both! The one-way journey by bullet train between them takes only 2 hours.

How far is Shangri-La from Lijiang?

Their distance is 180 kilometers (112 miles) with a roughly 3-hour drive. There are 10 daily high-speed trains, taking 1-1.5 hours one way. A second-class seat costs CNY 56-70 (USD 8-10), and a first-class seat CNY 89-111 (USD 13-16). Lijiang Bus Station also runs 2-4 daily buses to Shangri-La, plus 2 extra seasonal services to Dukezong Ancient Town. The bus takes 2.5-3.5 hours at CNY 60 (USD 9) per person. For the quickest and easiest experience, book our guided Lijiang tour packages with seamless transfers and personalized travel services.

How long is the bullet train from Kunming to Lijiang?

A high-speed train takes 3.5-5 hours to reach Lijiang from Kunming Station or Kunming South Station. A second-class seat costs around CNY 200 (USD 29), and a first-class seat CNY 310 (USD 45). The 1-hour flight between the two cities is not advised, as taking the airport transfers and boarding time into account, the total time may exceed that of the bullet train, and the expense is possibly higher.

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