Lijiang Transportation Guide: Airport, Train & Getting Around

Getting to Lijiang is relatively straightforward, with air and high-speed rail providing the main options for international travelers. For many visitors, the key decision is whether to fly directly or connect through another Chinese city, while high-speed rail is particularly useful when Lijiang is part of a wider Yunnan trip.

Once you arrive, transportation becomes simpler. Lijiang Old Town is easy to explore on foot, while taxis, ride-hailing services, buses, and private transfers are useful for the railway station, airport, ancient towns, mountain attractions, and surrounding villages.

How to Get to Lijiang

International travelers generally reach Lijiang by flight or high-speed train. Flying is usually the most practical choice when Lijiang is your main destination or you are coming from outside Yunnan. High-speed rail works particularly well when you are already traveling through Yunnan.

By Direct Flight to Lijiang

For travelers who can find a convenient direct flight, flying to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport is usually the simplest way to reach the city. It avoids a long overland journey and is especially convenient for travelers carrying luggage or traveling with family.

Depending on the season and flight schedule, international travelers may find direct or seasonal connections from selected destinations. Domestic flights can also connect Lijiang with major cities in China.

If a suitable direct flight is available, this is generally the most straightforward option for a standalone Lijiang trip.

By Connecting Flight

If there is no convenient direct flight to Lijiang, connecting through a nearby Chinese gateway is often the next best option. For international travelers, Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an are practical cities to consider depending on your international arrival point and available flight schedules.

• Kunming: Particularly convenient for a Yunnan itinerary and easy to combine with high-speed rail.

• Chengdu: A useful western China gateway with frequent domestic connections.

• Chongqing: Another practical connection point for travelers entering southwestern China.

• Xi'an: Useful when Lijiang is combined with a broader China itinerary.

When choosing a connection, prioritize the shortest and most practical route rather than transferring through a distant city simply because it has more flight options.

Flight + High-Speed Train: Via Kunming

For some international travelers, flying to Kunming first and continuing to Lijiang by high-speed train can be a practical alternative to taking another domestic flight.

This option works particularly well if you also want to visit Kunming or other Yunnan destinations. After arriving in Kunming, continue by high-speed train to Lijiang rather than adding another airport transfer and flight.

• International flight → Kunming

• Transfer to Kunming Railway Station or Kunming South Railway Station as appropriate

• High-speed train → Lijiang

• Continue from Lijiang Railway Station to your hotel

This route can be especially attractive for travelers planning a Kunming + Dali + Lijiang itinerary.

By High-Speed Train to Lijiang

High-speed rail is one of the most useful ways to reach Lijiang when you are already traveling in Yunnan. The railway network makes Lijiang particularly easy to combine with Kunming and Dali.

• Kunming → Lijiang: A practical route when entering Yunnan through Kunming.

• Dali → Lijiang: One of the easiest connections for a Dali and Lijiang itinerary.

• Lijiang → Dali: Convenient for continuing your Yunnan journey.

• Lijiang → Kunming: Useful when departing Yunnan by air.

For travelers arriving in China by international flight, high-speed rail becomes particularly attractive when combined with a flight into Kunming.

From Lijiang Sanyi International Airport to the City

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport is outside the city center, so you will need onward transportation after landing.

Taxi or Ride-Hailing

Taxi or ride-hailing services are convenient for travelers who want direct transportation to their hotel. They are especially suitable for independent travelers carrying normal amounts of luggage.

Airport Bus

Airport buses can provide a lower-cost option between the airport and central Lijiang. They are more suitable for travelers who are comfortable navigating local transportation and whose accommodation is convenient for the available stops.

Private Airport Transfer

A private airport transfer is often the easiest option for international travelers, families, couples with luggage, or travelers arriving late. Your driver can meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation.

If you are staying inside Lijiang Old Town, confirm the vehicle drop-off point in advance because some historic streets have restrictions on regular vehicle access.

From Lijiang Railway Station to the City

Lijiang Railway Station is located outside the historic Old Town. After arriving by train, you can continue to your hotel by taxi, ride-hailing service, local bus, or private transfer.

• Taxi or ride-hailing: The simplest option for most independent travelers.

• Local bus: A budget-friendly option for travelers familiar with local routes.

• Private transfer: Convenient for families, groups, and travelers with luggage.

For a smooth arrival, keep your hotel name and address in Chinese so the driver can easily identify the destination.

Getting Around Lijiang

Once you are in Lijiang, the best transportation depends on where you are going. The Old Town is mainly a walking destination, while surrounding attractions require road transportation.

Walking in Lijiang Old Town

Walking is the best way to explore Lijiang Old Town. Its narrow historic streets, waterways, bridges, courtyards, shops, cafés, and restaurants are best experienced at a relaxed pace.

Vehicles cannot access every part of the historic area, so travelers staying inside or near the Old Town may need to walk the final section from their vehicle drop-off point.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing services are useful for moving between the Old Town, railway station, hotels, Shuhe, Baisha, and other parts of the city.

For international travelers, having the destination written in Chinese can make communication with drivers easier.

Local Buses

Local buses are the lower-cost option for independent travelers. They can be useful for some routes around the city and surrounding areas, although they may require more planning than taxis or private transportation.

Private Transfers

Private transfers are particularly useful for attractions outside central Lijiang. They provide door-to-door transportation and make it easier to combine several stops without changing vehicles.

They are a convenient choice for families, couples, groups, travelers with luggage, and visitors planning a full day around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha, Yuhu, or other surrounding attractions.

Transportation to Major Lijiang Attractions

Getting from Lijiang to Nearby Destinations

Lijiang is a useful base for exploring nearby Yunnan destinations. For most travelers, the most relevant connections are Dali, Shangri-La, Kunming, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.

• Lijiang → Dali: High-speed train is a convenient choice; private transfer is useful for door-to-door travel.

• Lijiang → Shangri-La: Road transportation is the main option, with private transfers providing greater flexibility.

• Lijiang → Kunming: High-speed train is practical for travelers continuing to Kunming or connecting to flights.

• Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge: Road transportation is required and the gorge can be included as a day trip or part of a route toward Shangri-La.

Best Transportation Option for Different Travelers

Transportation Tips for Lijiang

• Compare direct flights with nearby-city connections before booking your route to Lijiang.

• When connecting by air, avoid unnecessarily long detours just to access a larger airport.

• Consider flying to Kunming and taking the high-speed train if it fits your Yunnan itinerary.

• Arrange airport or railway station transfers in advance if you have luggage or arrive late.

• Keep your hotel name and address in Chinese for easier communication with drivers.

• Allow additional travel time for mountain attractions and surrounding villages.

• Check weather and operating conditions before traveling to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Explore More Lijiang Travel Guides

• Lijiang Travel Guide – Get an overview of the city and plan your trip.

• Things to Do in Lijiang – Discover the best local experiences and activities.

• Lijiang Attractions Guide – Explore the city's main sightseeing destinations.

• Lijiang Itinerary Guide – Build a practical itinerary for 2 to 5+ days.

• Where to Stay in Lijiang – Choose the best area for your trip.

• Lijiang Travel Cost Guide – Estimate your daily and total travel budget.

• Lijiang Travel Tips – Prepare for weather, altitude, payments, holidays, and local customs.

Plan Your Lijiang Transportation with Us

Our travel team can arrange airport and railway station transfers, private transportation to Lijiang's mountain and cultural attractions, and comfortable connections between Lijiang and nearby Yunnan destinations.

Let us help you choose the most convenient way to reach Lijiang and get around once you arrive.