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Dali to Lijiang Distance: Roughly 105 Miles (170 km)
The distance between Dali and Lijiang is about 170 kilometers (105 miles). There are several transportation options available for traveling between these two popular destinations in Yunnan Province.
- By Overland: The road journey from Dali to Lijiang takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. The two cities are connected by 2 expressways, providing a convenient and scenic route.
- By High-Speed Train: There is a high-speed railway that connects Dali and Lijiang. The train journey takes about 2 hours.
- By Air: Both Dali and Lijiang have airports; however, due to their close proximity, there are no direct flights operating between them.
When traveling from Dali to Lijiang, it's common for people to start their journey from specific points rather than departing directly from the city center in the southern part of Erhai Lake. Popular starting points include the Dali Ancient City, Xizhou Ancient Town on the western shore of Erhai Lake, or Shuanglang Ancient Town on the northeastern shore. The distance from these top attractions of Dali to Lijiang is about 150 kilometers (93 miles).
Dali to Lijiang Private Car - Best and Most Convenient Way
Traveling from Dali to Lijiang by private car is widely considered the best and most convenient method of transportation. Two expressways connect Dali and Lijiang, with the eastern route being shorter. It passes by Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. The western route adds 15 kilometers but allows for visits to popular destinations like Shaxi Ancient Town and Jianchuan Ancient Town. Taking a private car or hiring a car service makes it easy to travel between the two cities, with a travel time of around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic conditions and any stops.
Why Private Car is the Best and Most Convenient Way
- Door-to-Door Service: Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Dali and take you directly to your hotel in Lijiang. No need to worry about lugging your luggage around or figuring out public transportation schedules.
- Flexibility: You have the freedom to customize your travel schedule and make stops at attractions of interest. For example, you can visit the charming Shaxi Old Town, a former trading post on the Tea Horse Caravan Road.
- Time Efficiency: The travel time by private car is comparable to that of trains, if not faster. Considering the early arrival and transfer time required at train stations, taking a private car offers a more direct and time-efficient choice. It eliminates the need to navigate transportation between train stations, hotels, and attractions.
In summary, taking a private car or hiring a car service is undeniably the best and most convenient way to travel from Dali to Lijiang. It ensures a hassle-free journey, offers flexibility, and enables you to maximize your experience by exploring attractions along the way.
Suggested Dali to Lijiang Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Dali.
Day 2: Visit Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple and Dali Ancient Town in the morning. In the afternoon, continue your journey with a leisurely bike ride along the west side of Erhai Lake (洱海). Conclude your day with a flower cake-making workshop in the late afternoon. Stay overnight in Xizhou Village.
Day 3:Spend the morning in Xizhou Village (喜洲古镇). After lunch, make your way to Zhoucheng Village, which is just a short drive from Xizhou. Then drive one hour to Shaxi Ancient Town and stay overnight.
Day 4: Explore Shaxi Ancient Town and drive one hour to Lijiang. Upon arrival, visit the famous Lijiang Old Town.
Day 5: Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the morning. After lunch, head to Baisha Village to admire Baisha Mural and experience various Naxi Culture activities.
Day 6: Departure from Lijiang.
Dali to Lijiang Bus - Budget-Friendly Way
Traveling by bus is a budget-friendly way to go from Dali to Lijiang. Since April 2024, Didi Bus (滴滴站点巴士) has operated a tourist bus route specifically designed for this journey.
The bus departs from Dali East Bus Station and follows a route that includes stops at various locations. These stops include the Cangshan Gate of Dali Ancient City, the Xizhou Ancient Town Tourist Center, and the Shuanglang Bus Station. From there, the bus takes the expressway to Lijiang. You can board the bus at any of these stops along the way.
You can buy the Didi Bus Ticket online or at the stop station. The ticket price for this bus service is a flat rate of 50 CNY per person, making it an affordable transportation option. Upon arrival in Lijiang, the bus stops at three locations: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, the South Gate of Lijiang Ancient City, and the Shuhe Ancient Town Archway. Depending on your destination or preference, you can disembark at any of these stops.
This bus service is particularly convenient for both domestic and international tourists looking to explore the popular attractions in Dali and Lijiang. It provides an affordable and accessible mode of transportation, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty and cultural heritage along the route.
Dali to Lijiang High-Speed Train - Not Recommended
There are several high-speed trains running daily between Dali and Lijiang. The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, covering a distance of 157 kilometers (97 miles). Ticket prices start around CNY 72 for a second-class seat and CNY 114 for a first-class seat.
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Railway Stations in Dali and Lijiang
Dali Railway Station:
In Dali, the Dali Railway Station is located in the southwestern part of the city. It is about 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) away from Dali Ancient City, about 37 kilometers (23 miles) from Xizhou Ancient Town, and around 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) from Shuanglang Ancient Town.
It's important to note that there is a considerable distance between the railway station and the main tourist areas in Dali. As public transportation connections may not be fast and efficient, it's recommended to plan your transportation options carefully when traveling from Dali to Lijiang.
Lijiang Railway Station:
In Lijiang, the Lijiang Railway Station is situated in the southern part of the city. It is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away from Lijiang Old Town. To reach the old town from the railway station, it takes about 1 hour by public transportation or around 30 minutes by taxi.
When considering traveling by train from Dali to Lijiang, it's essential to keep in mind the distance between the railway stations and the main tourist areas in both cities. It may require additional time and transportation arrangements to reach your desired destinations within Dali and Lijiang.
How to Get from Lijiang to Dali?
To travel from Lijiang to Dali, you have several transportation options:
1. By Train:
Pros: Trains offer comfortable seating and, on some routes, scenic views. It's a convenient option if your destination is near the train station. Travel time typically ranges from 2.5 to 3 hours, and train journeys are not affected by traffic congestion.
Cons: Public transportation between the train station and major tourist areas in both cities can be inconvenient and relatively distant. Taxis are the primary transportation option for reaching your destination.
If you plan to continue your journey to other popular destinations in China by high-speed train, Dali offers connections to cities like Guilin, Chengdu, and Guiyang.
2. By Private Car:
Pros: Hiring a private car provides exclusive and personalized service. It's the most flexible option in terms of itinerary and stops, allowing for spontaneous detours.
Cons: Private car services tend to be relatively expensive compared to other modes of transportation.
3. By Bus:
Pros: Buses offer an affordable option for travel. You can enjoy the scenery during the road trip, as bus routes often pass through picturesque areas.
Cons: The number of bus services may be limited, and departure points are fixed. Purchasing tickets may be slightly challenging for foreign travelers. In case of traffic congestion, the travel time may be longer.
How to Plan a Dali to Lijiang Tour?
1-3 Days in Dali:
Spend 1-3 days exploring Dali, where you can visit the Dali Ancient City and Bai ethnic ancient towns and immerse yourself in the landscapes of Dali and the ancient kingdom of Nanzhao. Take in the beauty of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, as well as the surrounding pastoral scenery. Make sure to visit the Bai ethnic ancient towns, such as Xizhou, and appreciate their unique architecture, cultural heritage, and local customs. Explore the charming streets, interact with the friendly locals, and indulge in the serene atmosphere of the area.
Travel to Lijiang:
After your time in Dali, take a 2-hour drive to Lijiang. Allocate about 2 days to explore Lijiang and its surroundings. Begin by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town, where you can wander through its ancient streets, experience the Naxi culture, and admire the traditional architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, an iconic natural attraction in the area. You can also venture to Tiger Leaping Gorge to witness its awe-inspiring beauty and enjoy hiking or other outdoor activities.
Continuing Your Journey:
Once you have completed your visit to Lijiang, you have the option to continue your journey to Shangri-La or Lugu Lake. Shangri-La, located to the north, offers stunning landscapes, Tibetan culture, and unique experiences. Explore the ancient town, visit the Songzanlin Monastery, and immerse yourself in the tranquil environment. Alternatively, you can head to Lugu Lake, which is known for its picturesque scenery, the matriarchal Mosuo culture, and the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the lake.
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Yunnan
Embark on a breathtaking journey to Yunnan with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) and discover the province's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. As a trusted travel partner with over a decade of experience in the region, AOT offers a wide range of customizable Yunnan tour packages tailored to meet the diverse interests of every traveler. Whether you're seeking a family adventure, a romantic escape, or an in-depth exploration of Yunnan's ethnic diversity and natural wonders, AOT has the expertise to craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Popular Destinations:
- Kunming: The "Spring City" known for its pleasant climate and vibrant flowers.
- Lijiang: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved ancient town.
- Dali: Famous for its beautiful Erhai Lake and the ancient Bai culture.
- Shangri-La: A gateway to Tibetan culture and stunning highland scenery.
- Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Renowned for its spectacular rice terraces.
- Xishuangbanna: Experience the tropical climate, rich biodiversity, and the unique Dai culture, including attractions like the Wild Elephant Valley and tropical rainforests.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest gorges in the world, offering breathtaking views and thrilling hiking trails along the Jinsha River.
- Jianshui: A historic town known for its ancient architecture, including the well-preserved Jianshui Confucian Temple and the beautiful Zhu Family Garden.
Tour Packages:
- Comprehensive Yunnan Tours: Kunming Lijiang Tour, Kunming Dali Tour, Lijiang Shangri-La Tours
- Yunnan Theme Tours: Yunnan High Speed Train Tours, Adventure, Hiking, Nature, Family, Winter, Photography, Ancient Town, Ethnic Group
- Combined Tours with Nearby Regions: Yunnan and Tibet Tour
Start planning your dream vacation today with Asia Odyssey Travel and experience the beauty, culture, and warm hospitality of Yunnan. Contact us to begin your journey.
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