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Lijiang to Shangri-La Distance - 170 KM
Lijiang and Shangri-La are two popular tourist destinations in the northwest of Yunnan Province. The distance between Lijiang and Shangri-La is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) by road. The road journey usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. The route from Lijiang to Shangri-La offers picturesque views of the mountainous landscapes and is known for its natural beauty. It is a popular route for travelers looking to explore the enchanting region of Shangri-La from Lijiang.
It's important to note that the altitude of Lijiang city is 2,400 meters, while the altitude of Shangri-La city is 3,300 meters. This difference in altitude may cause mild symptoms of altitude sickness. It is advisable to acclimatize slowly when arriving in Lijiang to alleviate altitude sickness.
Lijiang to Shangri-la Private Car (Guided Tour) - Best for First-Timers
Traveling from Lijiang to Shangri-La by private car with a guided tour is an excellent choice for first-timers. There are two options for road travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La. The first option is to take the expressway for the entire journey, without visiting any attractions along the way, and simply enjoy the scenery from the car. However, the expressway has many tunnels, and it takes about 2 hours to reach Shangri-La.
The second option is to combine the use of National Highway 214 and the expressway, allowing for more sightseeing and exploration of attractions along the route. It is recommended to slow down the pace and gradually acclimate to the increasing altitude from Lijiang to Shangri-La. This option takes approximately 5 hours to reach Shangri-La.
Why Private Car is Highly Recommended from Lijiang to Shangri-La?
A private car is highly recommended for traveling from Lijiang to Shangri-La for several reasons. Firstly, it offers convenience and comfort as your guide will provide door-to-door service, picking you up from your hotel in Lijiang and dropping you off at your hotel in Shangri-La. This eliminates the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads and public transportation. With a private vehicle, you can relax and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Secondly, having a private car allows for a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests. You can customize the tour to include the highlights that matter most to you. Additionally, your guide will provide local knowledge, sharing insights on the history, culture, and natural wonders along the way. They can take you to hidden gems and help you navigate any language barriers, enhancing your overall experience.
Furthermore, your guide can assist with important considerations such as acclimatization to the higher altitude in Shangri-La, ensuring you have enough time to adjust. They can also provide guidance on respecting local customs and traditions, promoting cultural sensitivity. Lastly, your guide can offer expert advice on the best spots for capturing stunning photos of the landscape and cultural sights, maximizing the photographic opportunities during your trip.
Scenery Along the Road Way from Lijiang to Shangri-La
- First Bend of the Yangtze River: After departure from Lijiang for about 1-hour drive, you'll reach the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the mighty Yangtze River takes a sharp turn. This scenic spot offers panoramic views of the river winding through the valleys and the surrounding mountains.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: Continuing on the route, you'll pass by the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in the world. The steep cliffs, roaring Jinsha River, and stunning mountain vistas create a mesmerizing sight. Usually, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a must-visit when you travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La.
- Snow-Capped Mountains: The road to Shangri-La takes you through mountainous terrain, and on clear days, you'll be treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks. The most prominent among them are the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which dominates the skyline with its majestic beauty, and the Haba Snow Mountain.
As an experienced travel agency based in Yunnan, we can provide you with the best Lijiang Shangri-La Tour Packages. Our professional guide and experienced drivers can pick you up anywhere in Lijiang or Shangri-La anytime. By booking a private car service with us, you can make time to relax in the car and enjoy the highlights and scenery on the road. Our experienced travel consultants can help you design a Lijiang Shangri-La Tours according to your interests and preferences. If you need any help, please get in touch with us and tailor your trip with us.
Lijiang to Shangri-La Bullet Train - Fastest Way
Since November 2023, a high-speed train route has been opened from Lijiang to Shangri-La, reducing travel time to only 1-1.5 hours between Lijiang Railway Station and Shangri-La Railway Station. The ticket price is ranging from 49 yuan to 170 yuan for different class. Currently, there are 5 trains available daily for this route. Here are the detailed information about Lijiang to Shangri-La high-speed train.
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While the high-speed train offers convenience, it may limit the opportunity to fully appreciate the scenic landscapes along the way. To ensure a better experience and enjoy the picturesque views, it is recommended to choose a private car for the journey from Lijiang to Shangri-La. This way, you can make stops and take in the beautiful scenery at your own pace.
For the return trip from Shangri-La, you have the option of taking a high-speed train to Lijiang, Dali, or Kunming. This allows for a more efficient and comfortable travel experience, providing flexibility in planning your onward journey.
Lijiang to Shangri-La Bus - Budged but not Recommended for Foreigners
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option to travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La, taking a bus is a convenient and popular choice. There are direct buses available that operate between Lijiang and Shangri-La.
In Lijiang, there are three departure points to choose from: Lijiang Bus Station, Lijiang Ancient Town North Gate, and Lijiang Ancient Town South Gate. Lijiang Bus Station is situated south of Lijiang Ancient Town, approximately 2 kilometers away from the South Gate. It takes about 10 minutes by taxi to reach the bus station. If you're staying within the ancient town, you have the option to board the bus at either the North Gate or the South Gate. However, it's worth noting that all window seats may already be occupied.
In Shangri-La, there are two arrival destinations to choose from: Dukezong Ancient Town East Gate or Shangri-La Bus Station. Shangri-La Bus Station is located between Dukezong Ancient Town and Songzanlin Monastery, around 3 kilometers from the North Gate of Dukezong Ancient Town and approximately 5 kilometers from Songzanlin Monastery.
Under normal traffic conditions, the bus journey from Lijiang to Shangri-La takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, and the ticket price ranges around 80-90 yuan. Please select the departure and arrival points based on your own circumstances and preferences.
How to Plan a Lijiang Shangri-La Tour
To fully explore the destinations of Lijiang and Shangri-La, a minimum of 5 days is recommended. The first two days can be dedicated to exploring the famous Lijiang Ancient Town and visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Naxi ethnic group. Following that, you can take a car to Shangri-La, making stops at attractions like Tiger Leaping Gorge along the way. In Shangri-La, you can experience the high-altitude plateau and immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhism. Wander through the streets of Dukezong Ancient Town, visit the temples of Songzanlin Monastery, or go hiking in Pudacuo National Park to witness the breathtaking high-altitude lakes and forest landscapes.
If you wish to embark on an unforgettable trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge or witness the majestic beauty of Meili Snow Mountain, or even have an extraordinary trekking experience in the secluded village of Yubeng at the foot of the snow mountain, you will need more time.
In fact, many travelers consider Lijiang and Shangri-La as just two stops on their itinerary in Yunnan. The most classic travel route in Yunnan is an 8-day journey starting from Kunming, then visiting Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. In just over a week, you can explore the most popular tourist destinations in Yunnan.
Day 1-2: Arrive in Kunming, exploring highlights such as the Stone Forest and Dianchi Lake.
Day 3-4: Take a high-speed train to Dali, the romantic city of Yunnan, where you can spend 2 days exploring the beauty of Erhai Lake and experiencing the historical charm of the ancient kingdoms of Nanzhao and Dali.
Day 5-6: Drive to Lijiang, visiting attractions like Dali Ancient City, Shuhe Ancient Town, Baisha Village, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, while immersing yourself in the culture of the Naxi ethnic group.
Day 7-8: Finally, head to Shangri-La, where you can immerse yourself in the Tibetan scenery and culture of western Yunnan.
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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