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Lijiang is easy to reach by air and high-speed rail, but the altitude, the car-free old town, and the lunar-calendar festivals each need a little planning. This page answers the practical questions, from airport transfers to tap water and tipping. For the monthly conditions that shape what to pack, see the Lijiang weather by month guide, and start with the Lijiang travel guide for the full overview.
Lijiang Travel Tips: Getting There
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) is about 28 km south of the old town. A taxi or Didi into Dayan costs roughly 100 to 120 CNY and takes 35 to 45 minutes, while the airport shuttle bus runs for about 20 CNY to the New Town. Lijiang Railway Station connects to Kunming in about 3.5 to 4 hours and to Dali in about an hour on the high-speed line, and a taxi from the station to Dayan runs 20 to 30 CNY.
Lijiang Travel Tips: Getting Around
There is no metro, and Dayan Old Town is car-free, so you walk it. For crossing town or reaching the station, use Didi or a local taxi, which are cheap by Western standards. Bus 6 runs from Dayan to Shuhe and Baisha, and shared minivans and tour buses serve Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Renting an e-bike is possible around the New Town but not inside the old town.
Lijiang Travel Tips: Money, Visas and Tipping
China uses the yuan (CNY), and mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are standard; foreign cards linked to those apps work in most shops, though small guesthouses sometimes prefer cash or a physical card. Most visitors need a Chinese visa arranged before arrival, and the 144-hour visa-free transit offered in some cities does not cover Lijiang. Tipping is not practiced in China, so no tips are expected anywhere.
Lijiang Travel Tips: Altitude, Health and Safety
The old town sits at about 2,400 m, high enough to cause mild altitude symptoms for some people, and the Jade Dragon Glacier Park cable car tops out at 4,506 m. Ascend slowly, drink extra water, and avoid alcohol on your first day. Tap water is not safe to drink, so buy bottled water. Lijiang is generally safe, but watch your belongings in the crowded old town lanes and avoid the aggressive tour touts near the bus station.
Lijiang Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
When should I go, and what is worth seeing? April and October are the prime months, as the best time to visit Lijiang guide explains, and the things to do in Lijiang list covers the old towns, the snow mountain, and Tiger Leaping Gorge in detail.
What is on, and where should I base myself? Check the Lijiang events and festivals calendar for festivals and read the Lijiang neighborhoods guide to choose between Dayan, Shuhe, Baisha, and the New Town.
Which area is best to sleep in? The where to stay in Lijiang guide breaks down hotels by area with a luxury, mid-range, and budget pick in each.
Suggested Hotels in Lijiang
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort is a luxury resort in Nakhi courtyard architecture overlooking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with a heated indoor pool and spa. Best for families and travelers who want full resort facilities. Check rates and availability
The Bivou Lijiang
The Bivou is a boutique hotel one minute from Shuhe Old Town that blends local and modern design, with a bar, garden, and mountain-view rooms. Best for couples and design-minded travelers. Check rates and availability
Panba Lakeside Lodge
Panba Lakeside Lodge, also known as the International Youth Hostel, is a five-minute walk from the old town with simple rooms and free WiFi. Best for budget travelers who want to be near Dayan without old-town prices. Check rates and availability
