Town in Yunnan, China
Getting around Lijiang
How to get around Lijiang
The old town is walkable and car-free in parts. Use DiDi or taxis to reach the new town and mountain; trains and buses link to Dali and Shangri-La.
Ways to get around Lijiang
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| City bus | 2–3 CNY | Routes to the new town, Shuhe and the train station |
| Taxi | About 10–25 CNY in town | Meters are common; confirm in the old town |
| Jade Dragon Snow Mountain shuttle | Ticket plus transfer, varies | Book tickets online in advance; cable car queues are long |
| Train to Dali | About 40–60 CNY | Fast train in about 1 h |
Ride-hailing apps in Lijiang
A 5 km ride costs about ¥12–22 ($1.8–3.3).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DiDi | Works in the new town and airport; fewer cars inside the old town |
- Taxis cannot enter the old town centre; walk to a taxi stand on the edge. Agree fares with unmarked drivers before riding.
Arriving in Lijiang
Lijiang Sanyi (LJG)
Airport bus about 20 CNY, 40 min to the old town; taxi or DiDi 70–100 CNY.
Via Lijiang railway station
Trains from Kunming and Dali; bus or taxi 15–40 CNY to the old town.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Electric bikes are rented near Shuhe and Baisha; a local licence is needed and police may fine riders.
- Driving: on the right. IDPs aren't recognised. Visitors need a temporary Chinese driving permit (up to 90 days) or a Chinese licence.
- Onward travel in China: High-speed trains link nearly every big city, often faster than flying; book with a passport on 12306 or Trip.com. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper trains cover long distances.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Lijiang?
No. Use DiDi instead.
What's the best way to get around Lijiang?
The old town is walkable and car-free in parts. Use DiDi or taxis to reach the new town and mountain; trains and buses link to Dali and Shangri-La.
How do I get from the airport to Lijiang?
Airport bus about 20 CNY, 40 min to the old town; taxi or DiDi 70–100 CNY.
Is Lijiang walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Lijiang
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.