Lijiang has an airport and a railway station, both south of the city, and both manageable if you know what to expect. The airport handles domestic flights from Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shanghai, and other cities; the station connects to Kunming and Dali on the high-speed line. Neither is in the old town, and neither is a short walk.
In short
Allow 40 to 50 minutes from the airport and 20 to 30 minutes from the station to the old town. Use the airport shuttle or a pre-booked car, have your guesthouse address in Chinese, and confirm where vehicles can stop.
By air
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport sits in a valley about 28 kilometres south of the city. The drive to Dayan takes 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic, and to Shuhe about 50 to 60 minutes. The airport is small and easy to navigate, with a few food stalls and car rental desks.
The airport shuttle runs to the city centre and the old town area, usually for around ¥20. It is cheap and reasonably frequent, but it drops you at a bus stop rather than your guesthouse. A pre-booked car or taxi is easier with luggage, especially if you are staying inside the pedestrian old town.
By rail
Lijiang station is on the high-speed line from Kunming, with connections to Dali and beyond. The station is modern and about 8 kilometres south of the old town, a 20- to 30-minute drive. Taxis and ride-hailing are available outside, and buses run into the city.
Trains from Kunming take about three hours; from Dali about 1.5 to 2 hours. Book in advance during holidays. The station is not walkable to the old town with luggage, so arrange a transfer or take a taxi.
The last kilometre
Vehicles cannot enter the pedestrian core of Dayan. Your driver will stop at an entrance, and you will walk or be met with a luggage cart. Confirm this with your guesthouse before arrival and ask which gate is closest. In Shuhe and Baisha, vehicles can usually reach the edge of the old lanes.
Have the address in Chinese, either on your phone or printed. Many drivers do not read English. If you arrive late, pre-book the transfer; taxis thin out after midnight. The altitude is 2,400 metres, so take the first hour slowly, especially with heavy bags.
- Save your guesthouse address in Chinese before you fly.
- Confirm the nearest vehicle access point.
- Carry some cash for taxis and small fees.
- Do not schedule a mountain morning immediately after a late arrival.
Verdict
Pre-book the last kilometre: the airport and station are close, but not close enough to walk.
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