How to Get to Shangri-La City from Dali

Located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, Shangri-la has an average altitude of 3,280 m. The special location makes its transportation different from other areas in China. No rail line leads to this area yet. Buses are the most common transport means in and around this area. It is about 300 km away from Dali and can only be reached by coach. Lijiang is located in the middle of this two cities, so most tourists will choose to visit Lijiang after Dali tour, and then move on to Shangrila for sightseeing.

How to Get to Shangri-La City from Dali?

By Air

The only airport in this area, Diqing Airport, operates limited flights every day. There are no direct flights flying between Dali and Shangrila. Tourists can only take the the connecting flight via Kunming or Chongqing, which is a waste of time and money. So it is not recommended.

By Train

The Lijiang-Shangrila Railway is under construction. After the completion, it’s possible for tourists travel to Shangrila by train.

By Coach

At Dali North Bus Station(大理汽车客运北站), there are 14 buses running to Shangrila at the cost of CNY 101-123. The departure time is 07:00, 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:15, 13:00, 15:00, 18:30. Dali North Bus Station lies about middle way between Dali (Xiaguan) Railway Station and Dali Old Town, at the intersection of Heqing Road and Putuo Road with bus routes 8 and 9 passing here. 

Transportation in Yunnan:

Yunnan Travel by Air

Rail Transport in Yunnan

Roads in Yunnan