Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), a picturesque region in Yunnan Province (云南), is known for its diverse culture, lush landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Traveling around the suburban areas of Xishuangbanna can be conveniently done using the suburban area buses, which connect the main city of Jinghong (景洪市) with surrounding towns and attractions. Here’s a detailed guide to navigating the suburban bus system in Xishuangbanna.
Suburban area buses in Xishuangbanna provide an economical and efficient way to explore the region. They connect various attractions, local markets, and ethnic villages, making it easy for travelers to experience the beauty and culture of Xishuangbanna.
Traveling by suburban area bus in Xishuangbanna is an affordable and convenient way to explore the enchanting landscapes and rich cultures of this vibrant region. With numerous routes connecting key destinations, visitors can easily experience the beauty of Xishuangbanna while enjoying the comfort and accessibility of its bus system. Whether you’re visiting traditional markets, botanical gardens, or scenic mountain areas, the suburban buses make it simple to immerse yourself in all that Xishuangbanna has to offer.
For friends traveling to Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), renting a car is an important choice for transportation. As the Water Splashing Festival (泼水节) is approaching, it is advisable for those in need of a rental car to book in advance.
If you plan to explore only the surrounding areas of the city and do not intend to go to Menghai (勐海) or Mengla (勐腊), three days will be sufficient. Recommended rental car attractions include the Wild Elephant Valley (野象谷), Daduogang Tea Garden (大渡岗万亩茶园), Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道 – Menghai), Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden (中科院植物园 – Menglun), and Mengyuan Wonderland (勐远仙境 – Mengla).
In the city, you can visit attractions like the Gaoshan West Xishuangjing Starry Night Market (告庄西双景星光夜市), Baisha Beach (白沙滩), Manting Park (曼听公园), the Big Buddha Temple (大佛寺), and the General Buddha Temple (总佛寺). Additionally, the flower garden and local snack shops in the city are also worth a leisurely stroll.
Regarding transportation, attractions are relatively dispersed, so it is recommended to take a taxi, rent a car, or use the tourist bus. Within the city, you can scan a code to get a taxi or rent a car; however, buses may be less convenient as they stop frequently. Although hiring a car can be more expensive, it is a more carefree option.
For car rental recommendations, Chanyi Car Rental (辰逸租车) is a well-established company with a wide selection of vehicles, good service, and reasonable prices, which I and my friends have personally experienced. The car rental process is straightforward; you only need to present your Alipay (支付宝) Ant Points and driver’s license, and after a quick video recording, the vehicle will be ready for use.
Finally, I hope everyone enjoys their travels in Xishuangbanna, encountering nothing but beauty and joy along the way.
Today, I want to share a practical guide for traveling in Xishuangbanna: an analysis of the rental prices for 20-seater minibuses and tips for saving money! For friends planning to travel to Xishuangbanna, let’s take a look together!
First of all, why choose a 20-seater minibus? It is an excellent choice for family outings and friends’ gatherings! Not only does it ensure a comfortable journey for everyone, but it also allows for fun together and taking beautiful photos—a perfect match!
Alright, let’s get to the main point. Regarding the rental prices for a 20-seater minibus, this is what everyone is most concerned about! I specifically gathered some data to provide a detailed analysis for you.
Of course, saving money is key! I also prepared a few money-saving tips for everyone:
In summary, the rental prices for 20-seater minibuses in Xishuangbanna are quite reasonable, especially if you can grasp some money-saving tips! I hope everyone has a great time and enjoys a comfortable stay. If you like my article, don’t forget to like and bookmark it!
There are many ways to explore Xishuangbanna, and you can choose to hire a car for convenience. Self-driving allows for greater freedom, but if you are not familiar with the routes, it is advised not to drive too fast. Below are relevant details for your consideration.
Chartering is a popular option in many tourist destinations, including Lijiang (丽江), Dali (大理), Tengchong (腾冲), and Xishuangbanna. Travel methods can be categorized into three types: group tours, self-driving tours, and independent travel. Independent travel can further be divided into chartered tours and budget travel.
In terms of freedom, self-driving offers the highest flexibility, but it can also be the most expensive. Next is independent travel, while group tours offer little in terms of freedom. Among independent travel options, chartered tours provide more freedom compared to budget travel.
Taking Xishuangbanna as an example, for a five-seater business vehicle, the cost of a city tour is approximately 100 yuan, while trips to Wangtianshu (望天树) and Mengyuan Wonderland cost around 400-500 yuan. Other attractions generally cost about 150-200 yuan (excluding Chinese New Year, National Day, and Water Splashing Festival).
If you are uncertain about whether to charter a car, my suggestion is: if you are alone, do not charter a car; instead, find companions. For groups of three or more, chartering is very cost-effective. For instance, a round trip by bus to the Wangtianshu scenic area costs over 110 yuan per person, while three people plus taxi fares would be about 400 yuan. Chartering is around the same price. As for two people, it depends on individual preferences, as saving money and effort are often mutually exclusive.
From my understanding, families and close friends tend to choose chartering more often for their trips.
Regarding black cars (unlicensed taxis) and legitimate cars, it’s hard to have both. Regular chartered vehicles typically cost about 100-200 yuan more than black cars, but there is a risk of scams with black cars. There are many online tips for avoiding scams when choosing black cars, such as checking IDs, licenses, and taking photos of license plates. In fact, the charter service industry in Xishuangbanna is quite competitive, and travelers are generally treated well. However, respect is mutual; as travelers, we should also show some respect. If you’re worried about being scammed, consider choosing a seasoned driver in the charter service industry. These experienced drivers have good driving skills and are familiar with the road conditions.
Lastly, let’s discuss the services offered by chartered cars. Free reception (saving about 60-70 yuan in taxi fare), full accompaniment to attractions, and the charter fee includes tolls and fuel costs. Some attractions offer discounted tickets if you buy them through the driver.
Private car rental provides an excellent way to explore the stunning landscapes and cultural sites around Lijiang. Whether you’re traveling from the airport to the city or planning day trips to destinations like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Shangri-La, a private car rental ensures comfort, flexibility, and convenience. Here’s a breakdown of some popular routes you can take with a car rental from Lijiang.
Private car rental in Lijiang is an excellent choice for travelers seeking comfort, flexibility, and convenience while exploring the city and surrounding areas. Whether you’re visiting iconic spots like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or embarking on a longer journey to Lugu Lake or Shangri-La, renting a car ensures a seamless travel experience. With a variety of vehicles and prices to suit different needs, renting a car provides the perfect way to experience Lijiang’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Dali Transportation – Private Car Rental
Kunming Transportation – Private Car Rental
Shangri-La Transportation – Private Car Rental
Shangri-La City, nestled in the highlands of Yunnan, offers a straightforward and economical city bus system for locals and tourists alike. Here’s what you need to know about navigating the city by bus:
Shangri-La’s city bus network provides essential transportation throughout the urban area. Buses are generally well-maintained and offer a cost-effective way to explore the city’s attractions, from historic sites to scenic viewpoints.
Exploring Shangri-La City by bus offers a convenient way to experience its rich cultural and natural heritage. With a reliable network covering major landmarks, the city bus system ensures you can navigate the area affordably while soaking in the charm of this mystical destination.
The traffic to Shangri-la city is mainly by road, and there are highway network of Yunnan-Tibet highway and Sichuan-Tibet highway. Due to the distance between Shangri-la and various scenic spots, the departure time of the long-distance bus is often changed because of the weather, road conditions and other reasons, so before going to the scenic spot, you must ask the local station about the traffic situation, including whether there is a regular bus, whether the road is easy to go.
Shangri-la bus station lies on Xiangbala Avenue of Shangri-la in Diqing prefcture. It is one of the most important long-disdance bus stations for Diqing prefecture to conneting with the outside world. Every day, there are buses to Lijiang, Daocheng, Kunming, Qamdo, Mangkang, Deqin, Xiaguan, Panzhihua and other places. The contact number is 0887-8223501.
Here below are some places you can get to from Shangri-la bus station.
Destinations | Duration | Fare |
Lijiang | 3.5-4 hours | 62 yuan |
Xiaguan Town(Dali City) | 5-6 hours | 114 yuan |
Kunming | 9-10 hours | 223-264 yuan |
Daocheng County | 7.5-9 hours | 133 yuan |
Deqin County | 3.5 hours | 62 yuan |
Weixi County | 3.5 hours | 74 yuan |
Panzhihua | 10 hours | 169 yuan |
Lhasa | 30 hours | 665 yuan |
Qamdo | 17-18 hours | 384 yuan |
Baishuitai | 2.5 hours | 35 yuan |
Pudacuo | 0.5 hour | 15 yuan |
Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge | 2.5 hours | 44 yuan |
There are many tourist buses to famous scenic spots in Shangri-la. They mainly departs from Dukezong ancient town, Shangri-la moonlight square and Tancheng square.
Place of Departure | Departure Time | Duration | Fare |
Dukezong Ancient Town | 08:00 | 20 minutes | 115 yuan(round trip + admission fee) |
Shangri-la moonlight square | 09:00, 14:00 | 15 minutes | 19 yuan(round trip) |
Dukezong Ancient Town | 09:00 | 22 minutes | 19 yuan(round trip) |
Dukezong Ancient Town | 11:00, 13:00 | 15 minutes | 19 yuan(round trip) |
Dukezong Ancient Town | 15:00 | 30 minutes | 19 yuan(round trip) |
Place of Departure | Departure Time | Duration | Fare |
Tancheng Square | 08:00 | 0.5 hour | 50 yuan(round trip)/150 yuan(round trip + admission fee) |
Shangri-la moonlight square | 08:00 | 2 hours | 60 yuan(round trip) |
Dukezong Ancient Town | 08:00 | 30 minutes | 186 yuan(round trip + admission fee) |
Dukezong Ancient Town | 08:30 | 0.5 hour | 49 yuan(round trip) |
Dukezong Ancient Town | 09:00 | 1 hour | 78 yuan(round trip) |
Place of Departure | Departure Time | Duration | Fare |
Dukezong Ancient Town | 01:00, 07:10, 07:30 | 2.5-3 hours | 65-69 yuan(one-way ticket) |
Place of Departure | Departure Time | Duration | Fare |
Dukezong Ancient Town | 09:00 | 25 minutes | 45 yuan(round trip + admission fee) |
Dukezong Ancient Town | 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 | 30 minutes | 38 yuan(round trip) |
Shangri-La Transportation – By Bicycle
Shangri-La Transportation – By Taxi
So far, there is no train to Shangri-la. But the Lixiang(Lijiang- Shangri-la) railway is under construction and is expected to be operational by 2020. After the completion of Lixiang railway, it is expected to arrive from Kunming to Shangri-la within 4-6 hours.
Lijiang-Shangarila railway(Lixiang丽香 for short) is 161 kilometers in length, starting from Lijiang Railway Station in the south and reaching Shangari-la in the north passing through Tiger Leaping Gorge and Xiaozhongdian Town. Lixiang railway is the Yunnan section of Yunnan-Tibet Railway(the second railway entering Tibet), also a section of Dage(Dali-Golmud) Railway. After the completion of Lixiang railway, it will be connected with the existing railway from Kunming to Lijiang, linking Yunnan tourist resorts Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la, and driving the economic and social development of tourism along the route. At the same time, Shangri-la will also be realted with the whole country and even southeast Asia, South Asia and other places.
After the completion of Lixiang railway, Shangri-la railway station and Hutiaoxia(Tiger Leaping Gorge) railway station will be two important railway stations in Shangri-la. Shangri-la railway station is located in Jiantang town, and tiger leaping gorge railway station is located in Hutiaoxia town, next to tiger leaping gorge scenic area. The two stations will be put into operation together with Lixiang railway in 2020.
There is only one airport in Shangri-la city: Diqing Shangri-la Airport, which is only 6 kilometers away from the city center.
Diqing Shangri-la airport is located in the southwest suburb of Shangri-la, about 6 kilometers away from downtown. The urban area is conncted by national highway 214 and Shangri-la Kangba main road. The airport covers an area of 2,185,300 square meters and consists of two terminals. The old terminal (T1) covers an area of 3,073 square meters; The new terminal (T2), covering 14,000 square metres, is a two-storey building with 5 air Bridges, 6 security checkpoints and 10 check-in counters. T2 also has transfer areas, VIP rooms, and ATM. In addition, there are restaurants and shopping center in T2.
Diqing Shangri-la Airport is a civil airport in Yunnan province of China, opened in 1999. It is one of the largest airports in northwest Yunnan. There are flights to Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lhasa, Guangzhou, Xishuangbanna, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guiyang and other places.
There is no airport shuttle buses at Diqing Shangri-la airport. Passengers can travel between the airport and the city center by taxi. Normally, it takes about 20 minutes from the airport to the city center and costs about 30 yuan.
City bus stop is about 4 kilometers from the airport, so the best way from the airport to Shangri-la bus station is by taxi. Generally, it needs a 20 minutes’ drive and costs 20 yuan.
The distance between Diqing Shangri-la airport and Pudacuo national park is about 30 kilometers.
First, take a taxi to Shangri-la bus station, about 20 minutes. Then take a regular bus to Pudacuo national park, which takes about 40 minutes and costs 30 yuan for a round trip.
You can also take a taxi to Pudacuo national park directly. It needs about 40 minutes’ drive and costs at least 120 yuan.
The distance between Diqing Shangri-la airport and Songzanlin monastery is about 13 kilometers. If you go to Songzanlin monastery directly from the airport, you are suggested to take a taxi. Duration is about 30 minutes and the price is about 43 yuan.
Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), a picturesque region in Yunnan Province (云南), is known for its diverse culture, lush landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Traveling around the suburban areas of Xishuangbanna can be...
Xishuangbanna Travel Car Rental Guide For friends traveling to Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), renting a car is an important choice for transportation. As the Water Splashing Festival (泼水节) is approaching, it...
Private car rental provides an excellent way to explore the stunning landscapes and cultural sites around Lijiang. Whether you’re traveling from the airport to the city or planning day...
Dali Transportation – Private Car Rental...
Kunming Transportation – Private Car Rental...
Shangri-La Transportation – Private Car Rental...
Shangri-La City, nestled in the highlands of Yunnan, offers a straightforward and economical city bus system for locals and tourists alike. Here’s what you need to know about navigating...
The traffic to Shangri-la city is mainly by road, and there are highway network of Yunnan-Tibet highway and Sichuan-Tibet highway. Due to the distance between Shangri-la and various scenic...
Shangri-La Transportation – By Bicycle...
Shangri-La Transportation – By Taxi...
So far, there is no train to Shangri-la. But the Lixiang(Lijiang- Shangri-la) railway is under construction and is expected to be operational by 2020. After the completion of Lixiang railway, it is expected...
There is only one airport in Shangri-la city: Diqing Shangri-la Airport, which is only 6 kilometers away from the city center. Diqing Shangri-la Airport Diqing Shangri-la airport is located...
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Office Call: 86-18812220370
Email: Trip@YasoTrip.com
Facebook Page:
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Tel/WhatsApp: +8618088243690
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