Mengzi Railway Station introduces the location, profile, maps, travel tips, normal trains and high speed trains schedule, train tickets booking, transportation, layout, facilities and servive, travel guide of Mengzi Railway Station.

Station Name (EN): Mengzi Railway Station
Station Name(CN): 蒙自火车站/Mengzi Huochezhan
Address(EN): Yujiazhai Village, East of Mengzi City, Honghe, Yunnan
Address(CN): 云南省红河哈尼族彝族自治州蒙自市东郊余家寨

Hekou North Railway Station introduces the location, profile, maps, travel tips, normal trains and high speed trains schedule, train tickets booking, transportation, layout, facilities and servive, travel guide of Hekou North Railway Station.

Hekou North railway station (Chinese: 河口北站; pinyin: Hékǒu běi zhàn) is a railway station in Hekou Town, the county seat of Hekou Yao Autonomous County in Yunnan Province of China. It is the southern end of the standard-gauge Kunming–Yuxi–Hekou Railway. It also is connected by meter-gauge tracks to the meter-gauge Kunming–Hekou Railway (the Chinese section of the international Kunming–Hai Phong Railway), thus serving as a linking point between Vietnam’s meter-gauge rail network and China’s standard-gauge network.

The station serves cargo trains from both the standard-gauge and narrow-gauge sides. Passenger service exists only on the standard-gauge side, and consists of several daily trains to Kunming, one of them continuing to Dali.

History

Hekou North railway station was opened on December 1, 2014, along with the Mengzi–Hekou Railway, the last and southernmost segment of the Kunming–Yuxi–Hekou mainline.^[1] On March 27, 2015, the short meter-gauge connector line connecting Hekou North railway station with the Kunming–Hai Phong Railway (linking into it near the old Hekou railway station) was opened as well, making Hekou North a junction point between two differently gauged railway systems.^[Soon, the facilities for transferring shipping containers and entire railcars between the two systems came on line as well. The two facilities were inaugurated with transferring two containers of coke on April 10, and 16 cars of chemical fertilizers on April 12, respectively.

Station Name (EN): Hekou North Railway Station/Hekou Bei Railway Station
Station Name(CN): 河口火车北站/Hekou Huoche Beizhan
Address(EN): Hekou County, Honghe, Yunnan
Address(CN): 云南省红河州河口县

As being around 10 kilometers from downtown Li’jiang（丽江）, the Li’jiang Railway Station（丽江火车站） is the main transportation hub for local tourism, which is also a major part of Yunnan-Tibet Railway.

Lijiang Railway Station introduces the location, profile, maps, travel tips, normal trains and high speed trains schedule, train tickets booking, transportation, layout, facilities and servive, travel guide of Lijiang Railway Station.

Station Name (EN): Lijiang Railway Station
Station Name(CN): 丽江火车站/Lijiang Huochezhan
Address(EN): Shangji Village, Yulong County, Lijiang, Yunnan
Address(CN): 云南省丽江市玉龙县城南口片区上吉村

Brief Introduction

Lijiang Station has a distinctive Naxi style and characteristics. The station area is 11,821 square meters, the building height is 32.50 meters, the length is 182 meters, and the width is 50.3 meters. The station room is equipped with VIP waiting room, fire fighting facilities, emergency evacuation passage, broadcasting, communication, barrier-free access and so on.
There are 1,200 seats in the two waiting rooms of Xinlijiang Station, each with four PPD displays. The first-floor waiting room has small storage, supermarkets, McDonald’s, etc. The second-floor waiting room has a casual tea room. Passengers can enter the second and third stations from the pit lane of the first-floor waiting room, or directly enter the one-station platform from the second-floor waiting room flyover.
There are 17 ticket sales windows in the ticketing hall. The ticket office is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm every day. The ticket opening window is open every day from 7:20 am to 9:00 pm, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and from 5:00 pm Points ~ 8:30 pm.

Main Route and Schedule (For Reference ONLY)

Departure

Train No.	Train Type	Departure	Time	Arrival	Time	Duration
K9606/K9608	Regular Speed	Lijiang	08：08	Kunming	17：16	9 h 8 mins
K9685/K9688	Regular Speed	Lijiang	09：28	Kunming	16：23	6 h 55 mins
K9620	Regular Speed	Lijiang	09：48	Dali	11：59	2 h 11 mins
K9630	Regular Speed	Lijiang	16：26	Dali	18：38	2 h 12 mins
K9618	Regular Speed	Lijiang	19：50	Qujing	07：17	11 h 27 mins
K9611/K9614	Regular Speed	Lijiang	20：55	Kunming	06：13	9 h 18 mins
K9681/K9684	Regular Speed	Lijiang	21：30	Kunming	06：50	9 h 20 mins
K9601/K9604	Regular Speed	Lijiang	22：50	Kunming	08：27	9 h 37 mins

Arrival

Train No.	Train Type	Departure	Time	Arrival	Time	Duration
K9606/K9607	Regular Speed	Kunming	20：49	Lijiang	06：10	9 h 21 mins
K9686/K9687	Regular Speed	Kunming	21：21	Lijiang	07：04	9 h 43 mins
K9616/K9617	Regular Speed	Qujing	19：40	Lijiang	07：50	12 h 10 mins
K9602/ K9603	Regular Speed	Kunming	22：06	Lijiang	08：48	10 h 42 mins
K9629	Regular Speed	Dali	09：25	Lijiang	11：47	2 h 22 mins
K9619	Regular Speed	Dali	15：36	Lijiang	17：42	2 h 06 mins
K9612/K9613	Regular Speed	Kunming	09：43	Lijiang	18：15	8 h 32 mins
K9682/K9683	Regular Speed	Kunming	12：10	Lijiang	19：05	6 h 55 mins

Local Transportation

Xinlijiang Station is located in Shangji Village, Chengnankou District, Yulong County, about 10 kilometers away from Lijiang City. Passengers can take the No. 4 bus from Lijiang Guchengkou (horizontal square) to the train station directly, or take the No. 18 bus from the ancient city south gate Bailong Square to the train station, or take the No. 11 bus from Fuchengkou to Fuhui Market. (opposite the Likelong Supermarket) take the 16 bus to the train station.
Lijiang Station is located in the urban area of Yulong County. From the ancient city, you can take bus No. 4, No. 16, and No. 18 to Lijiang Railway Station. Take the No. 4 bus directly to the railway station in the ancient city of Lijiang, or take the No. 18 bus from the ancient city south gate Bailong Square to the train station. You can also take the No. 11 bus from Guchengkou to Fuhui Market (opposite Likelong Supermarket). Take the No. 16 bus to Lijiang Railway Station.
No.4 (Lijiang Railway Station – Gucheng District No. 1 Middle School)
No.16 (Gucheng District No. 1 – Lijiang Railway Station)
No.18 (White Dragon Plaza – Lijiang Railway Station)
Also, if you are good at bargaining, local taxi is also a good alternative.

Local Attractions

Lijiang Ancient Town, Jade-Dragon Snow Mountain, Shuhe Ancient Town, Tea-Horse Ancient Town, Lashihai Wetland Park, Blue Moon Valley, Sifang Street, Ganhaizi.
Main transportation methods include mid-distance coach and private taxi. However, we strongly recommend you to reach a deal with the driver before departure.

Notes: High-speed line has been put into use on January 5, 2019.

Shangri-La Railway Station introduces the location, profile, maps, travel tips, normal trains and high speed trains schedule, train tickets booking, transportation, layout, facilities and service, travel guide of Shangri-La Railway Station.

Station Name (EN): Shangri-La Railway Station
Station Name(CN): 香格里拉火车站/Xianggelila Huochezhan
Address(EN): Shini Village, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing, Yunnan
Address(CN): 云南省香格里拉市建塘镇尼史村

Located in Jiantang town of Shangri-La city, Shangri-La Railway Station is the terminus of Lixiang railway(Lijiang-Shangrila Railway) under construction and the intermediate station of Yunnan-Tibet railway under planning. It will be put into use together with Lixiang railway in 2020.

Lijiang-Shangri-La railway starts from the Lijiang station of Dali-Lijiang railway in the south, crossing the Jinsha river in the north, passing the Xiaozhongdian(小中甸) to Shangri-La. The line is about 139 kilometers with 12 stops such as Lshihai(拉市海) and Hutiaoxia(虎跳峡). The designed driving speed is 120 kilometers per hour and the total construction period is 6 years.

After the completion of Lixiang railway, it will be connected with the existing Kunming-Lijiang railway, linking the tourist resorts of Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La in Yunnan to drive the development of tourism economy and social development along the route. At the same time, Shangri-La will also be associated with the whole country and even southeast Asia, South Asia and other places.

If you want know more details or train schedules of Shangri-La Railway Station, you can click here: https://yunnanexploration.com/train-schedules-of-shangri-la-railway-station.html

Transportation in Yunnan:

Yunnan Travel by Air

Rail Transport in Yunnan

Roads in Yunnan

Xizhou Morning Market

Dali Railway Station is located at No.261, Weishan Road, Dali City, Yunnan Province, founded in 1999. It is the terminal of Guangda(Guangtong-Dali) Railway, 213 kilometers from Guangtong(广通) Railway Station. Dali Railway Station connects Kun Guang Da(Kunming-Guangtong-Dali) Railway, Da Bao Rui(Dali-Baoshan-Ruili) Railway, Xiang Lin Pu(Xiangyun-Lincang-Puer) Railway and Da Li Xiang(Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-la) Railway, and has a broad prospect for development.

Since June 29, 2018, the normal speed trains from Kunming to Dali are all closed and the high-speed trains are formally put into use, which cut the entire journey to 2 hours.

Dali Railway Station introduces the location, profile, maps, travel tips, normal trains and high speed trains schedule, train tickets booking, transportation, layout, facilities and servive, travel guide of Dali Railway Station.

Station Name (EN): Dali Railway Station
Station Name(CN): 大理火车站/Dali Huochezhan
Address(EN): NO.261, Weishan Road, Xiaguan Town, Dali City, Dali, Yunnan
Address(CN): 云南省大理白族自治州大理市下关镇巍山路261号

Dali Railway Station Timetable(Popular Routes)

Train Number	Arrival Station	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Price
D8654	Kunming Railway Station	7:42	9:34	145 CNY
D8658	Kunming Railway Station	7:54	10:02	145 CNY
D3968	Kunming Railway Station	8:24	10:32	145 CNY
D8662	Kunming Railway Station	8:53	11:07	145 CNY
D3954	Kunming Railway Station	9:42	11:56	145 CNY
D3884	Kunming Railway Station	10:00	12:15	145 CNY
D8666	Kunming Railway Station	10:36	12:50	145 CNY
D3852	Kunming Railway Station	11:12	13:31	145 CNY
D3932	Kunming Railway Station	11:40	13:48	145 CNY
D3856	Kunming Railway Station	11:55	14:01	145 CNY
D3940	Kunming Railway Station	12:12	14:27	145 CNY
D8670	Kunming Railway Station	12:48	14:56	145 CNY
D8678	Kunming Railway Station	13:35	15:27	145 CNY
D8682	Kunming Railway Station	13:56	16:05	145 CNY
D8686	Kunming Railway Station	14:48	17:08	145 CNY
D4122	Kunming Railway Station	15:30	17:38	145 CNY
D8690	Kunming Railway Station	15:50	18:05	145 CNY
D8698	Kunming Railway Station	16:52	18:44	145 CNY
D8704	Kunming Railway Station	18:15	20:23	145 CNY
D8708	Kunming Railway Station	18:32	20:34	138 CNY
D8712	Kunming Railway Station	18:55	20:47	138 CNY
D8720	Kunming Railway Station	19:15	21:30	145 CNY
D8728	Kunming Railway Station	19:54	21:52	94 CNY
D8732	Kunming Railway Station	20:06	22:08	145 CNY
D8736	Kunming Railway Station	20:23	22:25	145 CNY
D8740	Kunming Railway Station	20:35	22:37	109 CNY
D8748	Kunming Railway Station	21:10	23:02	145 CNY
K6121	lijiang Railway Station	17:15	20:06	34 CNY
K6123	Lijiang Railway Station	19:05	21:33	34 CNY

‣ About Mandian Waterfall

The ManDian waterfall is located in the tropic rain forest natural protective area, surrounded with the Dai minority villages and Ha Ni minority villages, 27km southeast Jing Hong city. The waterfall consists of 10 grades with the head drop of 20 meters, the width of 10 meters, thundering sounds. The Mandian Waterfall has more than 10 cascades, with a fall of nearly 20 meters and a width of 10 meters. It sends out a thunderous sound resembling the roar of 400 angry wild beasts, which can be heard from far away.

● Chinese Name: 曼点瀑布（Man Dian Pu bu)
● Keywords:Mandian Waterfall tickets, Tropical rainforest, Dai minority village, Hani Minority vallage.
● Location: Mandian Village, Gadong Town, Jinghong City, Yunnan Province
● Scenic Area:
● Admission Fee: 5 RMB for ticket
● Opening Hours:08:00-18:00 (3 to 4 hours for a visit)

● Trekking

Staring out from ManDian village and walking along the valley among the thick forest for about 2.5 km, you will see the first grade of the waterfall, also the greatest one. You would be full of joy in appreciating the strange beautiful scenery. Water drops from the limestone cliff with the head drop of about 30 meters and width of 10 meters. All surroundings are full of water flowers and beautiful thin foggy, flying here and there. The sound of the water’s hitting on the rocks sounds extremely thundering in the rain seasons. A peculiar 10-meter-tall tree stands on the cliff with the exposed roots. As the nearest waterfall to Jing Hong city, the Man Dian waterfall is among the virgin forest with typical valley rain forest plants. If you want to have a rainforest to yourself, head here, before it gets discovered too much.

Mandian Waterfall in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna

● Various species of plants

The Mandian Waterfall lies in a virgin forest full of various species of plants. Walking through the forest and standing on a small bridge over the river, one can see the waterfall rushing down from cliffs above the head and stirring up thick mist. Both sides of the riverbanks are covered with vegetation of typical rain forests. Ancient trees stand on the cliffs and evergreen broad-leaved trees grow along the waterfall with bushiness. Strolling through such ancient forests, one can enjoy a wonderful view.

● Baoshui waterfalls

This waterfall divided into the left, middle and right three parts, left curtain wide and Chung, any season has Baoshui waterfalls in the middle of the curtain a little more than left and right sides, the dry season becomes trickle stream. waterfall about 15 meters wide, the gap of 25 meters. Baoshui flew down from above, into the ravine, issue deafening voice. Baoshui flying overlooking the valley, the whole fine mist of water, occasionally white spray mist like pearls on jumps. Waterfalls and dense shade lined with tall evergreen broad-leaved trees blotting out the sun, vines climbing vine music, hanging on the tall trees. Man Dian River as snow chains wildly in the winds from the school of green riverbed suddenly “broken down”, nearly 30 meters from the river where water rush down, forming a drop of water, like a white curtain valance high hanging in the valley rainforest. Standing with ravine rain set off each other in front of a waterfall, the beauty of nature and harmony will make people forget their troubles, will you introduce no earthly strife, only pure natural realm, let you enjoy the comfort of nature, quiet.

‣ Attraction Transportation

You can take a regular No.2 bus from Jinghong to Gadong Town, then take a charter car to Mandian Village, then walk to Mandian Waterfall.

‣ Best Time to Visit

Belonging to tropical rainforest climate, Xishuangbanna’s rainy season is from May to October. With annual average temperature of 21c, it has long summer and no winter. With cool and pleasant four seasons, the best time for traveling Mandian Waterfall is from May to October which you can enjoy amazing waterfall.

‣ Tips

● Trekking 1 hour, one-way, 3KM, round way total 6KM.
●It is better to prepare some mosquito products and sun block in case of insects and sunlight.
●Respect the local customs of Dai and Hani minorities.

Kunming railway station is the main railway station serving the city of Kunming, Yunnan, China. It is located in the southern section of Beijing Road, Guandu District, about four kilometres from the Kunming city centre. It was opened to public since 1958, and is the first-class railway station under the jurisdiction of the Kunming Railway Bureau. There are 6 platforms and 12 tracks. Its maximum passenger assembling is up to about 10,000.

Routes of Kunming Railway Station

Kunming is the railway hub station composed of 12 main lines and branches as an important node of national railway network and the focus of Yunnan railway artery. The main lines are: Shanghai-Kunming Railway, Chengdu-Kunming Railway, Nanning-Kunming railway, Neijiang-Kunming Railway, Kunming-Lijiang railway, Kunming-Hekou Railway and so on. At Kunming Station, there are totally more than 10 daily trains which go to Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Chongqing, Xiamen, Zhengzhou, Nanning, Nanchang, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Guiyang, Changsha, Hangzhou and so on.

Station Plan

The station consists of a two-storey terminal building and two squares, the north and south squares. The ground floor is for ticket office, waiting room, restaurants, shops, left luggage, service desk, toilets, hot drinking water, exit/ entrance, luggage consignment office, police stand. The second floor for waiting hall, check points, exit/entrance, toilets, hot drinking water, shopping area. And the -1F for parking lots, taxi stands (pick-up), toilets, arrival hall, transfer hall, exit.

Ticket Check and Boarding

First read the tickets at the gate of the station and then read the LED screens carefully to find where to have the tickets checked. Then follow the direction boards getting to the platform and board the train. After finding your seat, please put your luggage in the right place steadily in case that it falls and hurts others.

Transportation of Kunming Railway Station

Between Kunming Railway Station and Kunming City Center

Tourists can take the public bus or Metro Line 1 traveling around Kunming city. It is about 15 minutes to go by taxi from city center to railway station.

By Bus(arrive at the north square):
At Beijing Road: 23, 24, 25, 44, 83, Z30
At Nanyao Coach Station: C71
At Zhanqian Road: 2, 31, 32, 59, 80, 86, 154, 919 (C line)
At Yongping Road: 2, 47, 58, 59, 64, 68, 80, 107, 117, 134, 140, K12, Z33
At Yongsheng Road: 31, 32, 60, 86, 117, 134, 154, 209

By Metro Line 1(arrive at the north square):
Kunming Subway Line 1 contains main line and branch line extending in the north-south direction. The Main Line connects South Ring Road and University Town South, including 18 stations namely South Ring Road, Railway Station, Fude, Rixin Road, Wujiaba, Changhong West Road, Xiaodong Village, Erji Road, Xingyao Road, New Asia Athletics Park, South Coach Station, Dounan, Chunrong Street, Tuofeng Street, Lianda Street, Yikang South Road, University Town, University Town South.

By Taxi
By taxi, tourists could be dropped off on the road between the north square and the terminal building.

Between Kunming Railway Station and Other Transport Hub

Kunming Changshui Airport
Airport shuttle bus line 2 can take the tourists to Changshui Airport at the gate of Xiyi hotel on Beijing road outside the station running from 05:00am to 22:00pm each day, which takes about 90 minutes. Or take bus No.919D at the square in front of the station to Changshui airport, with the journey of about 100 minutes.

Kunming West Bus Station
Take bus No. 80 near the exit of Kunming Railway Station to the West Bus Station, which takes about an hour. Or takes about 25 minutes by taxi at the coast of about RMB 30.

Kunming East Bus Station
Take bus No.60 bus to the East Bus Station, which takes about two hours. Or takes about 40 minutes by taxi at the coast of about RMB 60.

Between Kunming Railway Station and Stone Forest Scenic Area

By Train
Getting to the Stone Forest (Shilin) by train is the most convenient way. From the Shilin Railway Station, it’s about 4-5 km away from Shilin Stone Forest Scenic Area. Tourists can take the mini cars outside the railway station to get there.

By Bus
Kunming Railway Station offers a non-stop tour bus service to the Stone Forest Scenic Area. There are 12 buses in total which run daily from 10:10 to 19:10. The journey will last for 1.5 hours.

Between Kunming Railway Station and Dianchi Lake

By Bus
Tourists can take No.24 or No.44 bus from the railway station to Dianchi Lake and get off is at Haigeng Park. It takes about 45 minutes getting there.

By Taxi

It’s about 12 kilometers between the two places, which takes about 25 minutes by taxi and costs RMB 30.

Between Kunming Railway Station and Other Attractions

Golden Temple
Take bus line 47 and get off at Jindian station.

Green Lake (Cuihu Park)
Take bus line 2 and get off at Wuyi Road Station, then walk 600 meters northward getting there.

Yuantong Temple
Take bus line 83 or 59 and get off at Yuantongshan station, then walk 480 meters westward getting there.

Yunnan Nationalities Village
Take bus line 44 towards Haigeng Park for 17 stops. This direct route will take approximately 50 minutes.

Overview

The Alu Cave (阿庐古洞) scenic area is located 2 kilometers west of Luxi County (泸西县城), Honghe (红河州), in southeastern Yunnan Province (云南省). The name “Alu” comes from the Yi language, meaning “a tiger cave with a flat grassy area in front.” This site was one of the dwelling places of the Alu tribe, part of the “Thirty-Seven Barbarians” during the Song (宋) and Yuan (元) dynasties.

The Alu Cave consists of a vast cave system that formed approximately 200 million years ago. Originally submerged underwater, the region’s uplift led to the retreat of the sea, creating a typical karst landscape. Known for its nine peaks and eighteen caves, the Alu Cave is an integral part of this stunning geographic feature.

Chinese Name: 泸西阿庐古洞景区
Location: Yunnan Province (云南省), Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Luxi County (泸西县)
Ticket Price: 110 CNY
Famous Attractions: Luyuan Cave (泸源洞), Yuzhu Cave (玉柱洞)

Historical Significance

During the Song and Yuan dynasties, the Alu tribe was one of the 37 wild tribes in the region. They lived in caves, which gave the area its name. The extensive cave system can be explored along a 3,000-meter tourist trail, showcasing 18 chambers, a cave river, and diverse speleothems. The major caves include Luyuan Cave, Yuzhu Cave, and Biyu Cave, each with unique formations.

Luyuan Cave (泸源洞)

Length: 760 meters
Description: Comprises a series of ten chambers connected by narrow paths, with the largest chamber capable of holding 4,000 people. Stalactites within have poetic names reflecting their appearances.

Yuzhu Cave (玉柱洞)

Length: Over 800 meters
Description: Characterized by high ceilings and the impressive formation known as the “Jade Pillar Supporting the Sky” (撑天玉柱), which is 8 meters tall and 30 cm in diameter.

Biyu Cave (碧玉洞)

Length: 800 meters
Description: Contains the crystal-clear Yusun River (玉笋河), home to unique blind cave fish.

The Alu Origin Cave (阿庐发源洞) was a living area for the Alu tribe and has been a show cave since the Yuan Dynasty. Notably, the famous geographer Xu Xiake (徐霞客) visited the caves twice during the Ming Dynasty (明).

Scenic Highlights

The Alu Cave system features three main caves and the Yusun River, showcasing an array of stunning stalactites and stalagmites in various natural styles, such as:

“Male Lion Howling” (雄狮怒吼)
“Lotus Hung Inversely” (古莲倒悬)
“Flying Dragon Playing Waterfall” (飞龙戏瀑)

The river, at 800 meters long, flows slowly, providing a serene environment that reflects the stunning rock formations, creating a fairyland ambiance.

Main Attractions

Luyuan Cave (泸源洞): Named after the southeastern spring that flows from the cave, it features a network of chambers.
Yuzhu Cave (玉柱洞): Notable for its high ceilings and unique stalactite formations.
Yusun River (玉笋河): A rare underground river known for its clarity and the presence of unique fish species.

How to Get There

The Ancient Alu Cave in Luxi County is approximately 165 kilometers from Kunming (昆明). Buses run regularly, providing transportation to the site.

Transportation Options:

By Bus: Direct buses from Kunming to Luxi County are available.
Local Buses: Three daily buses from Juhua Village (菊花村) to Alu Cave.

Driving Directions:

From Kunming, take the Kunming-Shilin Highway (昆石高速) for approximately 86 kilometers, then proceed to Luxi for another 80 kilometers.

Travel Tips

Entrance Fee: 110 CNY, which includes access to the caves and river, plus the cost for the cable car and boat rides. A guide can be hired for an additional 80 CNY.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: March to April and September to November, as the climate is mild with an average annual temperature of 15°C to 22.6°C.
Clothing: Bring clothes for at least two seasons, and pack a lightweight raincoat for unexpected weather.

The Alu Cave (阿庐古洞) is a remarkable destination offering stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history, making it a must-visit when exploring Yunnan Province (云南省).

Shangri-La is situated in the northwest of Lijiang, both in the northwestern part of Yunnan, with a crow-fly distance of about 120 kilometers and a driving distance of about 187 kilometers. Shangri-La is a small mountainous city with an average altitude of 3,280 m. Transportation options are limited here. At present, there are no direct flights or trains between the two cities. So the best and most convenient transferring way is to take a 4-hour long-distance bus.

How to Get to Shangri-La City from Lijiang?

By Train

At present, there is no railway to Shangri-La yet. The Lijiang–Shangri-La railway or Lixiang railway is a railroad under construction in Yunnan Province of Southwest China, due to be completed in 2020. By then, tourists can take the train from Lijiang to Shangrila.

Lijiang to Shangri-La Transportation Guide

Traveling from Lijiang to Shangri-La offers several options, each catering to different preferences for comfort, speed, and scenic experience. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make the journey between these two popular Yunnan destinations.

Distance and Overview

Distance: Approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles)
Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions

Note: Lijiang is at an altitude of 2,400 meters, while Shangri-La is at 3,300 meters. The altitude difference may cause mild altitude sickness. It is advisable to acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.

1. Private Car (Guided Tour)

Best for First-Timers and Custom Experiences

Options:
1. Expressway Route: Direct and fast, taking about 2 hours. It’s a straightforward drive with fewer scenic stops.
2. Scenic Route via National Highway 214: Allows for sightseeing and exploration along the way. This option takes about 5 hours and includes notable stops like Tiger Leaping Gorge and the First Bend of the Yangtze River.
Advantages:
- Convenience: Door-to-door service from your hotel.
- Flexibility: Customize your itinerary with scenic stops.
- Comfort: Private space and relaxation.
- Local Insight: Guides provide information on local culture, customs, and natural wonders.
Scenic Highlights:
- First Bend of the Yangtze River: Panoramic views of the river’s dramatic turn.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the world’s deepest gorges, known for its stunning views and powerful river.
- Snow-Capped Mountains: Views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain.

2. High-Speed Train

Fastest Way

Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Frequency: 5 trains daily
Ticket Price: 49 to 170 yuan, depending on class
Stations:
- Lijiang Railway Station to Shangri-La Railway Station
Advantages:
- Speed: The quickest travel option.
- Comfort: Modern trains with comfortable seating.
Limitations:
- Limited Scenic Experience: The train journey does not offer the same level of scenic enjoyment as a road trip.

3. Bus

By Long-Distance Bus

It is the most convenient way and the most cheapest way getting to Shangrila from Lijiang. There are coaches respectively departing from Lijiang Bus Terminal, Shuhe Ancient Town, the South Gate and North Gate of Lijiang Ancient Town. The whole journey takes about 4 hours with the ticket fare ranging from CNY 46-68.

Shangri-La – Lijiang Schedules

Departure Station	Arrival Station	Departure Time
Lijiang Bus Terminal(丽江客运站)	Shangri-La Bus Tus Terminal	07:30, 08:10, 08:50, 09:30, 10:00, 10:40, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30,13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 17:10, 16:30
Shuhe Ancient Town(束河古镇)	Dukezong Ancient Town	08:00
North Gate of Lijiang Ancient Town	Dukezong Ancient Town	08:15
South Gate of Lijiang Ancient Town	Dukezong Ancient Town	08:25

Budget-Friendly Option

Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Ticket Price: Around 80 to 90 yuan
Departure Points in Lijiang:
- Lijiang Bus Terminal
  Add: No. 25, Kangzhong Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang, Yunnan
  Transport:
  15 minutes to Lijiang Ancient Town;
  50 minutes to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain;
  25 minutes to Shuhe Ancient Town;
  40 minutes to Sanyi Airport.
  
  Shangri-La Bus Terminal
  Add: the junction of Xiangbala Avenue and Kangding Road, Shangri-La, Diqing
  Transport:
  15 minutes to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery;
  40 minutes to Pudacuo National Park;
  15 minutes to Dukezong Ancient Town;
  15 minutes to Napa Nature Preserve;
  20 minutes to Shangri-La Airport.
Arrival Points in Shangri-La:
- Dukezong Ancient Town East Gate
- Shangri-La Bus Station
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Lower cost compared to other options.
Limitations:
- Comfort: Less comfortable compared to private cars and trains.
- Inconvenience: May involve more time and less flexibility with schedules and stops.

How to Plan Your Trip

To make the most of your visit to Lijiang and Shangri-La:

Day 1-2: Explore Lijiang. Visit Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Blue Moon Valley.
Day 3: Travel to Shangri-La, with stops at attractions like Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Day 4: Discover Shangri-La. Visit Pudacuo National Park, Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, and Dukezong Ancient Town.
Day 5: Return or continue your journey from Shangri-La.

Extended Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Kunming exploration.
Day 3-4: Dali sightseeing.
Day 5-6: Lijiang visit.
Day 7-8: Shangri-La adventure.

Booking with a local travel agency can enhance your experience, providing customized itineraries, comfortable transport options, and knowledgeable guides. For a personalized tour and additional assistance, feel free to get in touch with a travel agency based in Yunnan.

Transportation in Yunnan:

Yunnan Travel by Air

Rail Transport in Yunnan

Roads in Yunnan

Brief Information about Xiaoshuijing Village

Xiaoshuijing (Small Well) is located in the southeastern quarter of Fumin Town, 17 kilometers away from Daying Town’s government, and can be accessed by a village road. The village is at an elevation of 2.38 km, and consists of 138 families, 447 people, all of whom are of Miao minority. It is also the biggest Miao village in Kunming.

There is a comparatively big Church in the village with a choir that sings beautifully. Miao villagers there have their ethnic group’s instruments; songs and dances are well established traditionally with simple and adorned social customs. Xiaoshuijing Miao Farmers Choir was first organized in 1986, and it has more than 63 members now. The group can sing over 400 songs and within 3 days they can learn and harmonize a new song. The oldest member in the choir is 36 years old while the youngest is 15. None of the members has ever been given professional training, they just practice hard every day; and every night they get together and rehearse their songs.

Xiaoshuijing Miao Choir

Xiaoshuijing Miao Choir is actually the choir in local village, but it keeps the Western tradition of singing, techniques and methods a century ago. Xiaoshuijing Miao Choir is actually the choir in local village, and there are many churches because of missionaries in Yunnan like this, thus it will be shocking to hear any choir singing, witha unimaginable number of farmers able to sing hymns.” Yunnan songwriter Jiang Mingchu said. The xiaoshuijing Choir became famous in the 2010 CCTV Young Singer Competition. Although ultimately failed to reach the final, the green song after the game, the farmer choir got staged in Spring Festival Gala, Central Conservatory of Music, Peking University Centennial Hall and United Nations Conference Music Hall, performing Handel’s “Messiah” , Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” Schumann’s “Tzigane” and Mozart’s “Gloria”, which is obviously more meaningful than the rank in Young Singer Competition.

The History of Xiaoshuijing Miao Choir

Xiaoshuijing Choir has existed for nearly a hundred years, of which members are neighbors or relatives and no one read music, thus it all depends on mouth and heart for generations, while the command learn it from the “ancestor” . The village has two choirs, and in order to ensure that “first group” sings always in the best condition, 40-year-old villagers will retire to “second group” while 13-years-old children are promoted into “first group”.

Their wonderful harmony has also been highly praised by a number of professional choral conductors and music experts, and it impresses with performing difficult polyphony and the traditional harmony. For centuries, the Western choral art has been developed constantly, while xiaoshuijing has kept the Western tradition of singing, techniques and methods a century ago , thus many foreign music scholars has come here to seek roots today. And interestingly, no one of the choir can really sing alone.

Today, xiaoshuijing village is awarded “ethnic characteristic village in Yunnan” by Yunnan government and gradually become a tourist attraction, receiving a number of tourist groups every day. However, the urban atmosphere has less influence on the small village baptized by Christian for a long time, and the villagers still works and sings all the day. They are still farming in fields just before coming to Shanghai for holding the concert.

Original Music

In addition to the new original works and new artists around the world, there is also original music from remote areas in the 30th SSIMF. There is no lack of wonderful choral performances from anywhere in the current “Shanghai Spring”, and a choir named Xiaoshuijing Miao Choir from the depths of the mountains in Fumin,Kunming accidentally attracts much attention due to their preservation of the Western tradition of singing, techniques and methods a century ago. For carrying forward the original Chinese art, Xiaoshuijing Miao Choir is invited by the festival, and will hold “Chinese Memory · Yunnan wonderful soundtrack – Xiaoshuijing Miao Choir concert” at the Shanghai Concert Hall on May 8th.

Authentic farmers sing authentic “Messiah”: 30 kilometers north of Kunming in the mountains, there exists a small special Miao village called xiaoshuijing. It has a common pretty of Yunnan here, and it also sharesa inescapable poverty with other western areas. With average income of 900 yuan per year, farmers are working in wearing sandals and homespun made by themselves, with humming Handel’s “Messiah Asia “, Beethoven’s” Ode to Joy “; and when they sing together, even the authentic German will be shocked by their authentic ” German bel canto “.

Leaders appear in Young Singer Competition with the original “voice of Yunnan”: Since 2000, original ecology music of minority in Yunnan has constantly been explored and appeared, which promotes the heritage and protection of Chinese “source culture”. As an art form, the original ecology plays an important role in Chinese musical history. In Yunnan, Li Huaixiu&Li Huaifu’s “Haicai Qiang”, “Ase Tune” sung by Chuxiong Aguailao Yi chorus, “Messiah” byYunnan Fuming xiaoshuijing Miao farmer choir and some classical music are the most representative.

The concert will be separated into two parts: In the first part, several original ecology singers from Tibetan, Yi, Bai, Wa, Hani, Naxi, etc. will show to the audience the most original and classical folk music of minority in Yunnan. Previous CCTV Young Singer Competition winners of Yunnan province Li Huaixiu, Li Huaifu, Dapo maji, Little Apeng, etc. will head the list. He Jinhua and Dapo maji of Naxi once busted into tears on the spot of CCTV Young Singer Competition because the judges did not believe that their singing was original ecology folk song; the most famous DaGe Prince Gao Hongzhang will show us why songs of Yi are not only about singing but also about hitting and smashing; ancient Yunnan folk song “Asuowei” will be showed by sister and brother Li Huaixiu,Li Huaifu who are the gold medal winner of primitive tune and singer Huo Siyu will show modern adaptation, which may let the audience experience the “transmission” of folk music.

Recent Development

In October of 2003, the Xiaoshuijing Miao Farmers Choir took part in the First Chorus Festival of China’s West Area and won first place. Furthermore, singing 《The Same Song • Coming to Yunnan》 at a large concert and at the 2004 Kunming China International Tourism Culture Festival, the 63 members of the Xiaoshuijing Miao Farmers Choir all wore their gorgeous, traditional Miao costumes; and with their pure voices and without musical accompaniment, they sang《Please stay, guests from far away》,《The Same Song》, and 《Goodbye, Dear Friend》. These three Miao folk song’s unique sound, in addition to their beautiful harmony, made it seem that the audiences were in a forest and enjoyed the sounds of nature. China Chorus Association, Yunnan Chorus Society, etc. all claim, Xiaoshuijing Miao Farmers Choir is sound as “A perfect combination of folk singing style and beautiful four-part choir” and “The purest singing to ever come from farmlands”. Their sound is remarkably like the sounds heard in nature. After the president of the China Chorus Association attended their singing, he critiqued it saying, “Xiaoshuijing Choir’s sound is not only bel canto, but also has a Miao peculiarity, harmony with nature, and does not have any artificial air. They were devoted into the performance and it was very moving.”

So far, Xiaoshuijing Choir has been enjoying a broader and broader fame. Countless people make special efforts to appreciate the Choir’s performance. In Xiaoshuijing, people get chances to experience authentic Miao ethnic culture by enjoying the pleasant sounds of nature presented by its Choir.

Location Map of Nuodeng Old Town in Dali

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