How to Get to Shigu Old Town from Lijiang

Shigu Old Town (石鼓镇) is a fantastic location for capturing stunning views of the First Bend of the Yangtze River (长江第一湾). Here’s a detailed travel guide on how to reach Shigu from Lijiang (丽江), including the most efficient and affordable transportation options.

Public Transportation Options

Public transportation is an affordable and convenient way to travel from Lijiang to Shigu Old Town. Below are the most common options:

1. Direct Minibus (Recommended)

• Departure Points: You can catch a direct minibus to Shigu Old Town from Jin Kai Square (金凯广场) or Zhongyi Market (忠义市场) in Lijiang.

• Frequency: These minibuses typically depart on the hour.

• Ticket Price: The fare is about 15 RMB.

• Travel Time: The journey takes approximately 1 hour via the expressway.

• Booking: It is advisable to board the minibus directly and purchase tickets on the spot. There are usually plenty of seats available.

2. Bus 206 (Urban and Rural Public Bus)

• Route: The newly launched 206 Bus (2025年1月新开通的206路公交) departs from Yulong County Bus Station (玉龙县客运站), passing major stops such as Lijiang Railway Station (丽江火车站), Lijiang Bus Station (丽江客运站), and First Bend of the Yangtze River Viewing Platform (长江第一湾观景台) before reaching Shigu Wharf (石鼓码头).

• Ticket Price: 10 RMB for the entire journey.

• Frequency: This bus operates 22 times per day.

• Advance Ticket Purchase: You can buy tickets in advance via the Lijiang Transportation WeChat (丽江交运) account.

3. Bus 200 (Local Bus)

• Route: Bus 200 also passes through Shigu Old Town but follows rural roads, making the journey longer.

• Travel Time: The ride takes over 1 hour.

• Timetable: You can check the schedule via the Lijiang Travel WeChat Mini Program (丽江出行小程序).

Other Transportation Options

If you prefer a more flexible and personalized travel experience, consider these alternatives:

1. Taxi/Private Ride

• Distance: The distance from Lijiang City Center (丽江市区) to Shigu Old Town is about 52 kilometers.

• Estimated Fare: The taxi fare is approximately 100 RMB. You can negotiate the price with the driver.

• Return Trip: For the return journey, you can choose to take a minibus or taxi.

2. Self-Driving

• Route: Driving is the most flexible option. From Lijiang, head northwest on G214 National Highway (G214国道) and then turn onto S225 Provincial Road (S225省道) to reach Shigu Old Town.

• Road Conditions: The roads are well-maintained, and you’ll be able to enjoy views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) and the Jinsha River (金沙江) along the way.

I. Self - driving

• Route: Starting from Lijiang, drive along the Li - Wei Highway (S318), passing through the Gucheng District of Lijiang City and Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, etc. The total distance is about 60 kilometers. The road conditions are good, and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
• Time: Under normal circumstances, it takes about 1 - 1.5 hours to drive.

II. Long - distance Bus

• Lijiang Passenger Station: Take a long - distance bus from Lijiang Passenger Station to Shigu Old Town. The bus will pass through some towns and villages along the way before arriving at Shigu Old Town.
• Time: The journey takes about 1.5 - 2 hours, and the actual time may vary depending on the road conditions and the number of stops.
• Fare: The ticket price is generally between 20 - 30 yuan, subject to the actual fare.

Long - Distance Bus Schedule from Lijiang to Shigu Old Town

Notes

• Arrive Early: It is recommended that you arrive at Lijiang Passenger Station early to ensure that you can catch the last bus.
• Real - time Inquiry: To ensure the accuracy of the information, it is suggested that you check the real - time schedule through the "Lijiang Transport" WeChat official account or call the passenger station before your trip.

III. Chartering a Car

• Cost: The chartering cost varies depending on the type of vehicle and the distance of the trip. Generally, the cost for a day's charter is around 400 - 600 yuan, and the specific price can be negotiated with the driver.
• Advantages: Chartering a car is relatively convenient as you can stop whenever you want according to your own travel schedule. It is suitable for tourists who have ample time and want to arrange their itinerary freely.

IV. Traveling with a Tour Group

• Joining a Tour Group: If you have limited time or do not want to arrange your own transportation and itinerary, you can choose to join a local tour group. Tour groups usually include services such as transportation and tour guide interpretation, which are more hassle - free.
• Cost: The cost of a tour group varies depending on the itinerary and the services included, generally ranging from 200 - 500 yuan.

Notes

• Get to Know the Road Conditions and Traffic Information in Advance: No matter which transportation method you choose, it is recommended to get to know the road conditions and traffic information in advance and plan your itinerary reasonably.
• Pay Attention to Safety: If you choose public transportation, you can go to the passenger station or bus station in advance to inquire about the specific bus schedules and departure times to avoid missing your trip. When driving yourself, pay attention to the safety of mountain road driving, control your speed, and drive cautiously, especially around bends.

Practical Tips

1. Ticketing and Refunds

• If you purchase tickets through the Lijiang Travel Mini Program (丽江出行小程序), you must cancel tickets at least 2 hours in advance to get a full refund. If you miss this window, you may need to contact customer service and pay a handling fee.

2. Travel Recommendations

• Navigating to Viewing Platform: Upon arriving in Shigu Old Town, you can use navigation apps to guide you to Yijingyuan Mountain Villa (怡景苑山庄). From there, follow a small path to reach the First Bend of the Yangtze River Viewing Platform (长江第一湾观景台).

• Market Days: Shigu Old Town hosts local markets on the 3rd, 6th, and 9th of each month according to the Western calendar. It’s highly recommended to visit in the morning to experience the local culture and lifestyle.

3. Recommended Attractions

Apart from the famous First Bend of the Yangtze River (长江第一湾), Shigu Old Town has several other historical and cultural sites worth visiting:

• Long March Memorial (红军长征纪念碑): A tribute to the Red Army’s historic journey.

• Iron Rainbow Bridge (铁虹桥): A historic bridge with a unique design.

• Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道): A famous ancient trade route connecting China with Tibet and Southeast Asia.