Kunming-Lincang Railway

Kunming–Lincang Railway is an important rail route in Western Yunnan, linking Kunming (昆明) with Lincang (临沧) through two connected railway sections: the Kunming–Dali Railway (昆楚大铁路) and the Dali–Lincang Railway (大临铁路). There is no separate direct railway named “Kunming–Lincang Railway”; travelers usually take a high-speed train from Kunming to Dali, then continue from Dali to Lincang by intercity EMU train. The whole journey covers about 530 km and can be completed in around 3.5 hours at the fastest, making it much more comfortable than long-distance buses on winding mountain roads. This rail journey connects major tourist destinations, ancient towns, tea regions, river canyons, ethnic villages and scenic mountain landscapes, making it one of the best railway travel routes in Yunnan.

General Overview

Kunming to Lincang is operated through two railway sections. The first section is the Kunming–Dali Railway, a double-track electrified high-speed railway with a design speed of 200 km/h. The second section is the Dali–Lincang Railway, a single-track electrified railway with a design speed of 160 km/h. Passengers can transfer conveniently at Dali Railway Station (大理站) without leaving the station or going through security again. This route is ideal for travelers heading to Dali Ancient Town (大理古城), Weishan Ancient Town (巍山古城), Lancang River (澜沧江), Yun County (云县), Bingdao Ancient Tea Garden (冰岛古茶园), Xigui Tea Mountain (昔归茶山), Wengding Wa Village (翁丁原始佤寨) and Cangyuan Rock Paintings (沧源崖画).

Part One: Kunming–Dali Railway

Basic Railway Information

The Kunming–Dali Railway officially opened on July 1, 2018. It is about 328 km long and serves as one of the most important railway corridors in Western Yunnan. As a double-track electrified passenger railway, it connects Kunming, Chuxiong and Dali, three major tourism and transportation cities in central and western Yunnan. The route is also part of the broader international transport corridor linking Yunnan with Myanmar and Southeast Asia. D and G series EMU trains operate frequently throughout the day, with spacious carriages, stable service and convenient departure times. For travelers, this section is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Dali from Kunming.

Passenger Stations Along the Kunming–Dali Railway

The main passenger stations from Kunming to Dali are arranged in the following order.

Kunming Railway Station / Kunming South Railway Station
Kunming South Railway Station is the major high-speed railway hub, directly connected by Metro Line 1 and Line 4. Kunming Railway Station is located in the city center and handles both regular trains and EMU services. Travelers can choose the most convenient departure station according to their hotel location.

Lufeng South Railway Station (禄丰南站)
This station serves Lufeng City and is convenient for visiting World Dinosaur Valley (世界恐龙谷) and Heijing Ancient Town (黑井古镇), an old salt-trading settlement with historic streets and traditional architecture.

Guangtong North Railway Station (广通北站)
Located in Guangtong Town of Lufeng, this is an important railway junction in central Yunnan. It connects with the new Chengdu–Kunming Railway and allows transfers toward Xichang and Chengdu. It is also a key transfer point for trains between Kunming, Chuxiong and Dali.

Chuxiong Railway Station (楚雄站)
This is the main high-speed railway station of Chuxiong City. After arrival, travelers can easily reach Yiren Ancient Town (彝人古镇), bus stations, hotels and city attractions. Chuxiong is known for Yi ethnic culture, torch festival traditions and regional cuisine.

Nanhua Railway Station (南华站)
Nanhua County is famous for wild mushrooms. During the summer mushroom season, many food lovers stop here to visit local markets and taste seasonal mushroom dishes.

Yunnanyi Railway Station (云南驿站)
This station is close to Yunnanyi Ancient Town (云南驿古镇), an important Tea Horse Road post station. The area is also known for World War II Hump Route history and old aviation heritage.

Xiangyun Railway Station (祥云站)
Xiangyun is a useful transfer point for travelers heading toward Shaxi Ancient Town (沙溪古镇) and Shuimu Mountain (水目山). It is also a peaceful stop for those interested in temples, countryside landscapes and local culture.

Dali Railway Station
Dali is the terminal station of the Kunming–Dali Railway and the transfer hub for the Dali–Lincang Railway. It also connects with rail services to Lijiang, Baoshan and other destinations in Western Yunnan. From here, travelers can reach Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou and Shuanglang by bus, taxi or private transfer.

Dali Railway Station Transfer Guide

For passengers traveling from Kunming to Lincang, Dali Railway Station is the key transfer point. After getting off the train, follow the blue “Convenient Transfer” signs to the second-floor waiting hall. There is no need to leave the station or go through security again, which saves time and makes the trip easy for travelers with luggage. A short transfer time may be enough for experienced travelers, but families, elderly passengers and groups are advised to leave more time. Station facilities include luggage storage, mother-and-baby rooms, restaurants, local specialty shops, waiting lounges, ticket services and a police service window for temporary travel documents.

Part Two: Dali–Lincang Railway

Basic Railway Information

The Dali–Lincang Railway opened on December 30, 2020, ending Lincang’s long history without railway access. The railway is about 201 km long and is a national Class-I single-track electrified railway. It was designed for both passenger and freight transport, with a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h. Because the route crosses rugged mountains, deep valleys and the Lancang River canyon system, bridges and tunnels make up a very high proportion of the line. This has earned the railway the reputation of being a “gorge-view railway” in Western Yunnan. CRH2G plateau-adapted EMU trains are used on this route, suitable for mountain areas with mist, temperature changes and complex terrain. Several C-series intercity trains operate daily between Dali and Lincang, with extra trains often added during major holidays.

Passenger Stations Along the Dali–Lincang Railway

Dali Railway Station
The starting station of the Dali–Lincang Railway and the transfer point from Kunming.

Weishan Railway Station (巍山站)
The gateway to Weishan Ancient Town, the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. This stop is ideal for travelers interested in history, old architecture, local snacks and traditional town life.

Xiaowan East Railway Station (小湾东站)
A scenic railway station near the Lancang River reservoir area. It is the best stop for travelers who want to enjoy canyon scenery, lake views, hydropower landscapes and photography.

Yun County Railway Station
A historical Tea Horse Road town area known for old caravan culture, Dianhong tea, river fish dishes and access to Lushi Ancient Town.

Lincang Railway Station (临沧站)
The terminal station of the line and the main railway gateway to Lincang City. It is also the departure point for tea mountain trips, Wa ethnic culture tours and Cangyuan border-area excursions.

Complete Kunming–Lincang Railway Station List

The full travel sequence from Kunming South to Lincang is:

Kunming South Railway Station → Lufeng South Railway Station → Guangtong North Railway Station → Chuxiong Railway Station → Nanhua Railway Station → Yunnanyi Railway Station → Xiangyun Railway Station → Dali Railway Station → Weishan Railway Station → Xiaowan East Railway Station → Yun County Railway Station → Lincang Railway Station

One Station, One Highlight

Lufeng South Railway Station: World Dinosaur Valley and Heijing Ancient Town.
Guangtong North Railway Station: Railway transfer point for Chengdu and Xichang.
Chuxiong Railway Station: Yiren Ancient Town, Zixi Mountain and Yuanmou Earth Forest transfer.
Nanhua Railway Station: Wild mushroom markets and Miyilu Ethnic Culture Valley.
Yunnanyi Railway Station: Ancient Tea Horse Road post station and Hump Route airport heritage.
Xiangyun Railway Station: Shuimu Mountain and transfer access to Shaxi Ancient Town.
Dali Railway Station: Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou and Shuanglang.
Weishan Railway Station: Ming and Qing old town, Weishan Ersi rice noodles and Donglianhua Muslim Village.
Xiaowan East Railway Station: Lancang River grand lake scenery and Xiaowan Dam.
Yun County Railway Station: Lushi Ancient Town, Lancang River fish and Dianhong tea culture.
Lincang Railway Station: Ancient tea mountains, Wa villages, prehistoric rock paintings and traditional pottery villages.

Kunming to Lincang Train Travel Guide

Two Main Travel Options

Option One: Separate Tickets with Flexible Stops
Travelers can first book Kunming South to Dali by D or G series high-speed train, then transfer inside Dali Railway Station and book a Dali to Lincang C-series intercity train. This option is recommended for tourists who want to stop in Chuxiong, Dali, Weishan or Yun County for sightseeing. It allows more flexibility and makes the rail journey part of the travel experience.

Option Two: Through Train Service to Lincang
Some cross-line D-series trains operate from Kunming South directly to Lincang. These trains stop briefly at Dali but passengers do not need to change trains. This option is suitable for travelers whose main destination is Lincang and who do not plan to visit intermediate stops.

Dali to Lincang Intercity Train Reference Schedule

Ticket Booking and Boarding Rules

Train tickets can be booked through the official 12306 app, railway mini-programs, station ticket counters, self-service machines and major travel platforms. Passengers must use real-name registration when booking and boarding. Foreign travelers should carry their passport throughout the journey. Chinese travelers should carry their ID card. If a passenger forgets identification, a temporary travel certificate may be available at the station police service window. E-tickets are widely used, so printed tickets are normally not required. Large bicycles, oversized outdoor equipment and heavy luggage may need to be checked in according to railway rules. Intermediate stops such as Weishan, Xiaowan East and Yun County are usually short, so passengers should not leave the train for photos unless they are ending their journey at that station.

Lincang Railway Station City Transfer

Lincang Railway Station is located east of the city center, about 5 km from the downtown area. Public buses, taxis and online ride-hailing cars connect the station with central hotels, restaurants and tourist service areas. The station area also has tourist service counters where travelers can arrange private transfers to Bingdao Ancient Tea Garden, Xigui Tea Mountain, Wengding Wa Village and Cangyuan.

Kunming–Lincang Railway Travel Itineraries

3-Day Highlight Tour: Kunming – Dali – Weishan – Lincang

Day 1: Take a high-speed train from Kunming South to Dali. Spend the afternoon around Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town or Xizhou, then stay overnight in Dali.

Day 2: Take the train from Dali to Weishan. Explore Weishan Ancient Town, old streets, towers and local food. Continue by train to Lincang in the afternoon and stay in Linxiang District.

Day 3: Visit Boshang countryside, Wanyao Pottery Village and nearby rural landscapes before returning by train via Dali to Kunming.

4-Day Mountain, River and Tea Journey

Day 1: Travel from Kunming to Chuxiong and visit Yiren Ancient Town. Stay overnight in Chuxiong.

Day 2: Continue to Dali for a short rest, then take the train toward Xiaowan East. Enjoy the Lancang River grand lake scenery and stay overnight in Yun County.

Day 3: Visit Lushi Ancient Town and Tea Horse Road heritage sites, then continue to Lincang by train. Explore Lincang’s tea culture areas and city parks.

Day 4: Take a half-day excursion to Xigui Tea Mountain, then return by train to Dali and Kunming.

5-Day Slow Travel Along the Whole Route

Day 1: Kunming South to Lufeng South, visit World Dinosaur Valley, then continue to Chuxiong for overnight.

Day 2: Chuxiong to Dali, visit Erhai Lake and Xizhou Ancient Town, overnight in Dali.

Day 3: Dali to Weishan, spend a full day in Weishan Ancient Town, overnight in Weishan.

Day 4: Weishan to Xiaowan East and Yun County, enjoy Lancang River canyon scenery and Lushi Ancient Town, overnight in Yun County.

Day 5: Take the train from Yun County to Lincang, explore the city and return according to your onward plan.

6-Day Wa Culture and Tea Mountain Loop

Day 1–2: Travel from Kunming to Dali and enjoy two relaxed days around Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou and Shuanglang.

Day 3: Take the train from Dali to Lincang. Visit Boshang Flower Fields, Wanyao Pottery Village and downtown Lincang.

Day 4: Drive to Bingdao Ancient Tea Garden in Shuangjiang. Experience ancient tea forests, tea picking, tea processing and tea tasting. Stay near the tea mountain.

Day 5: Continue to Cangyuan to visit Wengding Wa Village and Cangyuan Rock Paintings. Enjoy Wa ethnic culture, traditional dances and village landscapes.

Day 6: Return to Lincang Railway Station and take the train back to Kunming via Dali.

Practical Travel Tips

Best Scenic Seats

For the best views, choose right-side window seats when traveling from Kunming and Dali toward Lincang. The Kunming–Dali section offers views of Yunnan plateau landscapes, countryside, distant mountains and Erhai Lake near Dali. The Dali–Lincang section is more dramatic, with views of Wuliang Mountain terraces, Lancang River canyons, tea plantations and deep valleys.

Best Travel Seasons

From May to October, the mountains are green, tea plantations are lush, and clouds often float through the valleys. Train travel is safer and more reliable than mountain road travel during rainy periods. From November to April, the weather is clearer, the sky is brighter, and photography conditions are excellent, especially around the Lancang River reservoir and mountain viewpoints.

Border Area Travel Reminder

Lincang is located in the western border region of Yunnan. Police checkpoints may be found on roads leading to counties, villages and border areas. Travelers should keep their passport or ID card with them at all times.

Food and Supplies

Train services usually provide only simple snacks and drinks. For proper meals, it is better to eat in Kunming, Chuxiong, Dali, Weishan, Yun County or Lincang city areas. Smaller stations and towns may have limited food and accommodation options, especially Xiaowan East, so travelers should prepare water and basic supplies in advance.

Holiday Travel Advice

Tickets can sell out quickly during the Torch Festival, Water Splashing Festival, National Day Holiday, Spring Festival and other peak travel periods. Book early through 12306 and allow extra transfer time at Dali Railway Station during busy seasons. Xiaowan East has limited facilities and is better for daytime sightseeing rather than overnight stays, while Weishan and Yun County are more suitable for intermediate overnight stops.