Classic Travel Route: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang
Kunming-Dali-Lijiang Travel Guide
I. Why do most first-time visitors choose Kunming + Dali + Lijiang?
1. Convenient transportation: Whether it's the long-distance flights from other cities to this region or the connections between these three cities, travel is very convenient. Kunming is the transportation hub of Yunnan, with many flights and cheap airfares. A new high-speed rail to Dali has opened, and the train between Dali and Lijiang takes just over 2 hours.
2. Concentration of classic attractions: Yunnan is rich in tourism resources, and it's impossible to experience everything even in two or three trips. However, the most classic destinations are Dali and Lijiang, and the Kunming-Dali-Lijiang route allows you to experience more within a limited time.
3. Suitable for all groups: The scenic spots in these three places are relatively well-developed, with both classic must-sees and niche experiences. Accommodation, dining, and transportation are also well-organized. Whether you're visiting Yunnan for the first time, traveling with parents, on a family trip, a couple's getaway, or a girls' trip, it's ideal.
II. Intercity Transportation
Kunming to Dali
- Train: Since the high-speed rail opened, the journey takes only about 2 hours. Trains run frequently from 7:00 AM to after 9:00 PM. A second-class seat costs 145 RMB.
- Bus: Most buses take about 6 hours. You can board at Kunming West Bus Station, which offers direct expressway service. Fares range from 80 to 140 RMB.
Dali to Lijiang
- Train: There are two daily trains from Dali to Lijiang, departing at 17:15 and 19:05. Similarly, there are two trains from Lijiang to Dali, departing at 7:00 and 16:00. The trip takes about 2 hours, and a hard-seat ticket costs 34 RMB.
- Bus: From 7:10 to 19:00, buses depart frequently from Dali Bus Station and Dali North Bus Station, roughly every half hour. Fares range from 50 to 80 RMB.
Kunming to Lijiang
- Train: Trains are mostly scheduled after 8:00 PM, departing in the evening and arriving in the morning, taking 8-9 hours. It's suitable for an overnight sleeper.
- Bus: Board at Kunming West Bus Station or the Long-Distance Bus Station. Fares range from 140 to 200 RMB, and the journey takes about 10 hours.
III. Must-Visit Attractions in Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang
**Kunming – Not Just a Transit Hub**
*Cuihu Park (Green Lake Park) – Experience Livable Kunming*
This is Kunming's central park, surrounded by a rich cultural atmosphere with many former residences of famous figures. In summer, the lake is covered with lotus flowers; in winter, red-billed gulls from Siberia arrive. Regardless of the season, many elderly people practice morning exercises here. Visiting this park helps you appreciate what a livable city Kunming truly is.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Admission: Free
*Yunnan Military Academy – Century-Old Military School, Cradle of Generals*
This is a famous modern military academy in China, which trained many military leaders such as Zhu De and Ye Jianying. Located west of Cuihu Park, you can walk over after visiting the park. The bright yellow Republican-era building stands out. The interior is open for visits, with furnishings and settings preserved as they were.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 09:00–17:00
Admission: Free
*Yunnan University – A Century of History*
A prestigious university with a century of history, the campus is filled with historic buildings and landscapes full of cultural atmosphere. Landmarks include Huize Hall, Yingqiu Courtyard designed by Lin Huiyin, and the university's spirit of "Huize Baijia, Zhigong Tianxia." In autumn, there is the famous Ginkgo Avenue, where you might even encounter cute squirrels.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day
Recommended visit time: 1–3 hours
*Stone Forest – Nature's Masterpiece*
When visiting Kunming, no matter the theme of your trip, it's recommended to include the classic Stone Forest on your itinerary. Here you can witness nature's extraordinary craftsmanship and karst landforms. The area is mainly divided into the Greater Stone Forest and the Lesser Stone Forest. It's essential to listen to a guide's explanations; otherwise, you'll just be glancing at rocks without learning the stories behind them.
Opening hours: 08:00–18:00
Admission: 175 RMB, electric cart 25 RMB
*Dianchi Lake – Encounter the Red-Billed Gulls*
Dianchi Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province, about half an hour from the city center. Compared to Cuihu Park, it's more grand and is known as the "Pearl of the Plateau." In winter, the red-billed gulls hovering over the lake are an iconic sight. Flocks of seagulls rising over the sparkling lake are a scene photography enthusiasts absolutely cannot miss.
Admission: Free
Recommended visit time: 1–3 hours
*Dianchi Lake – Encounter the Red-Billed Gulls*
(Repeat of above)
*Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Square – Kunming's Landmark Commercial Street*
Kunming's iconic architecture and distinctive commercial street. Across from the archway is the Kunming Pedestrian Street, which is great for an evening stroll.
**Dali – Not Just Romance**
*Dali Old Town – The Ancient Nanzhao Capital at the Foot of Cangshan Mountain*
Except for Wuhua Tower, a classic landmark within the old town, there are no absolute landmarks elsewhere, but the entire town is worth exploring. You can wander through the old town, visiting specialty shops, small bars, and snack stalls. Renmin Road is the main street and the busiest.
Admission: Free
Transportation: Take Bus No. 8 from Dali Railway Station
Recommended visit time: 2 hours to half a day
https://vacations.ctrip.com/tour/detail/p24090229s30.html
*Erhai Lake – The Splendid Scenery of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon*
It's no exaggeration to say that Erhai Lake is the most anticipated attraction in Dali. Around the lake are numerous spots perfect for great photos: artsy roads, vast flower fields, transparent glass balls, and white tables by the lake—all symbols of Erhai in people's minds. A cycling tour around the lake with a photo shoot, plus staying in a lakeview room by the shore, makes for a perfect experience.
Recommended photo spots around Erhai:
1. Xizhou Ancient Town 2. Haishe Park 3. White Bus 4. Abandoned Fishing Boats / Upside-Down Boats 5. Haixi Water Station 6. Flower Sea 7. Popular White Table & Glass Ball 8. Seaside Rocks 9. Lover's Cliff 10. Xiaoputuo
