How to get to Shangri La China from From Lijiang, Kunming & Dali

October 9, 2025

Shangri-La – the land known as “heaven on earth” – is located at an altitude of more than 3,000m in Yunnan province, China. From Kunming, Lijiang or Dali, you can easily get to Shangri-La by plane, high-speed train or bus. Now, check out our guide to how to get to Shangri La China from From Lijiang, Kunming & Dali!

Shangri-la, Yunnan. Source: expatsholidays.com | How to get to Shangri La China from From Lijiang, Kunming & Dali

Located in the northwest of Yunnan province, Shangri-La is famous for Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park and majestic mountain scenery. Tourists often combine a trip to Shangri-La with Lijiang or Kunming to have a complete journey to explore the northwest of Yunnan.

This article will provide detailed instructions on how to get to Shangri-La so you can easily plan your itinerary.

How to get to Shangri La China by Plane

Diqing Shangri La Airport @chinaairlinetravel.com | how to get to shangri la china

If you want to save time, flying directly to Diqing Shangri-La Airport (DIG) is the fastest option. The airport is only about 12 km from the city center, you can take a taxi to Dukezong ancient town within 30 minutes.

There are currently many domestic flights connecting Shangri-La with major cities:

Kunming → Shangri-La: only 1 hour flight, suitable for those who combine the journey across Yunnan.
Chengdu → Shangri-La: about 1.5 hours, a popular flight route for tourists who like to visit Sichuan.
Lhasa → Shangri-La: 2–2.5 hours, offering the experience of “flying from the roof of the world to the Shangri-La valley”.
There are also flights from Guangzhou and some other major cities.

The little downside is that in winter, the weather can affect the flight schedule. Therefore, you should book tickets early and keep some flexibility in your schedule.

How to Get to Shangri-La by High-Speed Train

Shangri La bears a distinct Tibetan cultural imprint | how to get to shangri la china

[Private Tour] 5-Day Shangri-La Niding Forest, Yunnan

From the end of 2023, the Kunming – Lijiang – Shangri-La high-speed train line officially opened, making the journey to “heaven on earth” more convenient than ever.

Kunming → Shangri-La: takes about 4.5–5.5 hours.
Lijiang → Shangri-La: only 1–1.5 hours, ideal if you combine these two destinations in the same trip.
Shangri-La train station is also quite close to tourist attractions: only 7 km to Dukezong ancient town, 10 km to Songzanlin monastery and about 30 km to Pudacuo national park.

Meili mountain | how to get to shangri la china

Dreamy Yunnan · Shangri-La Snow Mountain Dream 4-Day Tour

Compared to direct flights, taking high-speed trains has the advantage of being more stable in terms of weather and experiencing the majestic mountain scenery along the way. If you like “seeing while traveling”, this is definitely an attractive option.

How to Go to Shangri-La by Bus

If you want to travel and enjoy the scenery, traveling by bus or private car is also an interesting experience. The road goes through many mountain sections and curves, but in return, the majestic landscape will make you unforgettable.

From Lijiang to Shangri-La

Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yunnan: Yak Meadow Cable Car & Blue Moon Valley Day Trip

The distance is about 120 km, taking 3.5-4 hours. This is the most beautiful route because you can combine a visit to Tiger Leaping Gorge – the deepest and most majestic canyon in Asia, or stop at the first bend of the Yangtze River. Many tourists choose to rent a private car or tour car to both conveniently stop and fully enjoy the scenery.

From Dali to Shangri-La

One-Day Kunming Stone Forest & Dianchi Lake Tour

The distance is 312 km, taking about 5 hours by car. The journey often combines a stop in Lijiang before continuing to Shangri-La. This is a popular route for those who follow the Kunming – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La route.

Travel from Kunming to Shangri-La

About 635 km, it takes up to 9 hours by long-distance bus. Although there are sleeper buses departing every day, this way is not recommended because it is tiring and time-consuming. If departing from Kunming, flying or taking the high-speed train will be more convenient.

Traveling by bus is suitable for tourists who like to experience mountain roads, stop to take photos and are not afraid of time. But if you are prone to motion sickness or go in the snowy winter, consider carefully because the road can be slippery.

How to go to Shangri-La from other neighboring cities

Departure	Distance	Travel Time	Suggested Means	Suggested Experiences
Lijiang → Shangri-La	120 km	3.5–4 hours by car 1–1.5 hours by high-speed train	Bus, private car, high-speed train	Can combine visit to Tiger Leaping Gorge and the first bend of the Yangtze River
Dali → Shangri-La	312 km	4.5–5 hours drive	Passenger car, private car	Usually stop at Lijiang before going to Shangri-La
Kunming → Shangri-La	635 km	1 hour flight 4.5–5.5 hours high-speed train 9 hours bus	Airplanes, high-speed trains	You should take a plane or high-speed train to save time.
Daocheng Yading → Shangri-La	308 km	9–12 hours by car	Coach (morning bus, April–December)	Beautiful mountain road, many curves, more convenient to travel in summer and fall
Lhasa → Shangri-La	938 km	2–2.5 hours flight	Plane	There are daily flights, connecting Tibet – Yunnan quickly

Frequently Asked Questions About How to go to Shangri-La in China

What is the best month to go to Shangri-La?

If you like blue skies, gentle sunshine and blooming flowers – go in spring (4-5). Want to see yellow leaves and majestic mountains? Autumn (9-10) is the ideal time. Winter is for those who love white snow and cold air in the high mountains.

Is there enough time for only 3 days in Shangri-La?

Absolutely enough. In 3 days, you can stroll around Dukezong ancient town, visit Songzanlin monastery, breathe fresh air in Pudacuo park and enjoy warm Tibetan meals.

Is the cost of going to Shangri-La expensive?

Not too expensive. A 3-4 day trip usually ranges from 6-10 million VND/person, including airfare/train, hotel, food and entrance tickets. Compared to the experience of “heaven on earth”, it is very worth it.

How far is Shangri-La from Lijiang?

Very close. By high-speed train, it only takes 1-1.5 hours. If by bus, it is about 3.5-4 hours, but you can also stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge to check-in the most majestic canyon in China.

Should I take a bus from Kunming to Shangri-La?

Actually, the bus takes up to 9 hours, which is quite tiring. If you want to be quick and convenient, choose a high-speed train or plane. The bus is only suitable for those who love long-distance experiences and do not mind motion sickness.

Does Shangri-La have taxis and convenient inner-city transportation?

Yes. From the train station or airport, it only takes 10-30 minutes by taxi to reach the old town or Songzanlin Monastery. The city is small, so it is quite easy to get around.

What’s Great About Taking the High-Speed Train to Shangri-La?

In addition to the convenience, you can also enjoy the beautiful mountain and valley views along the way. If you like “traveling and enjoying the scenery”, the high-speed train is definitely worth a try.

Are There Any Concerns About the Altitude in Shangri-La?

Shangri-La is at an altitude of more than 3,000m, so the first day may be a bit difficult to breathe or have a slight headache. Just go slowly, drink plenty of warm water and rest enough – you will soon get used to it.

Can You Combine Tibet with Shangri-La?

Yes. There is a direct flight from Lhasa to Shangri-La, only 2-2.5 hours of flight. A “high mountain meets fairy valley” journey is worth a try.

Are There Tours Combining Shangri-La with Other Destinations?

A lot. The hottest itinerary is Kunming – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La. Both urban, ancient town, and “heaven on the high mountains” – a truly complete trip to Yunnan.

Tips for Traveling to Shangri-La for Self-sufficient Travelers

4-Day Shangri-La Hidden Land Tour in Yunnan

Planes and high-speed trains to Shangri-La during peak season are often fully booked, so book 2-3 weeks in advance.
Prepare for the altitude: Drink plenty of water, travel slowly on the first day, and bring altitude sickness medication if needed.
Even in summer, Shangri-La is cold at night; thick coats, scarves, and woolen hats are required.
Take the high-speed train to see the scenery: The route from Lijiang to Shangri-La is very beautiful, suitable for those who want to “go and chill”.
Take a private car if you love backpacking: From Lijiang to Shangri-La, you can stop to check in at Tiger Leaping Gorge and the first bend of the Yangtze River.
Many small shops in Dukezong Old Town or around Songzanlin Monastery do not accept electronic payments.
The most popular route is Kunming – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La, which is convenient and offers enough cultural and natural experiences.

Shangri-La is not too far away if you know how to choose the right means of transport. Whether traveling by plane, high-speed train or bus, the journey will bring you beautiful scenery. Just prepare carefully and book tickets early, you will easily reach this “paradise on earth”.

Pocket the means of transport to Shangri-La & hit the road today!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Yunnan you can refer to

Read more Yunnan guide here.