Lijiang: A Hub to Explore Yunnan_02
Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge: Tiger Leaping Gorge is located in Longpan Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province (formerly Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County), northeast of Lijiang. It is divided into Upper Tiger Leaping (suitable for all), Middle Tiger Leaping, and Lower Tiger Leaping.Tiger Leaping Gorge is known as the most dangerous in the world. The main peak reaches an altitude of 5,596 metres, and the western peak is more than 3,000 metres above the river, higher than the Hell Canyon in the United States by an additional 600 metres.
When visitors enter the valley, they can see the sky and river through a narrow slit. Standing at the top of the cliff, facing the surging river, they normally feel both excited and fearful. Due to the collapse of the rock layers, countless stone beams have fallen, forming a forest of rocks in the river. The rocks are intertwined, forming a dense layer of dangerous shoals with numerous waterfalls.
Passenger Bus: There are three buses from Lijiang Bus Station to Tiger Leaping Gorge Town, Upper Tiger Leaping, and Middle Tiger Leaping, departing at 9:30 am each day. The ticket prices range from 35 to 44 yuan per person.
Self-Drive: The journey takes about one and a half hours, suitable for a day trip from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Tourist Bus: If you want to visit multiple attractions in one go, you can take a tourist bus. There is ample time for sightseeing at Tiger Leaping Gorge along the way. If you prefer a more leisurely itinerary, you can choose a multi-day tour for a more relaxed experience.
Lijiang to Shangri-La: Saying farewell to Lijiang and heading to Shangri-La is the easiest way to escape the crowds. After experiencing the roaring Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can reach this plateau Tibetan area to experience a different kind of purity.
Tourist Special Line: Three departures daily from Lijiang: 9:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 7:30 pm. Board at various points: Yuerongzhuang Intersection in Shuhe Ancient Town, Bailong Square (opposite to White Dragon Square) at the South Gate of Lijiang Ancient Town, and the Ecological Parking Lot at the South Gate of Dali Ancient Town. The one-way ticket price is 69 yuan per person.
Passenger Bus: From 7:30 am to 7:00 pm daily, there is a bus departing from Lijiang Bus Station every half hour. The ticket price ranges from 62 to 68 yuan. The journey takes four hours, and there may be stops to pick up passengers enroute, without stopping at any scenic spots.
Self-Drive: Most of the roads are winding mountain roads, and the altitude is constantly increasing along the way. It is recommended to use a manual transmission off-road vehicle, and the journey takes about three hours.
Must-Experience Activities in Shangri-La:
Watch the Misty Pudacuo in the Morning: Take the first bus from Shangri-La Bus Station at 8:00 am, heading to Pudacuo. When you arrive at the lakeside, the light mist is just rising.
Watch the Sunset at Songzanlin Monastery in the evening: In the afternoon, return to Shangri-La and take a bus for one yuan to see the sunset at Songzanlin Monastery. Known as "Little Potala," it is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan.
Look at the Vast Grasslands at Napahai: Also known as Ira Grassland, during the rainy season, it is a lake with shimmering reflections. By October, during the dry season, the water recedes, giving way to grasslands. Ride around Napahai along the highway, including the round trip from the ancient town to Napahai, which will not exceed 40 kilometres in total. Go in the morning around 9 am and return to the ancient town around 4 or 5 pm, which is enough time to have a great time.
Lijiang to Dali:
Tourist Special Line: Three departures daily at 9:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 7:30 pm. You can board at different points: Yuerongzhuang Intersection in Shuhe Ancient Town, Bajulongcheng (opposite to Bailong Square) at the South Gate of Lijiang Ancient Town, and the Ecological Parking Lot at the South Gate of Dali Ancient Town. The one-way ticket price is 69 yuan per person.
Passenger Bus: From 7:10 am to 7:00 pm daily, there is a bus departing from Lijiang Bus Station every half hour. The ticket price ranges from 61 to 79 yuan.
Train: About 2 hours, there are approximately 4 trains every day, starting as early as 7:38 am and as late as 1:22 pm. The fastest one, K9622, takes one hour, 52 minutes to arrive in Dali. You will need to transfer to public transportation to reach Dali scenic spots and the Shuanglang scenic area.
Self-Drive: The journey takes about four hours, and the entire route is accessible by expressway.