The easiest way to see Yunnan’s north is one train line that links Kunming, Dali and Lijiang in a gentle climb. Book ahead, sleep in Dali before Lijiang, and expect a short taxi at each end. This guide shows what a real travel day looks like.
It is natural to worry about long mountain journeys, luggage and not speaking Mandarin. The train is the calm option, because the stations and gates follow the same pattern as the rest of China.
Why take the train on this route?
Rail avoids the winding road that makes some travellers sick. Dali has a high-speed link to Kunming that began in July 2018, running about one train per hour[1]. High-speed trains also link Kunming and Lijiang in about 3 to 3.5 hours[2].
If you want to compare it with the road, read our Dali to Lijiang road versus train page.
In what order should you go?
Go up in steps: Kunming, then Dali, then Lijiang. Kunming stands at about 1,892 m[3], Dali City at about 1,975 m[4], and Lijiang city at about 2,400 m[5].
The steps are small, but they give your body time. Seniors and children especially feel better when the highest night comes last.
Our altitude planning guide goes through each zone.
How do you book and board?
Book on the official railway app or a booking app once your dates are fixed. The passport is your ticket: foreigners show it to buy a long-distance ticket and to pass the platform gates[6].
Arrive 30 to 40 minutes before departure at major stations[7]. Our guide to booking China train tickets as a Malaysian covers the account steps.
What does a realistic travel day look like?
Plan around the station, not just the train.
- Morning: check out of the hotel, take a taxi or metro to the station, and clear the bag check.
- Midday: ride the train and keep a small snack and water in your day bag.
- Afternoon: leave the station, then take a taxi or a hotel pickup to the old town.
- Evening: check in, walk slowly and eat something light.
Leave the afternoon after arrival free. Hurried check-in plus altitude is a tiring mix.
How do you get from the station to the old town?
The old towns are not at the stations, so plan the last leg. Use a taxi rank, a Didi booking or a hotel pickup, and keep the hotel’s name and address in Chinese on your phone.
Our Dali station to old town transfer and Lijiang station and airport to old town pages explain each town.
What about Shangri-La?
Shangri-La is the next step up in altitude, at roughly 3,160 m[8]. The Lijiang to Shangri-La railway opened in November 2023 and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes[9].
Add it only after two relaxed nights in Lijiang, and only if everyone feels well. Otherwise, save it for a second trip.
What should you do next?
Fix your number of nights per stop, then test the plan. Use the rail versus flight tool to compare the train with other options. Then visit Kunming as a Yunnan gateway to decide how long to stay at the start.