A week by high-speed rail through Kunming, Dali and Lijiang is easy to manage, cheaper than a driver and kind to first-timers. The trains are fast and frequent, and the stations are simpler than they look.
If the idea of a Chinese train station makes you nervous, that is a normal first-time worry. The steps are few, and this plan lays them out in order.
Who is this route for?
It suits first-timers, couples, friends and small families who want to control costs. It also suits anyone who prefers a train window to a long road. If you travel with five or more people, or with large bags, compare a driver as well.
Our shorter five-day Dali and Lijiang plan works if a week is too long.
Route at a glance
- Day 1: arrive in Kunming.
- Day 2: rail to Dali.
- Day 3: Dali Old Town and the Three Pagodas.
- Day 4: Erhai Lake or Xizhou, then rest.
- Day 5: rail to Lijiang.
- Day 6: Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe or Baisha.
- Day 7: rail to Kunming and fly home.
How do you buy the tickets?
Foreigners with ordinary passports have been able to verify their details and buy tickets online on 12306 since 28 November 2023[1]. You enter your name, nationality and passport number, or upload a photo of the passport page[2].
Tickets usually go on sale 15 days before departure and cannot be bought earlier[3]. Set a reminder. If you would rather not use 12306, Trip.com can accept a pre-order, but it only attempts the purchase when China Railway releases seats[4].
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
Land and take Metro Line 6, which has a station under Terminal 1[5]. Check in, eat a plain dinner and sleep. Kunming is mild, so it is a kind place to start.
Day 2: Rail to Dali
Book a morning train. Dali has a high-speed link to Kunming that began in July 2018, running about one train an hour[6]. At major stations arrive 30 to 40 minutes before departure for bag checks[7], and carry your passport for the gate[8].
Take a taxi to your hotel, then walk the Old Town in the late afternoon.
Day 3: Old Town and the Three Pagodas
Spend the morning at the Three Pagodas, when it is cooler and quieter. Eat a long lunch, rest, and walk the Old Town walls at sunset.
Day 4: Erhai or Xizhou
Choose one. Cycle part of the lake shore, or visit Xizhou ancient town for Bai houses and bakeries. Keep the afternoon free, because tomorrow is a travel day.
Day 5: Rail to Lijiang
Take a morning train and keep the arrival afternoon light. Lijiang’s Old Town sits at 2,400 m[9], so walk slowly, drink water and skip big meals. The Dali to Lijiang road versus train guide compares the other option.
Day 6: Lijiang Old Town and villages
Go to the Old Town early, before the lanes fill. Spend the afternoon at Shuhe or Baisha for a quieter feel. Our Lijiang Old Town guide lists the quiet corners.
Day 7: Rail to Kunming, then home
High-speed trains link Lijiang and Kunming in about 3 to 3.5 hours[10]. Take the first train you can and book your international flight in the evening. If you want less stress, sleep one night in Kunming and fly the next morning.
Is your bag rail-friendly?
Second class on G, D and C trains has compact seats arranged 2+3 across the car[11]. The official luggage limit is 20 kg for adults and 10 kg for children[12], though bags are rarely weighed. Pack light, with one carry-on and one suitcase each.
Where to stay
Choose areas near the rail station in Kunming for early trains. In Dali, the Old Town is good for evening walks. In Lijiang, stay at the edge of the Old Town so taxis can reach your door.
How to adapt it
- Shorter: drop Day 4 and travel straight to Lijiang.
- Longer: add a night in Lijiang and visit a snow mountain.
- With seniors: keep every rail leg in the morning.
- Cheaper: use second class and share taxis.
Budget lines
Count flights, rail tickets, hotels, taxis, entry tickets and meals separately. Prices move with the season, so the budget planner lets you plug in today’s quotes. The rail versus flight tool helps you compare legs, and the getting around topic hub covers other transport.