Hi there,

I was wondering if you might be able to give me some advice. Im planning to go to Lijiang some time around 15-20th November and I would like to reach Lijiang by train. Im planning to arrive to Kunming from Shanghai around 1140am and I would like to know if there's a train from Kunming to Lijiang in the night (think so, in fact) and if it is possible to book the train ticket the same day. Any advice where should i book it? I dont speak chinese so I guess it will be a little bit challenging. Same for Lijiang-Kunming, I would like to know if there is a train in the night and where to book it.

Thanks in advance guys!!

bte, is it worthy to stay one day in kunming or should i head straight to lijiang?

Thanks!!

You can find a train time table here: www.huoche.biz/ds3d4e5f6c1c4e.aspx

It is difficult to say whether you can get a ticket the same day, it just depends and it is not uncommon that the trains are fully booked. While there are several agencies that can book a ticket for you, the only one I know that might speak a little English is the one outside Camellia Hotel. Or you could just take a taxi from the airport to Kunming station and try your luck there.

Alternative option: since you are not doing the train ride for the scenery why not just fly to Lijiang from Shanghai? There are non-stop flights and others with a stop in Kunming. Have a look at ctrip.com for prices, it might cost the same or even less than flying to Kunming.

Kunming is not super interesting as a tourist city, consider a slow return trip via Shaxi and Dali.

Thank you very much ludwig for your prompt answer!

I thing I can make myself clear enough for buying a train ticket in a chinese agency (我想两个k9608/k9605门票 or 我想今天k9608/k9605两张门票 should be enough?) I dont speak chinese but I know about 20 basic words that i learnt when I was on exchange in Beijing two years ago.

Ive been looking for flights on ctrip, travelzen and elong and everything i get is 2310cny at least. However, SHA-KMG is 1100cny. Do you know if i can get a better price if I buy the tickets in an agency?

Finally, what is it realistic to visit in two days? Just lijiang? lijiang-tlg? lijiang-tlg-dali?

Thanks again!!

I believe you can call the ENGLISH speaking ctrip operators and order train tix also. Ask for the "special" lower cost ticket price - if they pretend to not know - hang up and call again - repeat until they finally agree to give you the local domestic price as opposed to the "special" higher rate for english speaking expats - or they tell you to get lost and quit calling (it's toll free)...

hi laotou, thanks for the advice! Ive seen they're selling online the high-speed train tickets as well. I'll try to call. Do you think I can book tickets for the kunming-lijiang train when I'll be in Shanghai? or they sell the tickets only in the city of departure? Buying it in Shanghai would be great!!

I've seen lijiang it is getting touristy, which I dont like, but biking around the city surroundings should be quite?

bte, any guess where this photo has been taken? sobreturismo.es/wp-content/uploads/lijiang.jpg

Thanks!!

Bte, if I can make it for the train, do you recommend the sleeper bus or is it a pain in the ass (had really bad experiences in India...)

Hi,

Nice to see you here, we are a kunming based tour operator called "Wonders Of Yunnan".

There are 2 night trains from Kunming-Lijiang everyday (dep. on 22.25PM and 23.02PM), I would highly suggest to buy the ticket in advance, not on the day upon arrival. Hard sleeper is comfortable enough and they also have air-condition in the train (Net price is 142RMB).

In your case, it's the best if you buy tickets (when you are in Shanghai) and we meet you in the Kunming airport upon your arrival and hand you the tickets.

If you need any further help, please feel free to contact us via email:

Email: info@wondersofyunnan.com
Website: www.wondersofyunnan.com

Welcome to Yunnan! Good luck!

Kind regards to you,
Linda Lin

The photo is taken at Black Dragon Pool 黑龙潭,a few minutes north of the old town. You get there by following the stream up from the northern end (where the big waterwheel is). Best time is in the morning, the peak often clouds over later in the day.

Ticket prices at agencies are unlikely to be (much) cheaper than ctrip.

Yes, Lijiang is touristy. Actually, that is quite an understatement. It is probably one of the most touristy places on this planet. It is also quite a large city with the old town only a very small part of it. If on limited time, there are tour operators that offer day trips to TLG that include a bit of walking rather than just going to the most dramatic spot. Friends of mine did it and quite enjoyed it.

thanks ludwig and linda, its always nice to get tips from people and not just reading stuff.. thanks!

Hi, Renevallve,

No problem, if you need any further assistant or help, you can write emails to me at info@wondersofyunnan.com, we offer Yunnan travel information for free!

Welcome to Yunnan, my hometown :-)

Kind regards,
Linda Lin

Travel Yunnan Information, you may want to see this website www.wondersofyunnan.com