Dali and Lijiang are the two classic Yunnan destinations. Most visitors do both. Here is how to drive between them.
1. Basic numbers
- Distance: about 180 km
- Highway: 2 hours, toll about 60 RMB
- Old road (G214): 3.5 hours
- Altitude: Dali 2,000 m, Lijiang 2,400 m
2. Highway or old road?
Highway: fast (2 hours), good road, but limited views. Old road G214: slower (3.5 hours) but passes Xizhou, Jianchuan and Shaxi ancient towns. First-timers take the highway; return visitors take the old road.
3. Highway route
From Dali old town, fill up with petrol, enter the "Dali" toll gate onto the Dali-Lijiang expressway. Pass the Erhai tunnel, Yangbi and Jianchuan. Exit at "Lijiang". Total toll about 60 RMB.
4. Old road highlights
- Xizhou Ancient Town (30 km from Dali): Bai minority architecture, Xizhou baba flatbread.
- Zhoucheng: tie-dye village, try it for 100 RMB.
- Jianchuan Ancient Town: quiet, few tourists.
- Shaxi Ancient Town: a surviving caravan market protected by UNESCO. Many guests stop for one night and end up staying three.
5. Where to eat
On the highway, service area food is basic. Exit at Jianchuan for a proper meal. On the old road: Xizhou baba, Shaxi chicken hotpot, Jianchuan donkey meat.
6. Can you do it as a day trip?
180 km each way is 360 km round trip - doable but not worth it. Spend 2-3 days in Dali and 2-3 days in Lijiang; the drive itself is half a day.
7. Common questions
Q: Can I rent in Dali and return in Lijiang? A: Yes, one-way drop-off 1,500 RMB. We send someone to collect the car from Lijiang.
Q: Does the road ice in winter? A: Not on this route (altitude below 2,500 m). Further north to Shangri-La it may ice.
Q: Are there petrol stations? A: Highway service areas and every county town.
8. Book with us
Tell us if you prefer the highway or old road, where you want to stop, and whether to stay in Shaxi. We mark the route and book hotels. Message qxzj7557.