Shuttle 35–45 minutes (¥20–25) or DiDi about ¥60–80.
Lijiang, the practical part 丽江
What’s different here, and the few things that quietly cost people a morning.
Getting in
DiDi about 20 minutes (¥25–35) or bus 11 in 30–40 minutes. Tell the driver which gate: Water Wheel (north) or the east entrance.
Getting around
Dayan Old Town lanes are pedestrian-only around the clock; hotels meet you at the nearest gate with a luggage cart.
For city buses, select Lijiang in Alipay and activate 丽江电子交通卡 before boarding.
Easy to get wrong
The snow-mountain cable car climbs to about 4,506 m, far above the town; doing it on arrival day raises altitude risk.
Put the mountain day after at least one night in Lijiang, go slowly at the top, and turn back if headache or breathlessness builds.
Booking a room deep inside the lanes with heavy bags.
Ask the hotel which gate to use and whether they send a cart before you arrive.
Past travel notices
One outing, with room to enjoy it
A quieter old-town afternoon
120–180 minutes for the full block
Shuhe Ancient Town →
2–3 hours