Dali and Lijiang are two of Yunnan’s best-loved old towns, and they sit close enough to each other that it makes sense to see both in one trip. This Lijiang Dali itinerary is built for travellers based in Singapore, including those from mainland China who now live here and want a relaxed trip without the rush of a tour group. It shows how to string the stops together, how long to stay in each, and how to handle the practical side when you are flying out of Changi.
If you only want one town, our separate guides to Lijiang from Singapore and Dali and Shangri-La go deeper on each. This article is about the route that links them.
Why Combine Dali and Lijiang in One Trip
The two towns complement each other well:
- Dali is slower and greener, built around Erhai Lake with the Cangshan mountains behind it. It suits cycling, lakeside villages and lazy café afternoons.
- Lijiang is higher and more dramatic, with the Naxi old town, canals and views towards Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
They are connected by rail, so you can move between them without backtracking. Starting in Kunming, the provincial capital, also gives you a gentle first night at a lower altitude before heading into the highlands.
Getting From Singapore to Yunnan
The usual gateway is Kunming. Direct flights between Singapore and Kunming have operated for years, though routes and frequencies change, so check current schedules with the airlines. Some travellers instead fly into another Chinese hub and connect onwards. Lijiang and Dali also have their own airports with domestic flights, which is useful if you want to fly into one town and out of the other.
Once in Yunnan, the high-speed rail network does most of the work. Trains link Kunming to Dali, and Dali to Lijiang, generally taking a few hours or less per leg. Book through the official China Railway channels or a trusted app, and have your passport ready, as tickets are tied to ID.
Before booking, sort out documents:
- Entry rules. Visa requirements depend on your passport and change from time to time. Check the latest with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore. PRC passport holders travel on their Chinese passport as usual.
- Your Singapore status. If you hold a Singapore work pass or Dependant’s Pass, make sure it stays valid for your return. Permanent residents need a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) from ICA, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Confirm your own situation with ICA or MOM before you travel.
- Payments. Mobile payment through Alipay or WeChat Pay is widely used in Yunnan. Foreign cards can usually be linked to these apps, but set it up and test it in Singapore before you go.
A Suggested 8-Day Lijiang Dali Itinerary
This plan assumes about eight days including flights. It can be shortened or stretched.
Day 1: Singapore to Kunming. Fly in, check in, and keep the evening light. Try a bowl of crossing-the-bridge rice noodles nearby and get an early night.
Day 2: Kunming to Dali. Take a morning train to Dali. Settle into Dali Old Town or a guesthouse closer to Erhai Lake, then wander the old town walls and streets in the afternoon.
Day 3: Erhai Lake. Spend the day around the lake. Many visitors hire an e-bike or join a driver for a loop of lakeside villages. Xizhou, a Bai village known for its traditional courtyard houses and baba flatbread, is a good stop.
Day 4: Cangshan or slow day. Ride the cable car up Cangshan for mountain views, or simply take a slower day in Dali. This extra night also helps your body adjust to altitude before going higher.
Day 5: Dali to Lijiang. Train to Lijiang. Stay in or near Lijiang Old Town, and explore the lanes in the evening when the lanterns come on.
Day 6: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Baisha. Visit the mountain scenic area if the weather is clear, or head to Baisha village and Shuhe Old Town for a quieter look at Naxi culture. Mountain access and permits are managed by the scenic area and can change, so check the current arrangements locally.
Day 7: Lijiang free day. Revisit favourite spots, visit Black Dragon Pool for the classic mountain reflection, or book a day trip further afield.
Day 8: Lijiang to Singapore. Fly out of Lijiang via Kunming or another hub, or take the train back to Kunming for your flight.
Comparing the Stops at a Glance
| Stop | Nights | Main draw | Altitude feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kunming | 1 | Arrival city, food, mild weather | Moderate | Resting after the flight |
| Dali | 3 | Erhai Lake, Bai villages, old town | Higher, usually comfortable | Cycling, slow travel, cafés |
| Lijiang | 3 | Naxi old town, snow mountain views | Higher again | Scenery, culture, photos |
| Optional add-on | 2 to 3 | Shangri-La or Lugu Lake | Highest on this route | Travellers with more time |
Altitude, Weather and Packing Tips
Dali and Lijiang are both well above sea level, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain goes much higher. Most visitors are fine in the towns, but take it easy:
- Climb gradually. The Kunming and Dali nights before Lijiang help with this. Avoid heavy exercise on your first day at each new altitude.
- Hydrate and go light on alcohol. Dry air and altitude make you lose fluid faster than you expect.
- Know when to see a doctor. If you have a heart or lung condition, are pregnant or are travelling with young children or elderly parents, talk to your doctor in Singapore before the trip. Seek medical help if symptoms such as a bad headache, breathlessness or vomiting do not improve.
For weather, Yunnan is often described as having spring-like conditions, but highland mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in winter, and the sun is strong at altitude. Pack layers, a warm jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The summer months bring more rain, so a light rain jacket helps.
Practical Tips for Travelling From Singapore
- Plan around leave. An 8-day trip fits well around a Singapore public holiday plus a few days of annual leave. Peak Chinese holidays such as Golden Week and Chinese New Year bring heavy domestic crowds, so book trains and rooms early or avoid those dates.
- Download apps in advance. Map, translation and ride-hailing apps that work in China are worth installing before you leave Singapore.
- Carry some cash. Mobile payment is everywhere, but a small amount of renminbi helps in villages and for emergencies.
- Mind the old towns. Lijiang and Dali old towns get busy in the evenings. Staying slightly outside the centre can mean quieter nights.
- Taste before you go, or after. If you want a preview, or miss the flavours once home, see where to find Yunnan and Guizhou food in Singapore.
For newcomers who are used to travelling within China, the main difference is simply starting from Changi rather than a domestic airport: check your Singapore pass or REP, allow time for the international leg, and the rest of the route will feel familiar. For everyone else, this route is one of the gentlest introductions to Yunnan’s highlands. Our guide to building a travel itinerary from Singapore can help you adapt it to your own dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Yunnan with a Singapore passport? Entry rules depend on your passport and change from time to time, so check the latest with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore before booking. If you are a permanent resident or on a work pass, also make sure your Re-Entry Permit or pass stays valid for your return, which ICA or MOM can confirm.
Is it better to fly into Kunming or straight to Lijiang or Dali? Flying to Kunming and taking the train is the simplest start, and it gives a gentle first night at lower altitude. Flying into one town and out of the other saves backtracking if flights suit you. Compare current schedules, since routes and frequencies change.
How do I handle altitude sickness on this trip? Take it easy on your first day at each new altitude, drink water and go light on alcohol. Spending nights in Kunming and Dali before Lijiang helps you adjust. See a doctor in Singapore before travelling if you have heart or lung conditions, and seek help if a bad headache or vomiting does not ease.
Can I pay with my Singapore bank card in Dali and Lijiang? Mobile payment through Alipay or WeChat Pay is used almost everywhere, and foreign cards can usually be linked to them. Set this up and test it in Singapore before you leave. Keep a small amount of renminbi for villages and emergencies.
Which months suit a Dali and Lijiang trip best? Yunnan is often described as spring-like, but highland mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in winter, and summer brings more rain. Avoid Golden Week and Chinese New Year if you dislike crowds, or book trains and rooms very early.