Trip → Day → Place · Day 4 of 6
Day 4: Naxi lanes after the train
A morning rail hop, then Lijiang on foot once day-trip crowds thin.
- Route day
- North to Lijiang
- Pace
- Balanced
- Overnight base
- Lijiang
- Places in sequence
- 5
Trip context
Where this day sits in Yunnan High Road
This route gains altitude in steps rather than jumping straight to the high plateau. Rail handles the lower valleys; a private road transfer covers the final mountain stage.
- Full route
- Kunming → Dali → Lijiang → Shangri-La
- Journey length
- 6 days · 720 km
- Core movement
- Rail · Car · Walk
Day → Place
How the day unfolds
Stops are shown in editorial sequence. Times and travel lines explain the shape of the day, not live opening hours or turn-by-turn navigation.
Transport2 hr 05
Dali → Lijiang
A regional train follows the valley north toward snow peaks.
Stations sit outside both historic centers, so include the road transfers when judging the day’s pace.
- Good to know
- Reserved seat · Arrive 40 min early
Next movementRail · 2 hr 05Regional rail northPlay90 min
Black Dragon Pool
Pavilions and a classic view toward Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Morning is best for clear peaks, but the park remains a calm orientation point later. Carry the old-town maintenance receipt if checked.
- Good to know
- Old-town fee may cover entry
Next movementWalk · 18 minFollow the canal southFood70 min
Naxi courtyard lunch
Chickpea jelly, copper-pot potatoes and local greens.
Order the chickpea jelly both cold and pan-fried if sharing. Yunnan ham is salty, so balance it with vegetables.
- Good to know
- ¥80–130 pp · Mild options available
Next movementWalk · 10 minCanal-side walkPlay2 hr 30
Lijiang Old Town
Canals, stone bridges and Naxi timber houses at walking pace.
Start in the quieter northern lanes, cross to Zhongyi Market, then return toward the water wheels as lanterns come on.
- Good to know
- Pedestrian area · Expect uneven stone
Next movementWalk · 14 minUphill lanes to hotelStayOvernight
Amandayan
A two-night hillside base just above the old town.
The uphill setting trades doorstep bustle for a clear roofscape view. Ask for tomorrow’s mountain weather update tonight.
- Good to know
- 2 nights · Altitude 2,400 m
- Neighborhood
- Lion Hill · Lijiang Old Town
- Stay style
- Luxury Naxi-inspired hilltop resort
Why this stay fits the route
- The hillside setting gives a rare roofscape view over the old town.
- Only 35 suites keep the property quiet despite its central location.
- The calm, spacious rooms are valuable recovery time after the mountain day.