The usual costs are distances, altitude, and a postcard old town that is also a souvenir street. Kunming, Dali and Lijiang are separate cities. Lijiang is higher than Kunming; Shangri-La is higher still. Dali and Lijiang’s historic centres are real, protected, and heavily commercial — you can have a genuine visit without pretending you found an untouched village.
Last verified on · First published · 4 sources
Key facts
| Distances | Three cities, not one afternoon |
|---|---|
| Altitude | Rises to the north; snow mountains are not a jog |
| Old towns | Real, and also commercial |
| Digital | Google services often fail; register at every stay |
The short version
The usual costs in Yunnan are distances, altitude, and a postcard “old town” that is also a souvenir street. None of this is a reason to skip the province; it is a reason to plan it as more than one city in one day.
It is farther than it looks
Kunming, Dali and Lijiang are separate cities. Check 12306 and the location of the station relative to the old town. A “three old towns in two days” plan is how people miss their train.
Altitude, weather and old towns
Kunming is moderate. Lijiang is higher; Shangri-La and the deeper northwest are higher still. If you go up, read current official health advice, go slowly, and do not treat a snow mountain as a jog. Weather changes faster in the mountains than in Kunming — pack a layer, and confirm a forecast. This is not a 2026 snow forecast. Dali and Lijiang’s historic centres are real, protected, and also heavily commercial. You can have a genuine walk and a genuine meal without pretending you have found an untouched village. We will not invent a “secret alley” that is still on every map. Same national payment, registration and visa rules, last verified 2026-11-12. Confirm 240-hour ports on NIA if you fly into Kunming on that rule — do not assume; check the designated list.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do three old towns in two days?
That is how people miss their train. Check 12306 and the station’s location.
Is there a secret alley in Lijiang?
We will not invent one that is still on every map.
Sources and a honesty note
Visa, arrival-card and payment rules on this page follow our national guides, last verified on 12 November 2026 against official sources (National Immigration Administration; Tenpay / WeChat Help for the ¥200 inclusive / 3% structure). City transport times, fares and attraction hours are not frozen here — confirm them on the official operator or park page, and on 12306 for trains, on the day you travel. We do not invent restaurants, prices, quotes or first-person anecdotes. Last verified (national rules): 2026-11-12.