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Ask a QuestionLijiang Railway Station is the main passenger railway hub serving Lijiang, a popular travel destination in northwest Yunnan Province. It is the northern terminal of the Dali–Lijiang Railway and plays a key role in connecting Lijiang with major cities in Yunnan and beyond. For international travelers planning to visit Lijiang Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, or continue their journey toward Shangri-La, understanding how this station works can make travel much smoother.
Located in Shangji Village, Yulong County, about 10 kilometers from downtown Lijiang, Lijiang Railway Station is currently the largest passenger railway station in the city. Although it is officially classified as a third-class station in China’s railway system, it is modern, well-equipped, and capable of handling a growing number of domestic and tourist passengers each year.
Construction of Lijiang Railway Station began in 2004 as part of the national plan to expand railway access into Yunnan’s mountainous northwest. Track-laying work was completed on September 3, 2009, and the station officially opened to passenger services on January 1, 2010.
Before this, Lijiang East Railway Station served as the city’s main rail stop. However, with limited capacity and outdated facilities, it was later converted into a freight station in August 2011. Since then, the new Lijiang Railway Station has become the sole major passenger station in the area, handling all regular train services.
From a long-term perspective, the Dali–Lijiang Railway is designed as an important section of the planned Yunnan–Tibet Railway. To the north, it connects with the Lijiang–Shangri-La Railway, which has significantly shortened travel time between Lijiang and Shangri-La. In the future, the line is expected to extend further toward Tibet. To the east, it connects with the Guangtong–Dali Railway leading to Kunming, while to the west it links to the Dali–Ruili Railway, forming part of China’s southwest international transport corridor toward Myanmar.
Basic Information of Xian North Railway Station
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English Name: |
Lijiang Railway Station |
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Chinese Name: |
丽江火车站 |
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Location： |
located in Shangji Village of Yulong County, 10 km away from Lijiang |
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Main Railway: |
Dali - Lijiang Railway |
One of the highlights of Lijiang Railway Station is its architectural style. The station incorporates traditional Naxi ethnic elements, blending local cultural features with modern railway design. For many visitors, it is their first visual introduction to Lijiang’s unique ethnic heritage.
The station covers an area of approximately 11,821 square meters. The main building is about 32.5 meters high, 182 meters long, and 50.3 meters wide. The interior is spacious and well-organized, making it relatively easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.
Facilities available at the station include:
There are two main waiting rooms equipped with large PPD display screens showing real-time train information. On the first floor, travelers can find practical services such as:
The second-floor waiting area is quieter and includes a casual tea room, which can be a pleasant place to relax while waiting for departure, especially after several days of high-altitude travel in Yunnan.
The ticket hall at Lijiang Railway Station has 17 ticket windows. While many Chinese travelers now rely on mobile apps, ticket windows remain useful for foreign tourists who prefer in-person assistance.
The ticket office generally operates daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, with individual ticket windows opening during specific time slots, typically: 7:20 – 9:00; 12:00 – 15:00; 17:20 – 20:30
For international travelers, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons such as:
Most travelers heading to or from Lijiang choose high-speed or comfortable air-conditioned trains connecting Dali, Kunming, and Shangri-La.
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