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Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Nujiang are neighboring Prefectures in North Western Yunnan. Lijiang and Dali are must-sees that are part of most itineraries and almost all organized tours. Shangri-la is a bit farther north and is definitely worth making the time to see as well. Travel to Shangri-La is particularly restricted in the winter because of weather and road conditions. Nujiang which is the home of one of China’s most important rivers is less traveled and often fits into an itinerary including Liuku, Fugong, Gongshan and Bingzhongluo.
Dali (DLU), Lijiang (LJG) and Shangri-La (DIG) all have their own airports with excellent links to Kunming and other Yunnan destinations. Nujiang is most easily reached through the airport in Baoshan (BSD). It takes one hour to reach Baoshan from Kunming and then it is a 3 hours drive from Baoshan to Liuku the capital of Nujiang. Buses and minibuses from Kunming are an enjoyable alternative to flying with regular schedules to all the above destinations. Dali is the shortest trip at 5 hours, Lijiang 7 hours, Shangri-La 12 hours and Nujiang is the longest at 13 hours.
Two routes to consider depending on seasonal factors are:
Dali (2days) – Lijiang (3-4Days) – Shangri-La (with side trips to Deqin or Yubeng) (4 days -6 days with side trips)
Dali (2days) – Liuku (1day) – Fugong (1day) – Gongshan (1day) - Bingzhongluo (1day) – Pian Ma (1day)
The best time to visit Dali and Lijiang are between March and June to experience the pleasant warm days of spring. For Shangri-La Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit if comfortable temperatures are a priority. During autumn the outdoor scenery on the plateau is spectacular. During the summer Shangri-La attracts large numbers of tourists but even then, the town never feels crowded or overwhelming like Lijiang or Dali. Nujiang has a summer rainy season that extends into September, so October through April is the best time to visit with February perhaps the most beautiful month in terms of flowers and foliage.
Nujiang
Nujiang is a Lisu Nationality Autonomous Prefecture. It is the home to the Lisu, Nu and Dulong peoples. Liuku is the capital and is not worth anymore time than you have to spend there, though on the road you will be treated to great views of Mt. Gaoligong. Three rivers, the Nujiang, Lancang (Mekong), and Dulong crisscross the prefecture. This makes for a unique landscape, especially in the areas of Gaoligong Mountain, Biluo Snow Mountain, Dadanglike Mountain and around the Yunling Mountain range. The Nujiang River flows from north to south stretching over 1,750 miles. Lodged on the steep slopes on both sides of the river Lisu and Nu farms cling to the side of the cliffs.
The most popular tourists attractions are:
• The drive between Liuku, Fugong, Gongshan and Bingzhongluo has amazing sights with many cliffs, rivers, mountain views suspension bridges and waterfalls. It is the drive between the cities that is the highlight not the cities themselves.
• Fugong, which is 76 miles north of Liuku and 441 miles north of Kunming has a mainly Lisu population. Access to the Nujiang Gorge is possible from Fugong. There are frequent buses between Liuku and Fugong.
• Gongshan has mainly Nu, Drung and Tibetan minorities. It’s 124 miles from Liuku to Gongshan with buses running along the spectacular Gorge, travel time is about 2.5 hours. It’s 69 miles from Fugong to Gongshan with many buses and minibuses traveling this route. Buses leave Gongshan for Fugong and Liuku in the morning with the last buses at 11:50 and 1:00 PM. While in Gongshan Dandang Park is worth a visit.
• Bingzhongluo is a Tibetan-dominated town with some Nu and Lisu people 27 miles north of Gongshan. There are a variety of cars, vans and SUVs that depart when they are full, cost is about 15 Yuan. There are also two buses leaving from Liuku at 6:20 AM and 8:20 AM, the trip takes 8 hours and costs 63 Yuan, though schedules sometimes vary. Bingzhongluo is a good starting point for hikes West to the Dulong river and East to the Mekong. Hiring a guide is strongly recommended.
• The Nujiang Gorge stretches from northwest Yunnan bordering Burma, and runs through one of China's remoter areas. The most beautiful part of the gorge can be found around Bingzhongluo. A 2.5 hours hike will introduce you some of the Gorge’s best sights including the famous Tea Horse Caravan Route, a path used by traders carrying their wares between Yunnan and Tibet near Wengli.
• For the most adventuresome trekkers, there are routes west to the Drung River from Gongshan surrounded by virgin forests and Drung people living their traditional way of life.
• Pian Ma is 55 miles West of Liuku and has some great views of Mt. Gaoligong.
Lijiang
Great traditional Naxi music, lively bars, restaurants and nightlife both mark Lijiang as Yunnan’s party town and leave it open to criticism of I can only guess, being a place where you can have too much fun? With numerous accommodations, western restaurants and beautiful views, mountain top cable car rides and fabulous shows by the same director who did the Beijing Olympics Lijiang is a welcome relief from the more somber, overcrowded sometimes exhausting sights of the rest of China.
For a complete overview of the city and attractions see our section on Lijiang and Shuhe.
Dali
Usually the first stop on most trips to Northwest Yunnan, Dali will not disappoint you. Beautiful lakes and mountains await you. Dali has a wonderful laid-back atmosphere and is definitely backpacker friendly. It’s a logical jumping off point for further exploration in this rich and varied part of Yunnan.
For a complete overview of the city and attractions see our section on Dali.
Shangri-La
For mythic city seekers there is Shangri-la at 10,826 feet above sea level. Whether it is in fact the “Lost Horizon” or not it is definitely easier to get to than Atlantis or the Fountain of Youth. Formerly known as Zhongdian, Shangri-La has been a place of transcendence for many even without having to read the Celestine Prophecy. A resonant history of Monasteries, Tibetan culture and fabulous mountain scenery await you. Wonderful side trips to Deqin and Yubeng will take your breath away.
For a complete overview of the city and attractions see our section on Shangri-La.
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