Lijiang to Shangri-La train journey opens

Click to Enlarge

The Lijiang-Shangri-La railway officially opened on November 26, 2023 marking a new milestone for tourism in Southwest China's Yunnan Province. In just one hour and 18 minutes, this train journey built overcoming the challenges of high altitude and steep slopes, connects Lijiang and Shangri-La, two cities with different ethnic cultures and stunning landscapes. 

At a maximum elevation of 3,328 meters it is one of the highest railways in China connecting world renowned tourist attractions through high-speed trains that forms the Sichuan – Yunnan – Tibet Xizang - Shangri-La tourism loop. 

This 139kms railway will open doors to explore the ethnic and cultural diversity of Yunnan.  Geographically, it links three ethnic minority community groups; namely Lijiang, the cultural center of the Naxi ethnic group, Dali, the home of the Bai ethnic group, and Shangri-La the Dechen Tibetan Automonous Prefecture, the land of Tibetan ethnic group. With this journey tourists can experience the diverse nature and culture of Yunnan, making it a one of a kind memorable tour.

The railway makes it possible to connect the highlights of tourist attractions in this region; to Lijiang Ancient Heritage town in the Naxi ethnic region,  Lashi Lake a highland lake with the largest wintering ground for the black-necked cranes in China with winter being the best season for tourists to visit and watch these birds,  visiting Shangri-La which offers an immersive experience in the rich Tibetan culture thanks to its many Tibetan Buddhism temples, monks, prayer flags, prayer wheels, and other religious elements, as well as unique Tibetan customs such as opera, songs, dances, wine and food. 

Enquire and book a trip to enjoy a welcoming ambience and drink some yak butter tea or highland barley wine and experience a cultural diversity with fascinating features!