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From Dali and Lijiang you can come to Zhongdian with busses, there are many and it takes more than 8 hours from Dali and 3 or more hours from Lijiang(depending on the road conditions).
I did not have enough time to use public transports and, above all I did not like the idea that I could not stop on the road when I wanted to.
In Jeam's Tibetan hotel in Dali I asked how much could cost a private driver to go and I got a real deal, for 120 euro I got the driver, the hotel manager as english speaking guide, the hotel rooms for the 3 of us in Zhongdian and stops in Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge and anyway we wanted to on the road.
Written Oct 6, 2007
there's a #3 bus that goes from Gucheng (old town) to Songzanlin Monastery, also taxis to get around the city, but please get out of town if you want to see why they call this place Shangri-la, I had two drivers through the trip, 1st 1/2 for the Lijiang to Zhongdian drive & the 2nd one for the day trips around Zhongdian, I will definitely call the 2nd driver again, he is Tibetan (Luo Sang Dan Qu), speaks Mandarin but zero English, but a very safe and experience driver (cell # 13988765121), he works for Songtsam hotel but can arrange a fleet of SUVs/jeeps if you need more than one car through his friends
Written Dec 7, 2006
Phone: 13988765121
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Bus from Lijiang to Zhongdian took 6-7 hours. RMB27. It was a mini bus. So, my advise is go to bus station 30 mins earlier, wait for your bus and try to get a good seat in front (more leg room). Otherwise it was ot really fun to squeeze yourself for 6-7 hours along the bumpy road.
Updated Feb 19, 2004
6 hours bus ride, RMB34.50
Large bus, not mini one. Enough leg room but very bumpy though. Locals get on along the road, and became full packed with people, luggage, rice, beers, and animals!!! While it is pretty interesting when I had chance to sat besides some monks, and chat with them.
Written Feb 19, 2004
Road conditions in ZhongDian is always unexpected. Better in dry weather, worst in rainy days. This photo shows a normal scene while travelling here, passangers help moving rocks and pushing cars. A good work out!
Written Oct 16, 2003
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There is only one long distance bus terminal in ZhongDian, however, funny thing that they use different names for this place: ZhongDian, Shangri-la, DiXin. Either name they call, it actually refers to the same place.
Written Oct 14, 2003
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There are buses connecting Lijiang and ZhongDian, 6 hours ride, price 33 Yuan. The road was bumpy and may have landslide on rainy days. Hiring a taxi or small car is not recommended. For safty reason either take a public bus, or hire a Jeep or van with experience local driver. Don't drink too much water, toilets along the road are VERY VERY DIRTY! You know what I mean...
Updated Oct 14, 2003
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You have to be a bit flexible when travelling on
the mountain roads.
Here, a bridge was washed out by a slide.
We crossed the river on foot and we were then ferried 2 kilometers to our destination by the locals, via tractor. Very friendly people.
It was a great experience as we were ferried back to our bus for our return trip.
It was a public bus by the way and it was cool to watch the driver pick up locals and drop them off up and down the road.
He seemed to know all of them.
Updated Oct 8, 2003
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there is only one coach bus station in Zhongdian, few bus to Dali, Lijiang and Kunming everyday. Booking ticket as early as you can.
Written Jul 10, 2007
1 - 9 of 9
Reviews and photos of Zhongdian attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Zhongdian sightseeing.
there is only one coach bus station in Zhongdian, few bus to Dali, Lijiang and Kunming everyday. Booking ticket as early as you can.
1 member lives in Zhongdian
Q: seems to be a must place to see and go. so how do we get here? from zhongdian or deqing?
A: Definitely from Zhongdian. I think there're 2 or 3 buses daily. If you come from Deqin you'll still need to change buses at Zhongdian.
Read 9 Replies
1
ZhongDian - Blend in with the Nature!
The name "Shangri-La" became popular after World War II and was used to christen many songs, hotels and restaurants because it represents a "heaven away from the turmoil of the mundane world.”...
2
Two years ago I read in a newspaper about Yunnan, the writer described it as one of the last original area of China and warned the reader to go as soon as possible because the progress was already...
3
Yunnan Travel 2004 - ZhongDian
ZhongDian is the captital area of DiQing, which was named Shangri-La by the Yunnan Government in 1997. I guess all you might have already known, "Shangri-La" first appeared in James Hilton's novel...
4
The Holy Birds of Peace in Shangri-La
I've got some interesting experiences in Zhongdian. I'd love to share with you the 9 tips I've written, the 11 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
5
Zhong Dian changed the name to Shangri-la in 1997, I believe it must be the Shangri-la in James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizons. I love the life in here not only for the marvelous spot , but the most...
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