China Travel Forum

[LoisKnox]

I have reserved 3 nights to spend in Lijiang off my upcoming trip to China in Oct 08, and wonder whether I can use Lijiang as the base for a day trip to Zhongdian (hiring a private tour guide - leaving Lijiang early in the morning, and coming back to Lijiang the same day late evening).

I understand the road condition has been improved. Is the area safe for late evening driving? And how much would it cost? Thanks in advance for any advices.

[austenhernan]

I would not do a day trip to Zhongdjan as the road is not that good, it's a long trip, so I would definitly stop there at least 1 night.Lijiang for me has been a stop over for lunch and a walk in the centre during my trip from Dali to Zhongdjan and for me it was enough infact, as said, Lijiang is really too touristic.

Lijiang is a very touristic zone (too much for me), you will be safe. We escaped fast from there because is a very crowded place. Thousands of tourists (Chinese tourists) go there for shopping and night life...

I took a private driver from Dali to Zhongdjan last year and it costed me 100 euro for 2 days, I was alone if you do that with 1 or more people it will not be so expensive and the private driver is a good idea to stop whenever you want along the road to Zhongdjan that offers really great sceneries.

We hired a car with driver in Dali and it was something like 30 euros per day.. but I don't exactly remember.

[World Cup]

I just did Zhongdian -- Lijiang recently. Extremely bumpy for about half the journey, took us about 5 hours for the ride. I wouldn't advise you to do

Zhongdian as a daytrip from Lijiang. Too much time spent on travel and not enough for sightseeing.