Hello, I’m Lila Jiang, a China travel professional with over 5 years of experience. During these five years, I’ve traveled extensively around the world.Nature landscapes and hotel reviews are my passions—through years of journeys, I’ve honed a knack for distilling practical, user-friendly travel insights. Today, I’m excited to share this all-inclusive guide to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG), covering intra-city transfers, scenic spot connections, and in-terminal services. Whether you’re heading to Lijiang Ancient Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, or the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this guide will help you navigate smoothly amid the region’s stunning mountain landscapes.
Overview of Lijiang Sanyi International Airport
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (IATA code: LJG) is a key aviation hub in Yunnan Province, located in Sanyi Village, about 28 km south of Lijiang Ancient Town. As the gateway to Yunnan’s northwest region, it connects travelers to some of China’s most breathtaking natural and cultural attractions. Here are the core distance benchmarks:
- 28 km from Lijiang Ancient Town (35–50 minutes by car)
- 100 km from Tiger Leaping Gorge (2–2.5 hours by car)
- 30 km from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area (40–60 minutes by car)
- 170 km from Shangri-La (3–3.5 hours by car)
The airport has a single, modern terminal with clear functional divisions:
- Terminal 1 (T1): Handles both domestic and international flights. Major domestic airlines include China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, and Sichuan Airlines. International flights primarily connect to destinations in Southeast Asia and regional routes to Hong Kong and Macau.
Core transportation hubs within the airport include the Airport Shuttle Bus Station, dedicated taxi zones, and ride-hailing pickup areas, ensuring seamless connectivity for travelers heading to various scenic spots.
Best Ways to Travel from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport to Lijiang Ancient Town
Take the Airport Shuttle Bus
The airport shuttle bus is the most popular and convenient option for most travelers, offering direct service to the heart of Lijiang Ancient Town.
Key Information:
- Route: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport → Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Bus Station)
- Station Location: Outside the Arrival Hall (follow the “Bus” signs)
- Operating Hours: 08:00–23:00 (departures are coordinated with flight arrivals)
- Departure Interval: Approximately 30–60 minutes per shift, depending on flight schedules
- Ticketing & Fare Details:
- One-Way Fare: $3.53 (¥25)
- Ticketing Channels: Purchase tickets on the bus using cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. No advance booking is required.
- Fare & Time Reference:
- Destination: Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Bus Station)
- One-Way Fare: $3.53
- Estimated Travel Time: 40–50 minutes
Take a Taxi from
Taxis provide a direct, door-to-door service, making them a convenient choice for families with children, travelers with large luggage, or those arriving late at night.
Waiting Points: Official taxi queues are located just outside the Arrival Hall. Always use the official queue to avoid unlicensed drivers and potential overcharging.
Pricing Structure:
- Daytime (06:00–23:00): The fare is typically metered. The journey to Lijiang Ancient Town usually costs between $14.13 and $21.19 (¥100–¥150).
- Nighttime (23:00–06:00): There is a surcharge, and fares are generally higher, ranging from $21.19 to $28.26 (¥150–¥200).
- Note: It’s common for taxi drivers to offer a fixed price instead of using the meter. Negotiate the fare clearly before starting your journey.
Fare Reference: To Lijiang Ancient Town: $14.13–$21.19 (daytime), ~40 mins; night fare: $21.19–$28.26.
Use Ride-Hailing Apps
Ride-hailing services offer a convenient and often more affordable alternative to taxis, with transparent pricing and the ability to book in advance.
Recommended Platforms: DiDi Chuxing is the most widely used platform. It supports English and allows you to book a ride in advance, which is especially useful if you arrive late at night.
Pickup Guidelines:
- Designated Pickup Zones: Follow the signs to the ride-hailing pickup area, which is usually a short walk from the terminal.
- Practical Tips: Book your ride 15–30 minutes before your flight lands. Select the “Airport Pickup” option and enter your flight details to help the driver track your arrival.
Fare Reference:
| Destination | Ride-Hailing Fare Range (USD) | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Lijiang Ancient Town | $11.31 – $17.66 | 40 mins |
| Jade Dragon Snow Mountain | $24.73 – $31.08 | 50-60 mins |
Travel by Private Car Charter
For travelers planning to visit multiple destinations (e.g., Lijiang Ancient Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain), a private car charter is often the most efficient and comfortable option.
Key Information:
- Service Providers: You can book a private car charter through your hotel, local travel agencies, or online platforms like Ctrip or Klook.
- Pricing Structure: Prices vary depending on the car type (sedan, SUV, minivan) and the duration/distance of your trip. A typical one-way charter from the airport to Lijiang Ancient Town costs around $21.19–$28.26. For a full-day tour covering multiple spots, expect to pay $56.52–$84.78.
- Core Advantages: Flexibility to customize your itinerary, door-to-door service, comfortable vehicles, and the convenience of having a driver who knows the local area well.
Guide to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport
Tax Refund
- Location: International Departure Hall (after security)
- Process: Present your passport, tax refund form, and purchased goods (unused and in original packaging) to the staff. Refunds are typically processed via credit card.
- Tip: Keep all receipts and ensure your purchases meet the minimum amount requirement for tax refund.
Payment App Assistance Counter
- Location: Arrival Hall Information Desk.
- Services: Staff can assist foreign travelers with registering Alipay or WeChat Pay accounts and linking them to overseas credit cards. This is highly recommended as mobile payment is ubiquitous in China.
Dining Options and Hours at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport
- Core Areas: Departure Hall 2F and Arrival Hall 1F.
- Cuisine Selection: You’ll find a variety of options, including local Yunnan specialties (such as cross-bridge rice noodles and Yunnan hot pot), international fast food (KFC), and coffee shops (Starbucks).
- Operating Hours: Most restaurants are open from 07:00 to 22:00. There are also 24-hour convenience stores for snacks and drinks.
Duty-Free Shopping Hours
- Location: International Departure Hall (after security)
- Operating Hours: 08:00–22:00
- Key Offerings: The duty-free shop offers a range of products, including cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, and some local Yunnan products like Pu’er tea and coffee.
Luggage Storage Facilities
- Locations: Arrival Hall 1F.
- Pricing:
- Small (Backpack): Approximately $1.41 per day
- Medium (Carry-On): Approximately $2.12 per day
- Large (Checked Luggage): Approximately $2.83 per day
- Service Details: 24-hour operation. You will need to provide identification.
Currency Exchange
- Locations: Arrival Hall 1F and International Departure Hall.
- Supported Currencies: Major international currencies like USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, and HKD are accepted.
- Service Details: Exchange rates are displayed clearly. It’s advisable to exchange a small amount of Chinese Yuan (CNY) upon arrival for immediate expenses like transportation.
Free Wi-Fi at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport
- Network Name: “LJG-Free-WiFi”
- Login Method: Connect to the network and follow the prompts to register using your mobile phone number (Chinese or international) to receive a verification code.
- Connection Quality: Generally reliable for basic internet usage like checking emails and messaging.
Overnight Stay at the Airport
- Free Rest Areas: There are some seating areas in the Arrival Hall where you can rest. However, options are limited compared to larger airports.
- Paid Options: There is a VIP lounge in the Departure Hall (fees apply). For a more comfortable overnight stay, consider taking a taxi to a nearby hotel in Sanyi Village or heading directly to Lijiang Ancient Town.
Check-In Deadlines
- Domestic Flights: Counter check-in typically closes 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Self-service check-in kiosks are available.
- International Flights: Counter check-in closes 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Boarding Gate Opening and Closing Times
- Domestic Flights: Boarding gates usually open 30–40 minutes before departure and close 15 minutes before departure.
- International Flights: Boarding gates open 40–60 minutes before departure and close 20 minutes before departure.
Tip: Always arrive at the boarding gate well before the closing time, especially during peak travel seasons.
Lila Jiang
She is Lila Jiang, a 28-year-old girl.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, she’s chased wanderlust near and far;
what she loves most is diving into local cultures,
finding hidden gems, and connecting with people who bring journeys to life.
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