Lijiang Travel Forum

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.

Lijian 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...

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

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.Liljang 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, Liljang is really too touristic.
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.
Corra

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.

Thanks a bunch Everyone for your reply!

It's 3.5 hours ride from Lijiang to Zhongdian. But you won't see much if you only stay in Zhongdian for a few hours. Besides, the Tiger-leaping gorge on the half way is worth seeing. My suggestion would be take one extra night in Zhongdian.
First day, ride to Zhongdian, stop at Tiger-leaping gorge (for lunch). Get to Zhongdian in late afternoon.
Second day, visit the Songzanlin Lamasery or the Pudacuo national park in Zhongdian, get back Lijiang at night. Should be ok to drive at night.