How to Get from Dali to Xishuangbanna

Introduction

Traveling from Dali to Xishuangbanna via Kunming by high-speed train is an efficient and scenic way to explore the beauty of Yunnan Province. Even though there’s no direct high-speed link from Dali to Xishuangbanna, a quick and comfortable transfer in Kunming makes the journey easy. The entire ride offers a look at the cultural and natural landscapes that this part of China is renowned for.

Railway Maps

 Train Schedule Overview

Dali to Kunming to Xishuangbanna

There are frequent services from Dali to Kunming, with trains leaving approximately every 20 to 40 minutes, the trip lasting 2 to 2.5 hours. The first-class seat tends to cost around CNY 231. After your short transfer in Kunming, continue to Xishuangbanna on one of the 25 daily high-speed trains. This leg of the trip takes another 3 to 4 hours and tickets range from USD 37 to USD 57.

Train Stations in Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna Station serves trains to Pu’er, Yuxi, Kunming, Mohan, Mengla, even Chengdu, Leshan, Emei, as well as international trains to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Boten in Laos.

Train Stations in Dali

Train Stations in Kunming

There are two major train stations in Kunming: the old one is Kunming Railway Station and the new one is Kunming South Railway Station (Kunmingnan). Kunming Railway Station seves trains to major cities within Yunnan Province as well as a few destinations beyond Yunnan, such as Nanning, Guangzhou, Liuzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing. While Kunming South serves more trains to major cities outside Yunnan.

How to Buy Tickets Online

There are several ways to book your train tickets online. Just remember that booking herizon for train tickets opens 15 days before your travel date. It is recommended to book you tickets as soon as possible in advance to secure your seat at your desired departure time.

1. Book with China Highlights

www.chinahighlights.com is a trusted online ticket agent who get possitive reviews & is  often recommended on Trip Advisor forum. They offer real-time train schedule online, English-language support, They can also provide assistance in case of any issues with your tickets or travel or when you’re running into trouble. Even they can deliver tickets to your hotel in advance. You can place orders with them any time. They are helpful, especially when you’re not familiar with the China’s transportation system or do not speak Chinese.

2. Book with 12306 China Railway

www.12306.cn is the offcial website of China Railway, which now has supported English. It also provides an offcial ticketing (English version) App – Tielu 12306 for both iOS and Android.

Jack’s friendly reminder: In the official site www.12306.cn, you can enter “xishuangbanna” as Xishuangbanna Railway Station, “Dali” as Lijiang Railway Station, and “Kunmingnan” as Kunming South Railway Station.

When to Buy Tickets

Tickets can be booked up to 15 days on the official 12306 China Railway website. It is always advisable to buy tickets in advance to secure ticket availability or seat assignment. Ticets tend to sell out quickly especially during the bussy travel peak period, such as the public National Days (Gold Week), Labour’s Days, Chinese Moon Festival or Qingming Festival. But if you use an online ticket agent www.chinahighlights.com, you can order tickets any time with them and they will book it for you once the tickets are released online.