Shaxi - getting in & out

Question

Hiya,

In April we’ll travel around Yunnan and plan to Shaxi on the way from Dali to Lijiang and spend 1, possibly 2 nights there depending on the local transportation.

Q1. Can anyone confirm if Dali’s Landscape Hotel shuttle van is still running to Shaxi on regular basis, please?

Q2. Is it possible to call / book DiDi taxi in Shaxi to take us directly to Lijiang Old Town?

Q3. If taxi is not be an option, is there any direct bus from Shaxi (either morning or afternoon) going to Lijiang? If not, how long does it take approx to get there in case it’s necessary to go via Jianchuan, please?

We’re not planning to drive a car due to lack of local DL & not consider to hire a sedan / minivan either hence we won’t consider private drivers in this occasion.

Thank you.

Answer

Shaxi is a beautiful and tranquil stop between Dali and Lijiang, located in the Shaxi Valley of Jianchuan County, Yunnan Province. It’s an ideal place to experience the slower pace of traditional Bai culture and the restored Sideng Village market square. Since you’re traveling by public transport, planning your transfers carefully is essential — especially because Shaxi is somewhat remote and options are limited compared to the major tourist hubs of Dali and Lijiang.

Q1. Landscape Hotel shuttle van from Dali to Shaxi

The Landscape Hotel in Dali used to operate a private shuttle van to Shaxi several times a week, mainly for its guests. As of recent years, this service has become irregular and may no longer operate on a fixed schedule. It’s best to contact the hotel directly before your trip to confirm availability, as it may depend on the season and the number of guests requesting it. The alternative — and most common — method is to take a regular bus from Dali North Bus Station (大理客运北站) to Jianchuan (剑川), then transfer to a local minibus or shared van heading to Shaxi. The entire trip typically takes about 3.5 to 4 hours total.

Bus from Dali to Jianchuan: Runs hourly from morning until late afternoon, about 2.5 hours.
Transfer Jianchuan to Shaxi: Local minibus or shared van available outside Jianchuan Bus Station; about 40–50 minutes.
Tip: If you’re staying at a hotel in Shaxi, they can often help pre-arrange the transfer from Jianchuan.

Q2. Calling or booking a DiDi taxi in Shaxi

DiDi service in Shaxi is quite limited. While the app technically functions in the area, drivers are few, especially in the morning or evening. You might be able to book a DiDi ride from Shaxi to Jianchuan, but getting one all the way to Lijiang (a journey of about 2.5 hours) is very unlikely — drivers are not usually available for long-distance routes in rural areas. If you prefer a point-to-point transfer, you can instead ask your Shaxi guesthouse to arrange a licensed local driver for a one-way private transfer; this is common and typically costs around 400–500 RMB.

DiDi coverage: Functional but unreliable in remote towns like Shaxi.
Better alternative: Pre-arranged transfer through your hotel or local travel desk.
Travel time to Lijiang: About 2.5–3 hours by car, depending on traffic and weather.

Q3. Public transport from Shaxi to Lijiang

There are currently no direct public buses from Shaxi to Lijiang. Travelers must go via Jianchuan. The trip involves taking a local minibus from Shaxi to Jianchuan first, then transferring to a long-distance bus heading to Lijiang.

Step 1: Take a local minibus from Shaxi to Jianchuan Bus Station — departs every 30–60 minutes, journey around 45 minutes.
Step 2: Take a bus from Jianchuan to Lijiang — several departures daily between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., travel time about 2 hours.
Total travel time: Around 3 to 3.5 hours including transfer wait time.

Practical recommendation: If your schedule allows, spending two nights in Shaxi is a good idea. This gives you a full day to explore the old town, nearby temples, and the Shibaoshan Grottoes without feeling rushed. On your departure day, leave Shaxi mid-morning to reach Lijiang by afternoon.

Additional travel tips:

Public transport frequency in Shaxi decreases after 4:00 p.m., so plan early departures.
Hotels such as Old Theatre Inn, Dragonfly Guesthouse, or Aoding Courtyard can help arrange reliable transport to Jianchuan or even Lijiang.
Download DiDi and WeChat Taxi beforehand, but expect limited service and have a local contact or hotel phone number for assistance if needed.

In summary: the Landscape Hotel shuttle may no longer run regularly, DiDi coverage in Shaxi is limited, and there are no direct buses to Lijiang — you must transfer in Jianchuan. The journey is straightforward if you plan around bus schedules, and spending two nights in Shaxi will give you the most relaxed experience before heading north to Lijiang.

Shaxi - getting in & out

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