Comprehensive Guide to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport

Hello, I’m Alex Chen, an avid traveler who loves exploring the world independently. My journeys have taken me to various unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations. In this article, I’ll be providing you with a comprehensive guide to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. Whether you’re arriving at the airport for the first time or just looking for some helpful tips, I’ll make sure you know exactly how to get to the city, the services available at the airport, and some essential advice to ensure a smooth start to your trip in Lijiang.

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Overview

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) is the main gateway to Lijiang, a stunning city in the heart of Yunnan Province. This airport connects the region to various domestic and international destinations, providing visitors with convenient access to Lijiang and beyond.

• Airport Code: LJG
• Address: Located at the intersection of Qihe Township in the Gucheng District of Lijiang and Xintun Town in Heqing County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
• Distance from City Center: 22 kilometers (approximately 14 miles)
• Terminal Information:
  • Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily serves domestic flights, covering an area of 5,300 square meters, opened in 2012.
  • Terminal 2 (T2): Mainly handles international flights, with an area of 33,300 square meters, also opened in 2012.

3 Best Ways from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport to the City Center

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport offers limited public transportation options, primarily an airport shuttle bus that operates throughout the day. However, if you’re traveling during busy hours, using a ride-hailing service like Didi is recommended. Below are three common transportation options to get you from the airport to downtown Lijiang.

1. How to Take the Airport Shuttle Bus from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport to the City Center?

Departing from Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: Exit 2 on the arrival level
• Ticket Price: 20 RMB
• Travel Time: Approximately 50 minutes
• Route: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport → Fuhui Road, Lantian Hotel in the city center
• Operating Hours: The shuttle operates on a rolling schedule based on flight arrivals, with the last bus departing after the final flight has landed.

How to Buy Tickets

• You can purchase bus tickets at the ticket counter or from the self-service ticket machines. Payment can be made via cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
• Tickets are also available through the airport’s official WeChat account.

Departing from Terminal 2 (T2)

• Since the shuttle buses service both terminals, the transportation information for T2 is the same as for T1.

2. How to Take a Taxi from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport to the City Center?

Departing from Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: Directly across from Exit 3
• Cost: 120 RMB
• Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Departing from Terminal 2 (T2)

• Information is the same as from Terminal 1.

3. How to Use a Ride-Hailing Service from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport to the City Center?

You can use Alipay or Didi Chuxing (China’s popular ride-hailing service) to book a ride.

Departing from Terminal 1 (T1)

• Location: Directly across from Exit 3
• Cost: 100 RMB
• Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Departing from Terminal 2 (T2)

• Information is the same as from Terminal 1.

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Guide

Tax Refund

If you’re traveling internationally and planning to shop at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, you can enjoy a tax refund. Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligibility for Tax Refund:
  • The total amount of tax-refunded goods purchased at the same store on the same day must reach 500 RMB.
  • The tax-refunded goods must be purchased no more than 90 days before your departure.
• Tax Refund Amount: The refund rate is 13% of the invoice amount (including VAT), with 11% refunded to the international traveler.
• Tax Refund Process:
  • Before Security Check: Customs inspection and confirmation (follow airport signs).
  • After Security Check: Find the tax refund office (follow airport signs).
• For more detailed information on tax refunds, visit our China Tax Refund Guide.

Transportation Between Terminals: From T1 to T2 and T2 to T1

The terminals at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport are very close to each other. You can easily walk from T1 to T2 (or vice versa) in about 5 to 10 minutes.

Payment App Download Assistance (International Guest Payment Service Center)

To help international travelers use WeChat Pay and Alipay during their stay in China, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport has a dedicated service counter at Terminal 1. The staff can assist with downloading and using these popular Chinese payment apps.

• Services Provided:
  • Assist with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay.
  • Guide you through setting up international bank cards and enabling payment features in the apps.
  • Offer basic operational guidance and answer any questions about using these apps.
• Location: International Arrival Hall

Luggage Storage

If you need to store your luggage for a short time at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, you can do so at the designated luggage storage counter.

• Location: Opposite Exit 2 in the Domestic Departure area
• Opening Hours: Note that luggage cannot be stored overnight.
• Prices:
  • Within 2 hours: 5 RMB
  • 2-8 hours: 10 RMB
  • 8-16 hours: 15 RMB
  • 16-20 hours: 20 RMB

Free Airport Wi-Fi

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport offers free Wi-Fi for all travelers. Here’s how you can connect:

• How to Connect: Simply enter your phone number and receive a verification code via SMS.

Note: If you plan to access websites like Google, a VPN might be necessary.

Can You Stay Overnight at the Airport?

Yes, you can stay overnight at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, but it’s not highly recommended. The airport closes for a short period every night. The doors close at 1:30 AM and open again at 4:30 AM. There are security staff present during this time, so safety is not a concern.

• Where to Stay: The first floor is available for overnight stays, and you’ll find a row of chairs near Exit 2 where you can rest.
• Charging Stations: There are only two charging stations, so be sure to occupy one early (one is in the middle of the chairs, and the other is behind a trash bin).
• Restroom: To access the restroom, you’ll need to take the elevator to the second floor. Hot water is also available on the second floor.
• Tip: If you plan to stay overnight, consider bringing your own snacks or instant noodles, as the shops will be closed.