What is the elevation of the Kunming-Dali-Lijiang region? A Comprehensive Comparison of Elevations in Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang

What are the elevations of Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang? This article lists the elevations of the major cities in the Kunming-Dali-Lijiang area and of the Yulong Snow Mountain, explains the differences between environments at various elevations, and outlines precautions to take when traveling to Lijiang and the Yulong Snow Mountain.

LocationElevation of approximatelyTravel Tips
Downtown Kunming1,891 mThe lowest of the three locations; it is usually easier to adjust to
Dali CityApproximately 2,000 mSince this is a high-altitude environment, avoid becoming overly fatigued after arrival.
Lijiang City CenterApproximately 2,400 mWhen traveling, be sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.
Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic AreaApprox. 3,100–5,596 mThere are significant changes in elevation, so special attention must be paid to the high-altitude environment.
Glacier Park Viewing AreaApprox. 4,506 mSignificantly higher than in the three cities of Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang; special attention should be paid to one’s physical condition.

Official data from Lijiang City states that the elevation of downtown Lijiang is approximately 2,400 meters; The Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area stretches from an elevation of approximately 3,100 meters to the main peak.

Another thing to keep in mind isData Update Issues: In past travel guides, the main peak of Yulong Snow Mountain, “Shanzi Dou,” was often described as 5,596 meters, but the new elevation measurement published by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Natural Resources in 2025 is 5,590.2 meters。

The elevation along the Kunming-Dali-Lijiang route rises from approximately 1,900 meters to over 4,500 meters at Mount Yulong.
The city center of Kunming is approximately 1,891 meters above sea level, the city center of Dali is approximately 2,000 meters, and the city center of Lijiang is approximately 2,400 meters; if you visit the Yulong Snow Mountain Glacier Park, the elevation can reach approximately 4,506 meters. Therefore, the Kunming-Dali-Lijiang tourist route cannot be generalized simply as the “Yunnan Plateau,” as the elevation differences between destinations are quite significant. In particular, when traveling from downtown Lijiang to the Yulong Snow Mountain, travelers should pay special attention to their stamina, rest, and physical condition.

At the 4,506-meter-high mountain observation deck on Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang, pristine white snow covers the jagged snow-capped peaks; a wooden boardwalk winds through the snow-covered mountains; clouds and mist swirl around the mountain peaks; and there are signposts indicating the distances to cities both in China and abroad.
Set foot on the breathtaking snowfields of Yulong Snow Mountain! Stroll along the winding wooden boardwalk, gaze upon the sacred snow-capped peaks shrouded in mist, and experience the awe-inspiring scenery of the glaciers and snow-capped mountains on the Western Yunnan Plateau.

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