Hi all seasoned travelers,
I understand there are a number of buses plying between Lijiang and Shangrila (Zhongdian), would you be able to advise which of the long distance buses between Lijiang and Shangrila (Zhongdian) is the best in term of comfort, safety and reliability?
The following bus companies (in Chinese) plying between the two cities were obtained from the Chinese website:
1) 豪华宇通 (票价: 66.00)
2) 尼奥普兰 (票价: 67.00/71.00)
3) 中巴 (票价: 51.00/66.00)
4) 豪华金龙 (票价: 67.00)
Also, do all these buses make a rest stop at the Tiger Leaping Gorge? Will there be enough time to take photos of Tiger Leaping Gorge? I have seen comments on other forum that Tiger Leaping Gorge is the only sightseeing sight between Lijiang and Shangrila and it would not be worthwhile renting a car(+driver) for this route but better to take the long distance buses? I do not think i will want to hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge as it may be a little too tiring for an inactive person like me.