Dali, Lijiang or Shangri-La — which Yunnan stop fits best?
Dali is easier and slower, Lijiang is more famous and busier, and Shangri-La pushes the trip higher, cooler and more remote. Choose by altitude tolerance and pace, not by collecting old towns.
Answer
These stops are close enough to be grouped in travel planning, but they do different work. Dali suits travellers who want a gentler base, lake-and-town rhythm and fewer sharp edges. Lijiang has stronger name recognition and access to big scenery, but also more tourism pressure. Shangri-La gives a higher, colder, more Tibetan-influenced mountain mood and asks more of your body and schedule. The best route is not necessarily all three. In a short Yunnan trip, two well-paced bases usually beat three hurried check-ins.