Uses the modern mainland China value. Classical texts and older maps may use different li values.
01 /Li to miles formula
1 modern Chinese li = 0.5 kilometers = 500 meters = 0.3107 miles.
To convert li to miles, multiply by 0.3107. To convert miles to li, multiply by 3.2187.
02 /Common li to miles chart
| Li | Kilometers | Meters | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 里 | 0.5 km | 500 m | 0.311 mi |
| 2 里 | 1 km | 1,000 m | 0.621 mi |
| 5 里 | 2.5 km | 2,500 m | 1.553 mi |
| 10 里 | 5 km | 5,000 m | 3.107 mi |
| 100 里 | 50 km | 50,000 m | 31.069 mi |
03 /Historical note
Modern mainland Chinese usage fixes one li at 500 meters. Older Chinese texts may use different historical values, so a classical-literature distance should be treated as approximate.
For modern travel, road signs and contemporary writing, this converter's value is the one you want.
Examples and related conversions
Open a specific example, then edit its inputs to calculate your own result.
Reference answer
1 modern mainland li is 500 metres, 0.5 km, or approximately 0.310685596 international miles.
Scope: Modern mainland distance; older texts may use a different li.
Source: Modern-unit definitions and context · Method and verification limits