Answered by mooseandhorse adventures
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Jul. 11, 2011 21:22
Train tickets can be purchased up to 2 weeks before departure. But buy them as soon as possible since they are sold out extremely fast during the summer. If you are preparing a long distance train ride, be weary of tickets saying no seating. Buses are also possible, and you can get those at the bus stations. Otherwise trains are comfy and fast. Kunming to Dali 6 hours. Dali to Lijiang 1.7 hours.
As for places to go, you're trip from Lijiang should extend to Zhongdian (AKA Shangri-La). Approx trip timing: Kunming 2-3 days (There's really nothing of tourist interest. Dali 2-4 days (lots more touristy things to do, more resources than Lijiang. Lijiang 2-4 days (similar but more serene and clean and cooler, Lugu Lake 1, Tiger Leaping Gorge 1). Shangri-La 2-4 days (remote, but 'developing' more nature). 2-3 days of travel time (and recovery).