Traveling to Lijiang and Dali form Kunming

Train tickets are usually under great demand, so it is better for you to buy them at the train station or book online in advance. For bus tickets, you can purchase them directly on your departure. From Kunming, you could take one train to Dali first with around 7hrs and then to Lijiang by a bus. About tour itineraries, you could refer to the page: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/default.htm

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).