Bus from Lijiang to Deqin in a day

Yes, there is a direct long-distance bus from the local Gaokuai Bus Station (高快客运站), which leaves at 07:40 in the morning. So upon your arrival, choose the fastest way to the bus station. It takes 6-7h to arrive and costs CNY132 per person. In a word, you can arrive at Deqin in the same day.

Thanks! Do you know from the LJ Railway Station, are there early buses that goes to Gaokuai Bus Station, and which bus line/number should I take?

Local bus no. 16 (Railway Station Special Line) directly takes you from the railway station to the Gaokuai Bus Station.