Qiaotou for Tiger Leaping Gorge - regular bus services are available from the main bus station. You can also take any Shangrila bound bus and have the driver drop you off at Qiaotou. Costs about ¥25. If you take a Shangrila bus, make sure to ask for the ticket to Qiaotou only, otherwise they will charge you the full fare to Shangrila.
Shuhe old town, better than Lijiang if you want a place less commercialized; a horse ride in the town is an attraction. Easy bus and mini bus service to the town from Lijiang: bus 5 from old town 1y/~30min arrive south/oldest part/most homestay, north/old town Lijiang like and hotel/restaurants; homestays price ~100y for s/d but can bargain, maybe bus 11 from bus station; horse ride ~100-200y; monastery & lake to see around but a bit far for just a walk.
Shangrila, it is ¥60 from Lijiang to Shangrila by express bus. about 4h trip, bus every hour.
Dali, direct bus to Xiaguan, Dali new town. You need to take another bus to Dali ancient city. There is also direct bus from Lijiang to Dali ancient city, ask the hotel or tour agent to book the ticket. All of the Lijiang buses pass the Dali old town on the way to Xiaguan. Just tell the driver to drop you off in Dali.
Shaxi ancient town, between Dali and Shangri-la. There is no transport direct to Shaxi, you need to arrive at Jiangchuan first. But it will be easier from DaliXiaguan. An express bus operate from DaliXiaguan to Jiangchuan, and Lijiang to Jiangchuan, you need to know the schedule. A mini bus will also take you from Lijiang to a border of Jiangchuan and Lijiang, where you need to take a minibus to Jiangchuan city, and continue with another minivan to Shaxi old town. If you missed the express bus, the mini bus will be an alternative, it is faster. Or you can just flag down any bus going From Dali to Shangri-la and tell them you're getting out in Jiangchuan.Unexploited ancient town unlike Lijiang, less travel by tourists, but is now attracting backpackers.
Lugu or called Lugu Lake, north of Lijiang near Shechuan border. Direct bus from Lijiang, the road is very rough and currently under construction. It will take more than 7 hours of rough ride for a normally 4 hours travel. An airport is presently under construction. Avoid it until May 2010 if you are not able to travel under rough condition.
Kunming, the province capital. There is train and bus service direct to Kunming from Lijiang.
