Dear Joan,
Thanks for paying attention to Top China Travel. According to your question, the best way to Shangri-La from Lijiang is to take the bus from Lijiang bus staion if you want a stopover.
Visitors can take coach at Lijiang Transport Service Center Bus Station ——丽江客运站 (located at Changshui Road to the southwest corner of Lijiang Old Town) or Lijiang Passenger Station (located at 25 Kangzhoang Lu). The buses depart to Shangri-la every 40 minutes from 7:30 - 17:00 every day. And the journey takes about 4 hours. This is the most convenient way and the most cheapest way to get to there. The long-distance bus will take you to Shangri-la County, then you can explore around this wonderland by yourself. The buses are air-conditioned by the way.
Have a good day!
Best regards,
Abby