Dear Monika,
Greetings from TopChinaTravel! Thanks for contacting us.
It is a pity that no direct bus operates between Dongchuan and Lijiang, you have to take a bus to Kunming first then change bus to Lijiang.
However, the timetable of the bus from Dongchuan to Kunming is not scheduled, which depends on how many people it could gather.
To save time, I think you’d better hire a car or van from Dongchuan (2.5-3hours driving). On arrival, go to Kunming Nanyao Bus Station (南窑汽车站)or West Bus Station of Kunming (昆明西部客运站) and buy a bus ticket to Lijiang
Any further request or question, please feel free to contact with us.
Zoe