Where is Shaxi?
Shaxi is a 2 to 3 hour drive from either Lijiang or Dali.
Traffic conditions are related to market days on different villages on the route to Shaxi. I think that is not an inconvenience but a wonderful opportunity to see the unique environment of the minorities of Yunnan.
Mr. Yunxin Wu is my best recommendation to assist you in this journey. He can be reached through his website www.teahorse.net.
Lijiang or Dali have daily flights from Kunming. It is a 30 minute flight. Lijiang can be reached from other destinations throughout China.
Kunming is uniquely positioned in South West China. It is about 2 hours from Bangkok or Hong Kong.
MAPS:
Kunming is 2 hours away from Hong Kong.

Lijiang is a 30 minute flight from Kunming.

Shaxi is a fun 3 hour drive from either airport.