Tripadvisor Cruises Reviews - China by Train

It's also a lot of fun! But with a little planning it's very possible to travel across China independently, and it won't always be easy, you might get a little confused at times, yes. The good news is that it doesn't have to be. You've always wanted to go but the prospect itself is quite daunting. You're thinking of travelling to China, so.

It's also a great way to experience a little part of Chinese travelling culture as well. The train network in China is very good and presents a much cheaper option than taking a domestic flight. And unless you're either feeling a little flush or like spending time in regional airports then travelling by train is the way to go, the distances in China are huge. China is just massive. If like most travellers you're on a budget but want to squeeze in as much as you can then I have some bad news for you, now.

Sleeper Trains

It actually offers practically the same bed as you would receive if you booked a soft sleeper: . . . A 'hard sleeper' is not what you may think. The trains have different sleeping arrangements: hard sleeper (equivalent to 2nd class) and soft sleeper (equivalent to 1st class). The longer routes run overnight and they're called Sleeper Trains.

Hard sleeper:

All bedding is provided. Hard sleepers are still quite comfortable and reasonably padded, contrary to it name. The carriages are open plan with ladders to climb to the top bunk along a dividing wall. In each carriage, 3 on each side, these cabins have 6 beds. This is the cheapest class of sleeper and therefore the choice of many backpackers.

Soft sleeper:

All bedding is provided, as with hard sleepers. The cabins can also be closed and locked at securely locked at night. These are also converted to two sofas for daytime use. In each carriage, 2 on each side, these cabins are a little more spacious and comfortable with 4 beds.

Deluxe Soft Sleeper:

And will not be the same experience as sharing a berth, they can be very expensive however. The cabins sleep just 2 people and often have a private toilet and washroom. These are only available on some of the main routes and can be very difficult to get hold of.

Getting on the right train

One of the upsides of standing out in the crowd! You won't be short of people offering to help, even if this fails. You'll probably have difficultly reading anything else on your ticket since everything is in Chinese. Just check this against the number located on your ticket and you're set. The same in any language, but by train identification number, the information isn't provided by destination, thankfully though! So not particularly helpful if you language skills are not up to scratch, these are of course in Chinese. Train departure and arrival information can be found on large signs at the train station. Finding the right train is relatively easy.

This is also a useful wake- up call to prepare you for your arrival! The stewardess will come back and collect the card and return your original train ticket to you, a half hour before arrival at your destination. You'll have to keep this card with you during your trip. The train stewardess will collect your card and give you a type of 'credit card' with your seat number on it in return. Your train ticket also indicates which carriage and bed number you have been allocated. If you run into any difficulties there is a train steward in each train carriage. You'll usually be allowed to enter the train, most trains depart right on time and if you try to be at the platform gate one hour before departure.

Eating on board

Food and drinks for the journey, you're not a fan of these (I'm not sure who is) then follow the Chinese example and bring along your own water, if like me. Your main choice being a selection of instant noodles, a cart with a very small assortment of snacks will ride through the train. Food options on the train are limited to say the least.

Other Practicalities

Ready for the next adventure that awaits you, you will then arrive at your destination bright and early in the morning! Most nights spent on trains are quiet and peaceful since the Chinese also try to get a good night's sleep on board. It's also handy to bring some toilet paper with you as often this is not supplied on the train. Face wipes are great to have with you if you're feeling a little stinky! Rather than getting changed, your best bet is to just board the train in something comfortable that you can sleep in. However don't expect to be able to wash in there, freshen up if you will! In each carriage there are toilets and a washroom with cold water.

The best trains on key routes such as Beijing-Shanghai have menus in both Chinese and English. Meals, snacks & with waiter service of drinks, o Restaurant cars: Most long-distance trains have a restaurant car. So no worries there; z category trains are immaculate, the toilets on the modern D &! But it's always a good idea to take your own supply of toilet paper; 'squat' toilets, o Toilets: Chinese trains generally have both western &.

Now get booking! And however you choose to do it you're sure to have a pretty unbeatable experience, diverse country, it's such an amazing. Fingers crossed that this information will inch you closer to taking the plunge and choosing to plan your trip to China.