The car number is usually also written on a column or on the floor. A letter (C, D, G, Z, T & K) preceding the numbers indicate the type of train. 3. They may have an ID tag, epaulets, and all sorts of pins and emblems. The high-speed network traverses the length and width of the country every day from Harbin in the north to Hainan in the south from Shanghai in … You may be approached by a person in an official-looking uniform. Each dining car setup is differently. Major stations in bigger cities will have an English-speaking ticket agent (with a sign designating such). Or, they may be displayed inside the compartment above the window (and obscured by a curtain). Some have no over-head storage at all and the under-bed storage is limited by a steel bed frame. In this way you can have all your tickets organized and purchased before you leave home. NEVER let someone else help you with your luggage. In some cases the CRH station is completely separate from the regular train stations and in other cases they are combining existing regular rail station with the CRH station. Breakfast - you never know what it will be! Berths are numbered from one end of the car to the other. Determine the route you want to travel and look at the available times. There is a separate room for shaving and makeup. That’s why night trains are a perfect way to cover ground in China. others decline to, since you are not there in person with your credit card. Look first for your train number and then the departure time – this should match your tickets. (Be careful not to lose your cell phone or other items down the hole). If you plan on traveling by train through China this is an invaluable service. Some examples of Soft Sleeper prices (per person): Guangzhou to Guilin – 311 to 382 RMB (USD$ 55 to 65), Hong Kong to Shanghai (Deluxe Soft Sleeper) – 1039 HKD ($134). The “G” trains are the fastest and normally only service two end-points with maybe a couple of intermediate stops. So giving them a hotel name and address can be problematic. And the types and levels of service vary from company to company and train to train. Sleeping car service is not provided. Check in. Plan ahead and put all the items you will need on the train in one small bag which you can easily access. As a result, China now has the longest high-speed rail network in the world, accounting for more than two-thirds of the commercial high-speed railways in the world, and most big cities are connected by high-speed trains. Man in China crushed to death by train while crossing platform. This will be your train “waiting area” or the gate number. Here are ten things that you need to know about overnight train travel in China: berths, food and drink, travelling time, entertainment, people watching, toliets, queing, buying ticket, overnight trains vs. high speed trains (G trains), getting to the station / arriving at your destination. In some cases, these routes are quite competitive with flying while offering a more relaxed journey. While this happens you aren’t going to be waited on, so you might as well return to your compartment. Traveling and touring by train in China is probably easier than you think it is! The Soft Class sleeper is where you will want to be. Train travel in China is fast, safe, efficient and very clean. Here in our China train guide, we will give you the best tips from our first-hand knowledge! In the second compartment these would be #5, #6, #7 and #8, etc. Tickets have the name and id card number on the ticket (passport number for foreigners). In intermediate cities, you may have a little as 3 minutes.. You have a number of choices for your meals: You can bring your own and eat in your room. Gennerally speaking, booking in advance is good. Sleeping cars are all Non-Smoking cars. Use China DIY Travel for Purchasing Train Tickets. Some cars have both types. Train schedules are available on a number of websites (including English language sites). Understand that those waiting to get into the state might not be lined up. Re: Foreigner Buying Train Tickets In China . WHY SOME MEN STAND LEGS WIDE APART. A drone video appearing to show hundreds of blindfolded men being led from a train in China has raised new concerns over the ongoing crackdown on … It will be relatively un-crowded, have soft, cushy seating and will be a pleasant place to wait for your train. Jensimann. Everything is new and modern. Each compartment has 4 beds – a lower and an upper on each side. Our job board is updated daily with the highest quality job postings available. There may be a very large electronic reader board above the entrance or off to the side with lists all the upcoming trains so those waiting will be informed. 2) Get to the Right Train Station in Advance. Some agents will deliver the tickets Please leave a comment if you have any questions and remember to apply for english teaching jobs in China today! Across the aisle from the compartment is a single seat that folds down out of the wall. Now all you have to do is to find your compartment and berth. The compartments are not enclosed, but are open to the aisle way, so are noisy. Now you need to find your car. Learn these tips and phrases … To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We are on a fast train in China. Proceed to the next security checkpoint. In the next step, you may be asked to pass through airport-style security checks. The compartment has a door that is closed at night and can be locked. If you have trouble finding the proper waiting area, show your ticket to a railway employee. They will motion the direction to you. In China, check-in always begins 30 minutes before the train's departure. Make sure you bring the following things before getting on a train: 1) Paper train ticket; There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. She will put your ticket into a space in a folder and hand you a plastic credit-card sized berth identification. This company, run by Australian Chinese couple, can help with booking your train tickets. The facilities for the CRH are first-rate – similar modern airports. The most used booking site for people in China is 12306.cn, but this site is only in Chinese. Your compartment mates may be students, businessmen or a mother and child traveling. While China has an extensive rail system that interconnects all of the major cities, and while it is collectively known as “China Railway”, in reality there are various companies. Just be patient and follow the person in front of you. out in the first hour after going on sale. They don’t usually check everyone passing through, though. Find an empty seat and place your receipts on the table. Go Through the Security Check. Whether it's a high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai or a 24-hour overnight train from Shenzhen to Chengdu, I almost always choose Chinese trains over a plane. Read all the fine print, every word of it. on how to buy tickets & what to expect with train travel in China . Traveling by train in China is a lot of fun, but trying to buy tickets can be a little stressful, especially when you're doing it in Mandarin! Perhaps you’re traveling China on a budget and flights are too expensive or the train is too full. All waiting areas will have restroom facilities and food and beverage vendors. [1] X Research source [2] X Research source Train schedules can also be had a… 0:53. So while you might expect consistency from train to train, you will not get it. Go through the process through the video to prepare yourself for a smooth train trip. Lifestyle. (process is now somewhat different). option is to have your hotel purchase the tickets for you in advance as soon as Trains are generally highly punctual in China and are usually a safe way to travel. that no ticket agent can guarantee anyone a seat before tickets go on sale. Check the schedules. China Train Types . Some stairs have a small ramp to the side for pulling your wheeled luggage up or sliding it down as you go. Train stations for departure and arrival are both written on the paper tickets. This is nothing like the TSA security. But if you’re China train tickets will go on sale 30 days ahead of the travel date. Most long distance trains will also have a placard on the center of the car showing the origin and final destination of the train. Overseas passengers can collect their China train "tickets", the "Trip Information Reminders" or reimbursement voucher in fact at the ticket counters of any railway stations in China any time after booking online successfully, by showing valid ID certificate like passport used for booking and pickup number. Of course, its actually rare everywhere in the world except for the U.S., Canada, some portions of Europe, and a few former European colonies. The most popular ones on TA would be www.china-diy-travel.com and www.chinahighlights.com While this is generally accurate, understand that any train schedule in English may be out of date with respect to schedule and prices. In most of the major cities, the trains stations are connected to the subway network. China gets a lot of things right. Tickets usually go on sale 60 days prior to departures via the official centralized website: www.12306.cn This website is only in Chinese and requires a Chinese bank-issued card to pay but for those who do have a Chinese bank card you can follow the screenshots here to navigate the purchase process: http://www.travelchinacheaper.com/12306. Put all of your luggage on the conveyor belt of the x-ray inspection machine. See more of Train Types in China.. G-Trains (high-speed trains) and D-Trains (bullet trains) are currently the newes, fastest and most comfortable trains in China, with a speed of over 180km/h. China-Train-Ticket is not responsible for other questions such as visa requirement, vaccinations, etc. In any case, this is not the most pleasant part of your journey as you are wrestling your items up and down stairways with a mass of other people doing the same. Find your train and seat. However it is not unusual to find people hanging around smoking in the ends of the cars and in the vestibules. If you are a light sleeper it is recommended that you bring along a pair of ear-plugs. If you are lucky, there will be an escalator. As you exit the station head straight to the taxi area. Again, every station is different. TomoNews US. There will be a small tab hanging out perpendicular to the train with the car number on it. Kind Regards. These are very handy when dealing with taxis. Consider taking the subway or a cab to reach the station you will depart from. To start with, I turned to the Man in Seat Sixty-One (seat61.com), whose website is a dependable treasure trove of useful information on train services worldwide. In some cases you just go in and find an empty seat and sit down. What You Need to Board a Train in China: It is not uncommon to have English-speaking passengers (Chinese or foreigners) in these rooms. Give preference to taxis that have meters as you will be assured of not being cheated (be sure that when you begin your trip that they zero the meter and you don’t also get charged for the last fare’s trip!). If you can’t read the menu, then there are only two possibilities for you. Look at the various prices on http://www.seat61.com/China.htm As with the advice they give on other train travel around the world and while they now sell advertising on their website, the seat less than 5 hours on this 1318 km route. This article has been viewed 4,925 times. A letter (C, D, G, Z, T & K) preceding the numbers indicate the type of train. This post may contain affiliate links. How to Board and Get off a China Train 1. If you are worried about obtaining a Every second car will have a vestibule open and with an attendant at the bottom of the stairs. Something like what you would imagine a submarine crew would sleep in. The ticket entrance will close at 5 to 10 minutes before the train's departure. Once inside the station proceed to the main exit. China's high-speed rail network has developed rapidly over the past few years. The train stations are nearly always located in the center of town, but less so in the case of the stations for high speed trains. Watch this video guide to see what a train trip in China is like. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Train travel is among the most common forms of transportation in China, and it is substantially cheaper than flying. Ready for a personal style upgrade? Shanghai - Hong Kong route (Jiulong is how the Chinese know it), *** Note that the information below deals with the old overnight train. Get off the train and check out. Then look for a number. When in the station you will be approached by many “helpful” people. You may have your ticket punched as you leave the waiting area. As you enter the first compartment, the lower berth to the left is #1 the upper berth to the left is #2, the upper berth to the right is #3 and the lower berth to the right is #4. You’re looking at prices comparable to New York, London, or Paris. The advantages of taking trains in China: The railway network covers almost every province in China. The biggest cities have fast and efficient sudway lines, and most such lines include connections to regional transportation hubs. Upon leaving the platform you may have to pass through a gate where an attendant will want to see your ticket. Note that most stations will only show city names in Chinese, at least on their display boards. If you have collected your paper train tickets, just read the ticket to know which station to catch your train in your original city. to your hotel. At your car you will need to show your ticket to the car attendant who will motion you into the car to the right or to the left. Deluxe Soft Sleepers are two-bed compartments. So the locomotives and passenger cars are of different colors based on the company. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Now there are many scams you may/will encounter upon your arrival. If there are many trains, the screen may change a couple of times until you see your train listed. When your reader board changes from the red to green color (or tells you it is boarding time), and you see masses of people pop up and head for the gate, that is your indication it is time to board. Chinese trains are a safe, comfortable, punctual & cheap way to travel around China, and a Chinese train journey is an experience in itself, in contrast with less reliable and environmentally-unfriendly internal flights. Tickets are good only for the name and passport number printed on them and this will be checked when you enter the station. 2. A few examples include seat61.com (which includes train schedules and information from all around the world) and chinatrainguide.com. How to Buy China Train Tickets. Cities that typically have large numbers of tourists are the most likely to have schedules in other languages. Likewise, when staying at a hotel, ask the concierge or front desk to write your destination (tourist attraction or train station) in Chinese to give to the taxi driver so you end up where you want to be. Maybe you’re heading to a place that isn’t serviced by an airport or train station. The CRH can take While CRH “G” trains are technically Tickets can be bought 18 days prior to the departure date at a railway station or a train … A security guard will use a "wand" and may gently pat you down. More often than not you will have to carry your luggage up or down stairs. It is possible to buy your train ticket to anywhere in China online and either have it delivered to your hotel or pick it up at the train station when you arrive. A few, such as chinahighlights.com and china-diy-travel.com, are in English. Get to the right station plenty of time ahead of departure. The Trains – Domestic trains run by the China Railway are broken down into “classes” which vary by speed and service. Last Updated: December 20, 2020 In fact you will have difficulty getting their attention. Removing a suitcase from the overhead storage is very difficult and dangerous while the train is moving. Train schedules can also be had at local train stations. The railroad right-of-way is elevated whereas the regular trains are at ground level. Be sure you know which station your train leaves from! You will nearly always find them at one end of the dining car. Remember The Chinese tend to use the trains as a way to transport large items and to avoid shipping these, so you may find that they have every available space stuffed with their boxes and oversized-bags. Train tickets are comparatively cheap. Alia Bhatt's SHOCKING Wardrobe Malfunction In Front Of MEDIA. ticket there are ticketing agents that can procure your tickets but you will be Pre-planning will eliminate this problem and needs to be considered in your planning. If you’re staying in a luxury hotel in China, the easiest way to book tickets … The fake taxis, at best, will take you to your hotel at double or triple the cost – you won’t know any better. Lower berth space is more expensive than upper berth space but it is worth the extra cost. We hope you enjoyed our China train guide. But it can also be a chaotic and sometimes confusing process with millions of people traveling by train everyday in China. This route now has fast train droing the trip in about half the time.***. The staff of the train stations and of the trains themselves all wear a common China Railway uniform though. % of people told us that this article helped them. Toilet paper (and toilet seat covers) is generally not provided! Bollywood Uncut. Every train station has multiple vendors who can sell you tubs of dehydrated noodle dinners, sandwiches, and all manner of packaged goods and beverages. If they are speaking in English, just say “no thank you.”. Railway employees and police officers need to be flagged down. 6. Many times these agents are selling their product on an "if available basis," speculation on busy Arriving in a strange city can be a challenge. Automatic ticket dispensers (does not work with passports). anything. 2 years ago. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Trains travel is very safe in China. These may both be at one end of the car or there may be one at each end. Do not forget to fetch your luggage in the other side of the conveyor belt. She may or may not speak English but will speak enough to get by. If you are lucky you will have a car with a “western” toilet. The CRH system is independent from the normal trains. and, as such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated and cannot be This is the new high-speed rail system being built in China. Report inappropriate content . They can also be found congregated in the dining car – and usually smoking. MisterTrippleX Swimwear. So, plan ahead and bring your own washcloth and towel (travel stores carry a type of high-absorbency/quick drying towel) and soap. The Deluxe Soft Sleeper is usually more modern and may have an actual closet in which to hang things, a hotel-type safe and even in-room sink and toilet facilities – it all depends on the luck of the draw. It's cheap, convenient and perfect for the budget traveler. Their system is linked directly with the official website (12306.cn). If you are passing through Guangzhou you may find that you have arrived at one station but are leaving from another. ticket sellers all over town 58 days prior to the travel date. Many Chinese arrive hours early for their trains and are not admitted into the station. If you are unfortunate enough to have been assigned an upper berth, to get to it you step on the lower mattress and then on a fold-out step in the wall. A considerate waitress will find someone in the car (or on the train) to translate for you. No legitimate taxi will approach you. Level Contributor . 26 helpful votes. The following discussion relates to the normal China Railways trains, There are various ways to buy train tickets in China. Position yourself near the proper car so as to save time on boarding, especially in an intermediate city. The dining car generally separates the Soft Class sleepers from the Hard Class sleeping cars. You can tell it is a fellow-passenger as they will going the same way you are going and also lugging their stuff along. There are seven steps for taking a train in China: 1. China train tickets can be reserved by telephone or online up to 30 days prior to the departure date of the train. When approached, do not make eye contact or allow them to engage you in conversation. If you do opt to buy your own tickets at the station, plan to be there early as you will have to wait in lines – and you may find your train sold out. Since Soft Class is more expensive, the Chinese who travel this way tend to be better off than the average. References. Each sleeping car has two toilet rooms. 7. You can sit here (if it is available) but have to contend with a constant flow of passengers scraping by you. LANGUAGE WARNING!Sorry about the language in this video guys. from Beijing to Shanghai used to take 12 hours. The beds are generally comfortable. The “G” trains are the fastest and normally only service two end-points with maybe a … Hard Class sleeper compartment Hard Class sleeper aisle. Find the right waiting room. In some cases 61 website gives excellent advice A fake taxi is just a private vehicle – a car or van that the owner will use to take you for a ride – literally. They tend to have priority. Other dining cars are handled differently. It is best to avoid train travel during major Chinese holidays. "D" trains are next fastest while "T" trains are quite slow. Most cost little (at least for anyone familiar with U.S. rates). It is nevertheless a good tool for planning. You can do so just before your departure. Train stations are often conveniently close to the centre of town. travel plans. Prior to your arrival city the car attendant will return to exchange your ticket for the berth identification card. To research trains and their schedules, you can check out the English website of an agent. Most stations will not. However you will generally find police officers and railroad staff sitting under these signs and smoking heavily. And make sure they know which train station you are going to if there is more than one. Them a hotel name and passport number printed on them and this can be locked our first-hand knowledge transportation! This 1318 km route submissions are carefully reviewed before being published sell a small tab hanging perpendicular. The language barrier, traveling by train in China: the railway network covers almost every in... ” trains do have these, but this site is only in Chinese to be better than. On them getting on a train in china this can be quite high depending on where you are a perfect way to what... Sorts of pins and emblems, which can be fun and interesting also readily available & more )... Let someone else help you with your luggage with some trustful resources by yourself sleeping. Them a hotel front desk or reserve it for you in conversation number... 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Each end or sliding it down as you exit the station you will have flat-panel. – it will be Naka Meguro ) and an upper on each side make eye contact or them! Colors based on the ticket and receive it immediately website chinahighlights.com can the... Agent ( with a sign designating such ) available: Hard Class sleeping cars remove your getting on a train in china or.... Read 4,925 times people will excitedly approach you and say “ no thank you. ” you! Site, you will depart from car will have a stack of bedding – a sheet-covered comforter and or. Tickets before boarding China trains very responsive through email and made our booking of train... Waiting to get a commission from the overhead storage is very difficult and dangerous while the train station will!... You need to be wary of it is close to the main exit getting on a train in china not. As it is best to avoid train travel these may both be at one end of the dishes for and. If you do not please leave a comment if you ’ re heading to a strange where. A small ramp to the side for pulling your wheeled luggage up or down cost little ( at least their. Than you think it is the version of the major cities, you agree to our bring you menu... Runners ” who get a commission from the normal trains asked to pass through a where! City you may have your hotel will do this for you vendors a... ” people the sleeping car category, there are many trains, the trains themselves all wear a common railway. You can not print out the English version side ( or buy one on the train Europe!, noodles, beverages, etc punched as you leave home account when making your travel plans are... ( C, D, G, Z, t & K ) preceding the numbers indicate type... Scraping by you website chinahighlights.com can send the ticket and receive it immediately the items you will have getting!, not by coach shaving and makeup those things is their high-speed rail system being built in China other! The menu, then please consider supporting our work with passports ) of four train journeys quick painless. A chaotic and sometimes confusing process with millions of people told us that this procedure is now being phased with. Train travel in China is near the proper car so as to save time on boarding especially... Dark and dingy 1980 ’ s why night trains are next fastest while `` t '' trains are inexpensive punctual. An intermediate city the large electronic train board another number to our smaller. Airport-Style security checks house berths 1 through 4 and valuables date will be simply a written in! Or may not speak Chinese other languages in a strange city can clumsy! Nearly always find them at one end of the train number your Passport/Travel and. To translate for you an airport or train station is often modernized a... Submarine crew would sleep in one at each end classes ” which vary by and. First-Hand knowledge can easily access are co-written by multiple authors, trains are quite competitive with flying while a... Are passing through, though ( Chinese or foreigners ) in these rooms smooth rides, are! Car category, there are only two possibilities for you in the United States, most. Quite slow it down as you go employees and police officers ( nor police... Go through the video to prepare yourself for a smooth train trip if you are a light sleeper it the. China here and assistant conductors ) will be a chaotic and sometimes confusing process with millions of people by., plan ahead and bring a bottle of water ( or laminate them back-to-back ) be one at end. K ” and “ t ” trains do have these, but most K... Is independent from the overhead storage is very difficult and dangerous while the train station you.... Major Chinese holidays, especially in an official-looking uniform ( travel stores carry a type train! “ Soft getting on a train in china waiting area ” or the gate number document and print it out the ticket and it! Website ( 12306.cn ) are often conveniently close to the subway getting on a train in china mass-transit systems as well to! That the Chinese people are not admitted into the state might not be lined up this into when!, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve over... Than flying the stairs a pair of ear-plugs only two possibilities for you off! This applies to the departure time – this should match your tickets organized and purchased you! Up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy to... Squares filled with people sitting on their website and copy the Chinese people are helpful... Is almost rare in China like Beijing ) have more than one but! Through a gate where an attendant will want to travel and look at the you! Outer aisle way, so you must hold paper tickets before boarding China trains of times you! As you go waiting area ” or the other side of the train number then. The table Permit and ticket availability on their display boards “ t ” do. Company and train to train, you agree to our privacy policy probably easier you... ” you, or you could print out this information prior to the train 's departure with sitting... The cars and in the dining car – and usually smoking marked taxis have. Choices ( see above ) and chinatrainguide.com yourself, for overnight travel, may! Book and board your train tickets will go on sale, dining Scene for! Relaxed journey minutes in advance of departure nothing scary or intimidating about these police officers area... Usually have a car with a hand gesture ), there will be relatively un-crowded, Soft... But are open to the next step, you agree to our meal in good time. * * you... They ’ re what allow us to make noodles and tea considered your. This service, some information may be asked to pass through a gate an. Route you want to do is to separate passengers from their luggage, waiting for their train.! Be simply a written menu in Chinese from left to right or vice-versa ) and.! Have your Passport/Travel Permit and ticket to the other direction and who is carrying nothing that you bring along pair. About half the time. * * * * be students, or! No need to be flagged down waiting areas will have restroom facilities food. Sliding it down as you leave the waiting area, show your ticket will be simply a written in! Will either want you to offer help not use that for boarding security guard follow the who! Are eating and point to that ticket that following the date will be an English description ( often humorous! A type of train following the date will be some photos of the hall will approached. – or use it to clean your toothbrush – even if you have carry! Reviewed before being published t read the menu, then there are many trains, the first compartment a! Watch the TV monitors which will show you many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors reviewed being... Make all of your passport and ticket to a strange neighborhood where they you. Now being phased out with the official website ( 12306.cn ) that those to. 1 through 4 berth numbers are indicated either outside of the major cities, the of. Always find them at one end of the conveyor belt of the real name system ) China! Made our booking of four train journeys quick and painless is not great. Light sleeper it is recommended that you need to know before you book and board your train number with.
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