rebostraveler

First off, many thanks to those of you who have been answering my many questions over the past couple of months--I feel as though my upcoming trip to China and Hong Kong is going to be without any regrets thanks to the great advice and insight I have received on this site.

One more question: I am conisdering trains for travel between Shanghai and Xi'an and then between Xi'an and Beijing. I already have the schedules, but am wondering about comfort, food, reliability and the like. I am not a good flyer (terrified) and take alternate transportation whenever possible, but if it is simply not worth the extra time it takes I will fly if I must. If the train travel is worth the experience and perhaps an experience in the realm of scenery, well then...

Any insight and advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

rkkwan

Assuming you're going Soft Sleeper (1st class sleeper):

- The cabins are very comfortable. They sleep 4 to a cabin, and has lockable doors.

- Food is okay at the dining car. It's not gourmet, but usually quite decent.

- Trains are generally reliable in China.

Now, more specifically, train from Shanghai to Xian takes about 14-16 hours on the express overnight "T" trains, of which there are 4 each day. Not much scenery to speak of, on this route, and you can't see anything at night. The trains are the older traditional type. No private bath, but still pretty comfortable.

From Xian to Beijing, there are several "T" trains each night, plus one "Z" train. The "Z" doesn't stop enroute, and uses new train sets. You can upgrade to the Deluxe Softsleeper with private bath. Very modern and comfortable, with things like LCD screen for each berth. This is the train to take for Xian-Beijing. Again, not much to see as it's overnight.

beaker

The trains on those runs are reliable and comfortable if you spend a bit more and go soft sleeper, although your roommates may snore. The berths can be a bit snuggly if you are over 6'. The toilets will be clean...for the first hour or so. The food will be reasonable if you can handle the basic chinese noodles, maybe some fish etc. If you can sleep on a train and hate to fly, it is the way to go. You are certain to meet interesting people. If you have the time, it is a great way to see the countryside. For example, on the way to Xian, you will see people who live in caves still. If you don't sleep well on a train, you will of course be pretty tired after the several day trip. Everyone should travel by train at some time in China. Take PaulTheroux's "Riding the Iron Rooster" to read if you haven't read it lately. Look at seat61.com for photos and details.

ekscrunchy

I did not visit Xian, but did take the overnight Z train from Beijing to Shanghai. I booked both berths in the luxury soft sleeper and it was totally comfortable, with adjoining private bathroom with flush toilet and sink. I was too excited to sleep that much but it was certainly comfortable.

When choosing your berth, b e aware that It is a bit tricky to get into the upper berth, as there is no ladder, just a tiny pull-down ledge to hoist yourself up. I would advise you to bring your own food, though, as the meals served were not so great. I would do this again in a minute! Of course, buying both berths came at a monetary cost but I did not have to worry about snorers...

The less "stuff" you are lugging, the easier it will be, as there are lots of steps to access the tracks in Beijing. I did not see any porters in that station..

ekscrunchy

I have a related question for Rkkwan or anyone else who is familiar with Chinese trains. After hearing my glowing reports, a friend of mine who is a railway buff is interested in taking a trip to China. He asked me about the "rolling stock" on these trains: Is it made in China? Where can I direct him for more information on these and other related questions about the trains and their engines?

asprilalee

ekscrunchy:

as i know, including the new CRH (china railway high-speed train), also called as D trains, the rolling stocks are made in china.

If you are a train travel fan, I recommend you can take a look at http://www.adventurechinatrip.com/bb...pics.asp?FID=6, there are some china train travel fans, perhaps you can get more info about china train.

BTW, on 18th April, china railway take a massive speed-up project, almost all train timetable had been changed, so you need to take this factor into accout. The above site I mentioned, as I know, is updating their china train system, and so far you have already been able to check "D" trains schedule. For other trains timetable, perhaps we still need some time, it is a huge project.

Hope these info could help you a little bit. Any topic about china train or train travel, just feel free to contact me.

Cheers

rebostraveler

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Less than three weeks to go and we arrive in Shanghai!

rkkwan

Rolling stocks are all Chinese-made. Old and new.

Locomotives are also all Chinese-made with the exception of the Tibet line, with GM/EMD locomotives, I believe.

The Hong Kong - Guangzhou East "through train" used to have some Swedish X2000 running on it, but the Chinese are replacing those with the local-made fast trains. Same with some Korean-made sets.

The trains operated by Hong Kong authority on this route has a Swiss locomotive and Kawasaki passenger cars. They will remain on this route for the time being.

The Shanghai Pudong Airport Maglev is German-built.