This question is about taking the daily train from Suzhou back to Shanghai to catch the Z train to Xi'an (Z train from Suzhou goes to Beijing, not Xi'an).

If departure is 8:05pm and I have to check in one hour prior, **What time should I depart Suzhou (what train time departure) to find my way to the Z train departure area?

Also, regarding the Z train 2-berth sleepers. If only one person is reserving a berth, will they sell a ticket for the other bed? Or, will that one person have the 2 berth to themselves? Can you buy 2 tickets to have it to yourself?

Thank you.

I reserved both berths when I took a Z train from Beijing to Shanghai in 2007. If you do not book both berths, you will run the risk of sharing with a male or female fellow traveler.

This is the information I was given at the time and this is the reason I booked both berths.

Thanks, I'll be sure to book both berths.


Do you know if the D train from Suzhou arrives in the same station as the Z train from Shanghai to Xi'an?

If so, what are the logistics there? Same building? Same platform?

Thank you.

Hi BeachGirl

I don't think you can make it back to Shanghai in time for the Z train to Xian. You have to make 2 separate trips.

I could not buy the return tickets to Shanghai from Suzhou for the 6:45PM D train and had to buy the later one at 7:20 PM.

I hope that these links from travelchinaguide.com work

suzhou- shanghai
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/chin...ubmit32=SUBMIT

Shanghai-Xian
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/chin...ubmit32=SUBMIT

regards

How about going to Suzhou the day before? Or on the same day do a 1/2 day tour to the closest but smallest watertown Qipao, train/metro don't stop there and not sure about buses, you might want to take a cab.

Yes, Shanghainese, that's what I've decided we'll have to do if we want to see Suzhou or Tong Li.

Day 1 & 2 (1 1/2 day) Shanghai
Day 3 day trip to Suzhou or Tong Li
day 4 Shanghai day and night train to Xian

I know 2 1/2 days Shanghai is short but we want to see as much as we can within reason.

Thanks for the train links, happymom. I'll check out the schedules this weekend.

BTW - you don't wait for Chinese trains on the platform. When you get to the station you will go to the soft class waiting room for your specific train. There will probably be passengers for four trains in the same waiting room. When your train is ready for boarding they will open the doors and everyone will head for the train. Don't dawdle, as the trains tend to pull out a little early, but no need to fight to be in front like the Chinese tend to do, since you'll have a seat reservation. You do know about this site, right? seat61.com/China.htm

Thanks, thursday. My husband is familiar with the pushing and shoving having been to India many times.

I do have that website and has helped me decide which trains to take. Thanks.