China Train Travel

Traveling by train in China is one of the cheapest ways to travel some of the long distances in China and is used widely by the local population. It is important to know what to expect if you decide to travel by train in China.

There are 4 classes on Chinese Trains:

Hard Seat – Hard Seat is used by a large percentage of the population as it is probably the cheapest way to travel in China. Sitting only carriages, they are usually crowded and often more tickets are sold than there are seat available so the competition for a seat can be fierce. You will not want to visit the toilet.

Soft Seat – Soft Seat is available on the inter-city lines and provides a better level of comfort. Soft Seat is quite comfortable inexpensive method of travel for a journey of a few hours. Don’t be concerned if people take your reserved seat, just find another.

Hard Sleeper – There are six narrow bunks to a compartment that has no door so there is no privacy. They are usually very noisy and with a squat toilet at each end of the carriage. The condition of the toilet will get progressively worse as the journey progresses. Food trolleys pass back and forth along the train so it is possible to eat quite cheaply. A blanket and small pillow are supplied with each bunk.

Soft Sleeper – There are four bunks in a compartment which has a door for privacy. Each bunk will have a blanket and pillow. Toilets are at the end of the carriage and may be a western toilet however they may not always be clean as they are used by people from other carriages. No toilet paper is provided in the bathrooms.

If you choose to travel by train, China Travel recommends booking a soft sleeper.

The restaurant carriage will be the 10th car. The choice of food will be limited and only Chinese Food will be available. Most local people buy food in advance or buy food from the vendors on board the trains.

English is generally not spoken by any of the staff on the trains or in the railway stations. Limited English signage is available in the railway stations. A separate waiting lounge is available in the railway stations for passengers traveling in the soft sleeper section. Preferential boarding is available for those passengers.

Baggage space is limited and must be storred in your compartment so it is wise to travel with small baggage rather than large suitcases. Most train stations have a considerable number of stairs to climb to reach the platforms. Bags have to be carried up and down these stairs. Most stairs have a steep ramp so that wheeled bags can be dragged up as you walk up the stairs.

Train travel in China has to be undertaken with the full knowledge that the system is designed for the local population who are familiar with the standard conditions. Trains between larger cities are always superior to those on lesser routes and will probably run close to schedule.

The system for rail reservations in China will only allow Travel Agencies to confirm bookings 2 days prior to departure of the train.

We provides a 98% success rate for obtaining tickets for reservations. We do however reserve the right to change your scheduled itinerary and mode of transport if required.