CHINA OVERNIGHT TRAIN BEIJING TO X'IAN

CHINA OVERNIGHT TRAIN BEIJING TO X’IAN

While in many parts of the world air travel has rapidly become more and more the norm, in China train travel remains a primary means of travel for the Chinese. Indeed China maintains one of the largest train networks in the world.

I had the opportunity to sample Chinese train travel when I took an overnight train from Beijing to X’ian. X’ian is about 800 miles from the Chinese capital. X’ian is home to the world famous Terracotta Warriors as well as being a wonderful city with a unique combination of contemporary and historical features and sites. It’s a very popular destination for international and Chinese tourists alike.

Trains are a popular, convenient and reasonable means of travel in China. Above is a very crowded departure lounge in Beijing. Many locals take the China overnight train from Beijing to X’ian as well as to many other destinations in far off corners of the country.

While waiting for their train, many travelers make their own meals – “cup of noodles” type – using the “boiled water” stations located in the station and also onboard the trains.

The train traveler in China has several different levels of service from which to choose. Currently the Beijing to X’ian route is covered by a sleeper trains, slow trains, and a high speed train. The high speed train service which began in December of 2012 covers the distance in 5.5 hours. Sleeper trains are mostly of the slower, non-high speed variety although there is now one high speed sleeper. The Sleeper trains take about 8 hours and have various accommodations including a 2 berth deluxe sleeper, a “normal” 4 berth soft sleeper, and hard sleepers (I didn’t experience this but I am told a hard berth is simply a hard bench style berth without cushions, mattress, etc.) Fares are quite reasonable ranging from around $50 for a hard sleep, to $80 for a soft sleeper, to $193 for premium Class high speed train.

Although not the newer high speed train, my overnight sleeper was still fairly modern and well appointed and maintained.

Here’s the interior of my 4-berth “soft” sleeper. Small but typical for most train travel.

Restroom facilities are available in each car. Serving to remind me that I was no longer in Kansas – at one end of the car is an “Asian Style” toilet, affectionately referred to as a “squat.” But for the less adventurous there is a “western style” toilet at the opposite end of each car. (Too much information?)

Arrival in X’ian in the morning is a bit hectic as you disembark into a very busy transit area within view of the old city wall. Still, arrival comes as a bit of a relief. And once in X’ian you are going to really enjoy yourself. Lot’s to see and do and experience. It’s a wonderful city. For more about the city itself you might enjoy my article: Xian China – 5 Great Activities.