China's first railway, the Songhu Line, was built in 1874 in Shanghai, symbolizing the beginning of modern transportation in China. By the end of 2003, total length of China’s railway has reached 73,000 kilometers ranking the first place in Asia (the third in the world).

Some people said that train travel in China is kind of adventure. It is probably right in some extent, while Chinese trains have seen great improvements in terms of comfort and sanitation after adopting the new-model passenger cars in late 1990’s. We believe more and more international tourists will like to choose train travel in China, as it is a real grass-roots experience for foreigners to roam around the vast country.

Chinese trains have 4 classes: “Hard seat”, “Soft seat”. “Hard sleeper” and “Soft sleeper”.

Hard Seat - this is the most common and cheapest way to travel. There are 110 seats in each car. The greatest numbers of Chinese travelers use this class due to its low cost. Sometimes more tickets than seats are sold. This class is not comfortable and recommended to international tourists.

Soft Seat - it is only available on some short-distance trains between major cities, but it is a better way. Usually it is much easier to reserve a seat. The seats are comfortable, and the trip can be pleasant and interesting with much less crowd.

Hard Sleeper – an option for basic requirement of a berth to sleep on long-distance train. There are 66 beds in one car with 11 open compartments (without doors), arranged in bays of 6 (upper, middle and lower) on one side of the aisle, with pairs of seats on the other side of the aisle for daytime use. A blanket and pillow is supplied, while the mattress is a bit hard. Some hard sleeper cars are not that clean and noisy.

Soft Sleeper – Most long-distance trains have only one soft sleeper car, which has 9 comfortable 4-berth compartments with full bedding provided. You can lock the door before going to sleep. Besides, passengers are offered slippers, teacups, free tea bag, and a thermos bottle with hot water, even soap and a toothbrush. Very few trains in China have deluxe soft sleeper class, which has eight 2-berth compartments with private toilet inside, but the cost is quite high.

Tips for taking trains in China
Ticket:

Booking a train ticket is not so easy and convenient in China, especially during the festivals and holidays, though it has been well improved in the past decades. All the tickets are printed in Chinese with only the starts and ends of the train ride as well as the digits readable for foreigners like the train number and departure time. Please buy the tickets at ticketing offices of train station or through travel agents.


Other notes:
1. If buying tickets from local scalpers near the train station, you may get fake ones.

2. When you go to board a train without an escort (guide), they should be cautious not to leave your train ticket to a stranger’s hand (he/she may offer to show you the way), even those in uniform unless they are in working position. He may change another fake one secretly to you and get refund from your ticket.

3. Usually in China the crime rate is comparatively higher at train station area than other parts of the city. So keep an eye on your belongings and travel companions. There may be some pickpockets around you.

4. At present, China’s Railway can only allow to issue the train tickets (hard and soft sleepers) 5-10 days before departure. China Tour Hub can only 99% guarantee the availability of train tickets. In case of unavailability, China Tour Hub reserves the right to change the tour itinerary and mode of transport.

5. In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Guilin and Wuhan, there are 2 train stations in these cities, please kindly find out in which train station you are supposed to board your train in advance. Otherwise, you may miss your train.
Bathroom (toilet):
The big issue while traveling by train in China is the bathroom on board. At the each end of cars, there is one toilet (one is western seat-style in soft sleeper car). As your train trip progresses, the toilet may get very dirty and smelly, in some cases you have to hold your nose to step in, get everything done ASAP and leave. Usually the toilets at soft sleeper class look better. Please don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper since it is not available at bathroom.

Staff:
The staff working on trains has very little knowledge of English except international trains. If possible, please prepare a phrase book for the emergency. In fact, more and more Chinese people, especially younger generations can speak English. Many of them will love to talk with their foreign travel companions on the way.

Meals:
There is a dining car next to soft sleeper car in most trains, while most food is Chinese style. Usually the non-stop trains like Beijing/Shanghai and Beijing/Xian plus those international trains serve some simple Western food. Most of domestic trains don’t have an English menu. Passengers (like many Chinese do!) can also challenge their stomach to buy the boxed meals carried by a food trolley during mealtime - USD2-3 /meal.

Luggage:
Clients are suggested to take their luggage with them while traveling by train. You can leave the suitcases in your compartment. Baggage space is limited, so it is better to take smaller and handy luggage rather than large suitcases. Many train stations have lots of stairs up and down before you get into the train. The cases with wheels will be helpful to your way out.

Many local trains do not have an actual 'dining car' and will have a girl come by with a food trolly instead. Sometimes there isn't a food trolly either. Bringing your own food is recommended since, even when the trolly does serve food, the food is expensive and the selection is limited.

Another useful tip:
You may need to show your train ticket to exit the train station so don't throw it away.

very tru, ticketers even wake you up from sleeping to check your ticket to make sure you paid and you're in the right bed. I always brought food too because the food cart selection is very limited and doesn't look all to appetizing.

Another useful tip:
Bring alcohol and make friends, you can actually have a lot of fun on the train.