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If you are travelling in China, it will be the perfect way to have a China express travel! As China is connected by extensive high speed rail, train travel in China provides a unique combination of speed, comfort and views. In this guide, you will learn about popular cities that are easily accessible by train, the benefits of having a China train trip, and more. Check out for a smoother China trip now.
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Popular China express travel cities top 10
1. Beijing
As the capital city, Beijing is a must-visit for its historical sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The Beijing South Railway Station is a main station for high-speed trains. The popular route include cities like Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hangzhou.
2. Shanghai
Shanghai is known for its modern skyline, the Bund. Shanghai Disneyland is also a popular attraction. Shanghai is easily accessible by train. The Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station connects to many major cities. Shanghai is connected to all over the China with popular cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, and Nanjing.
3. Guangzhou
Guangzhou is a major commercial city in southern China. Guangzhou has attractions like the Canton Tower and Chimelong Safari Park. The Guangzhou South Railway Station is one of the busiest in China, connecting to popular cities like Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Wuhan.
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4. Hangzhou
Hangzhou is famous for its picturesque West Lake and temples. The Hangzhou East Railway Station mainly serves high-speed trains. Hangzhou is just a short train ride from Shanghai.
5. Nanjing
Nanjing is a historical city. It has a rich history and cultural heritage, including the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. The Nanjing South Railway Station is a main train station, offering connections to Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities.
6. Xi’an
Xi’an is also a historical ancient city, which is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army. Xi’an is well-connected by train, with the Xi’an North Railway Station as a primary train station. Xi’an is in the middle west of China. It is connected to popular cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Chongqing.
7. Chengdu
With spicy cuisine and the Giant Panda Research Base, Chengdu is a favourite for leisure walking. The Chengdu East Railway Station provides convenient access to other parts of China such as Xi’an, Chongqing, and Guangzhou.
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8. Chongqing
Chongqing is also called “Mountain City”. There are hot pots and the stunning Hongyadong area. The Chongqing North Railway Station is the main train station in Chongqing. The popular routed of high-speed trains include Chengdu, Xi’an, and Wuhan.
9. Shenzhen
Bordering Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a modern metropolis with the Window of the World and OCT Loft Creative Culture Park. The Shenzhen North Railway Station offers extensive high-speed connections. There’s a short distance from Shenzhen to Guangzhou, or Hong Kong.
10. Hong Kong
As a cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong has towering skyscrapers, markets, and beautiful Victoria Harbour views. The high-speed rail line connects Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to mainland China. You will pass through Hong Kong and Mainland China immigration checkpoints at West Kowloon Station. Thus, make sure to have all the necessary documents, including your passport, visa, and ticket.
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Why is travelling by train popular in China?
Source: Wikipedia
China express travel by train is incredibly popular for several reasons:
Punctuality
Chinese trains are in frequent intervals and have minimal delays compared to flights. The well-maintained high speed rail ensures that trains run on time. If you are a business traveller, you can plan your trip confidently. If you have tight schedules, China trains will be your ultimate choice as it reduces uncertainty and stress without potential delays.
Ease of travel
China train stations are well-organised and equipped with clear signage in both Chinese and English. If you are a first-time traveller, you will find it straightforward to have a China express travel. Many stations also offer amenities such as waiting lounges, baggage storage, restaurants and retails. Besides, the ticketing process is streamlined. As a foreigner, it’s also easy to book China train tickets online, at the station, or via ticket machines.
Comfort
China express travel is extremely comfortable than many other transportation. On the train, you will enjoy more legroom and wider seats compared to flights. You can choose different seat classes according to your needs, such as first-class and business-class with larger seats, more personal space, even sleeper class. High speed trains, in particular, offer amenities such as reclining seats, power outlets, and clean restrooms.
Speed
China high speed rail trains, also known as bullet trains, can reach impressive speeds of up to 350 km/h (217 mph). This makes them faster than flights for many domestic routes when considering the time needed for airport check-in, security procedures, and delays. For instance, the journey from Beijing to Shanghai, which would take around four and a half hours by high-speed train, can be more time-efficient than flying when total travel time is considered.
Scenic routes
One of the most appealing reason for choosing China express travel is to enjoy the beautiful and varied landscapes. Unlike air travel, train trips provide a window into the diverse scenery of China, from countryside and mountains to cities and towns. Some popular routes like Chengdu to Kunming passing through karst formations and rural areas. It adds an extra fun to the travel.
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Recommended season for China express travel
Source: China.org.cn
China is so big that the climate may vary from one region to another. There is a huge difference between southern China and northern China. However, there are generally favourable months to have a China express travel by train.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in China is generally mild, which is ideal for most cities, including Beijing, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Chongqing. The weather is mild and the landscapes are lush.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is extremely hot in southern cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen. This is a peak travel season because there’s a nearly 2-month summer vacation in this period. It is suitable for high-altitude and northern regions like Xinjiang, Xi’an and Qinghai.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another excellent time for travel, with comfortable and cool temperatures. You can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Chengdu.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is best for cities with winter attractions, such as Harbin for its Ice Festival or Chengdu for panda spotting in a cooler climate. If you prefer beaches, Sanya is also a good choice, because it remains summer temperature at this time. Most Chinese people choose to travel to Sanya for a hot holiday.
Explore China by train now!
Source: China Discovery
China express travel is not only a practical choice but also an adventure itself. You will not only experience a seamless trip among different cities, but also explore the rich history and diverse landscapes in China.
No matter where you go, the train offers a comfortable, fast, and scenic way to experience the best of China. So pack your bags and board a train to explore China by train now!
FAQ about China express travel
How do I book China train tickets?
You can book train tickets online through Trip.com, at the train station, or via ticket machines available at stations.Is it necessary to book China train tickets in advance?
Yes. It's recommended to book tickets in advance, typically 7 days in advance in off-peak seasons. If it’s during peak seasons like Chinese New Year, National Day, and summer holidays, it’s better to book China train tickets 15-30 days in advance.What should I bring when travelling by train in China?
Ensure you have your valid passport, your ticket (or e-ticket) for boarding, and your own belongings such as snacks, water, and entertainment for the journey.How early should I arrive at the train station?
It's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and up to an hour earlier during peak times because you need to have ticket checks and security procedures before boarding.Can I change or cancel my China train ticket?
Yes. However, change or cancellation policies vary depending on the ticket type and the time of the request. You can make it on Trip.com or at the train station, but fees may apply.