5 Incredible Chinese Train Journeys You Have to Try

Japan may have been the first country to have the high-speed train, traditionally known as the bullet train, however, China now not only competes but boasts, the longest high-speed railway tracks in the world.

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The system links up most of the vast country, making it an ideal option to explore China after camp while also embracing a real adventurers spirit; as you view changing terrain from the comfort of your seat.

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Diverse and interesting landscapes unfold before you, from modern skyscrapers to remote villages, past countryside, rivers and mountains.

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If you are pushed for time, the high-speed trains are the best option and are also amongst the most modern, with various classes.

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However, a far cheaper option is to travel on the standard trains, the journey time is much longer but you have the option to travel overnight.

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Again this service has different classes, mainly hard seat, hard sleeper and soft sleeper.

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The sleeper options are often not much more than the hard seat, which can feel cramped and with not enough space for large luggage, so I would certainly recommend the soft sleeper for comfort.

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Below are tips on how to purchase tickets and some suggested routes amongst the best that this enthralling country has to offer.

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You can purchase your ticket online, but you will need to collect the ticket at the station before boarding, so remember to always have your passport ready to show.

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Also, allow plenty of time before your train departure to do this, approximately two hours, as Chinese train stations can be extremely busy with lengthy queues.

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So, if you’ve finished a summer with Adventure China and are looking for an adventure, then look no further.

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Top tip - book at least five days in advance, as the seats get heavily booked up. Therefore, a little pre-itinerary planning is essential, in order to guarantee you can actually get a train on the day you prefer.

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Dali to Lijiang

‍Duration: 2-3 Hours (approx)

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This is the shortest of the suggested routes but also one of the most beautiful.

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The scenery is certainly absorbing, as you gaze through the window to see the juxtaposition of snow-capped mountains and green countryside, passing villages along the way until you reach Lijiang, one of China’s prettiest towns and a treat to behold at the end of the journey.

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Captivating, narrow cobbled streets to wander through, alongside waterways that meander through the ancient town area.

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Hefei to Fuzhou

Duration: 4-5 Hours

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Often considered the most scenic in all of China, the Hefei to Fuzhou route impressively meanders through numerous UNESCO world heritage sites.

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It traverses along lush green mountains and countryside dotted with rural villages, racing through mountain tunnels, passing over towering bridges high above the terrain and even crossing the Yangtse River, before it reaches the city of Fuzhou.

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This city, surrounded by mountains, is a place full of charm, as its old town streets contrast with modern sky-scrappers and shopping malls.

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A visit to West Lake Park, located in the centre of the city, is a great place to escape the bustle of the city and a chance to immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings and pretty gardens.

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Chengdu to Kunming

Duration: Bullet Train: 7 Hours / Normal Train: 20 Hours

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Amazing views of striking, limestone karst mountains, canyons and paddy fields await you on this journey as the train heads through impressive countryside and hills, passing authentic houses set deep in valleys, as you make your way to the city of Kunming.

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It’s a longer journey, but you’ll certainly be rewarded with the sights that pass the window. Known as the Spring city due to its year-round mild climate, with its constant array of colourful flowers in bloom, and picturesque parks; Kunming is certainly worth a visit.

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Xining to Lhasa

Duration: Close to 24 Hours

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For those of you with an even greater sense of adventure and wanting to experience something off the beaten track after camp in China, this route could be for you; as it traverses isolated landscapes and the Gobi Desert taking you all the way to Tibet.

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This journey takes you across the worlds highest railway (hence the nickname ‘way to the sky’) through remote terrain, past mountains covered in snow year-round and even heads along the edge of pristine blue lakes.

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As you travel deep into the wilderness across plateaus, where wild animals roam, you may even see antelopes grazing in the grass.

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Not for the faint-hearted if you suffer from altitude sickness, however, the trains are equipped with an oxygen supply system to monitor the oxygen levels and increase them at certain points, there are also emergency oxygen supplies for passengers use if necessary.

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Although Tibet is part of China, there may be additional visa requirements, such as a Tibet travel permit, and you may need to be part of a tour group; so if you do plan to visit, research this information first.

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