How to take a train in China as a foreigner?

How much does it cost to take a train in China?

China train prices? Varies wildly. Expect $86-$143+ for high-speed routes like Beijing-Shanghai. Budget accordingly.

• High-speed rail: Costs depend heavily on distance and class. Expect premium for speed.

• Other lines: Significantly cheaper. Consider slower options for budget travel.

• Booking: Online purchases offer occasional discounts. Check directly with China Railway.

• My experience: Paid $110 for a G-train this year, Nanjing to Shanghai. First class.

Note: Prices fluctuate. This reflects my recent experience. Always verify current costs.

How to ride bullet train in China?

Okay, riding the bullet train… China, huh?

Passport first! Gotta have your passport and your train info. Like, the booking confirmation, all that jazz. I always print it ’cause my phone dies, lol.

Then, the station. Ugh, those places are HUGE. Get there early. Super early. Forty minutes? More? Arrive early! Seriously.

• Passport & Booking
• Train Station ASAP

ID check… they scan your face, I think. Then the security line. Airport style. Take off your belt. Shoes prob not. This whole thing is like the airport!

• ID Scan
• Security Line, yuck.

Where’s the dang waiting room? The screen shows it, right? Gate number? Find waiting area! Listen for the announcements, even though they’re usually in Chinese, ha!

• Waiting Room #?
• Announcements

Ticket check AGAIN when you board. Phew, finally! Get comfy. It’s FAST. Like, crazy fast. Is it faster than the Shanghai Maglev? That was wild.

• Final Ticket Check

• Enjoy ride!!

• Fast Train!

Are trains cheaper than planes in China?

Okay, buckle up, buttercup! Are Chinese trains cheaper than planes? Yep, they sure are! Think of it like this: flying’s for high rollers, trains are for us regular folks.

Chinese trains are like speedy little dragons. Faster, more dependable, and eco-friendlier than those gas-guzzling birds. Plus, you won’t end up paying more than your entire house on baggage fees.

Think of it like this, you see more of the countryside!

Major cities in China? They’re practically swimming in high-speed rail. You can get practically anywhere these days by train.

• High-speed rail: Think bullet train, but with way more people taking selfies.
• Prices: Cheap as chips, or maybe cheaper than my last questionable haircut.
• Environmental impact: Less smog, more scenic views!
• Laos Link: You can now choo-choo your way to Laos? Like its a holiday dream!

Okay, it’s basically magic, alright? Last time I was there in June, the train I took smelled a bit like durian but, hey, adventure, right?

Is it easy to travel within China?

Traveling China these days? Easier than finding a decent cup of coffee at my grandma’s. Remember those days trying to find a bathroom? shudders

Apps are now your bestie! Translate anything with a snapshot, like having a multilingual parrot in your pocket. Seriously.

Guide-less? Absolutely. Think of it as a high-stakes scavenger hunt. Thrilling, right?

• Apps: Your survival kit. Translation is king, ditch the phrasebooks!
• Reddit: A goldmine of shared misery—err, experiences.

My secret? Mastering “Ni hao” and pointing enthusiastically. Works like a charm! Ok, sometimes.

Bonus intel: Forget the “China is hard” myth. Pack an open mind, a sense of humor. You are going to be stared at! Also get some cash, my card was declined in many places.

How much does food in China cost?

Ugh, China food costs. So variable! Lunch? Dinner? Totally depends. Street food? Maybe 20 yuan, tops. That’s like, three bucks. Crazy cheap. But a decent restaurant dinner? Eighty yuan easily. Twelve fifty US dollars. Ouch. That’s a lot for me. I need to budget better. I always overspend.

Rice and noodles, everywhere. Seriously, everywhere. They’re basically the bedrock of Chinese cuisine. Always on the menu. Always a safe bet.

One dish per person? Nah, that’s bull. I often order two. One noodle dish, one something else. Variety is the spice of life, right? Unless you’re on a super tight budget. Then, stick to one.

Dishes themselves? Think 20 to 40 yuan. That’s like $3 to $6. I’d say that’s accurate. Could be more, could be less. Depends if you order something fancy. Like, dumplings. I love dumplings.

Key Points:

• Street food: Cheap! Around 20 yuan (3 USD).
• Restaurant meals: Variable. 20 – 80 yuan ($3-$12.50 USD) per person.
• Rice and noodles: Staples. Everywhere!
• Dishes: 20-40 yuan ($3-$6 USD) each. Usually need at least one. Two is my usual.

I need to stop eating out so much. My bank account is crying. Seriously, I’m going to be broke by the end of the month. Maybe I should cook more. But cooking is such a hassle. Decisions, decisions. I miss my mom’s cooking. She always made such amazing food. I should call her. Or maybe later. I’m too lazy.

Can foreigners buy train tickets online in China?

Ugh, China train tickets. Foreigners, right? Passport, definitely. Visa too, obviously. That’s a given. My friend Sarah had a nightmare with that last year.

Real-name registration? Sounds official. Is that like a special thing? Bureaucracy overload. I hate that. What a pain.

Online, you say? 12306 website, is that it? That’s the only way. I heard they got rid of those physical ticket places.

Need a Chinese phone number, I think. That’s the killer. My cousin tried, without it. Failed miserably. No way around it, seriously.

Got to use Alipay or WeChat Pay, right? No credit cards. Weird, huh? This whole thing is crazy.

Oh, and the website’s in Chinese. Unless you’re fluent…Good luck. I’m fluent in English. It’s frustrating.

Booking apps? Maybe? Not sure. I stick to the website, even if it’s a hassle.

High-speed rail is awesome though. Totally worth the hassle, if you’re going long distance. Much faster than the old trains.

• Passport (essential)
• Visa (indispensable)
• Real-name Registration (mandatory)
• Chinese phone number (absolutely necessary)
• Alipay or WeChat Pay (required)
• 12306 website (primary method)

Seriously considering a trip to Xi’an next year. Maybe I’ll practice my Mandarin. Nah.