Planes and trains

Planes and trains
Oct 22, 2004 18:22
CHINAGAZER Points: Join Date: Sep 29, 2004 Status: offline	First of all let me tell you how much I enjoy this forum and the tips and travel pages it offers. It has a treasure of information for the foreign traveller. Thanks for all you contributions. I am planning to visit China (1st time) next July. I just read some of your comments on how easy it is to book domestic flights. However it seems to be very difficult for foreigners to obtain train tickets. I would really like to understand why the difference and what are the problems for train tickets? This question actually applies to other destinations in China as well (I plan to travel to Nanjing, Huangshan and Shanghai). Thanks in advance for your comments.

Oct 22, 2004 18:22

CHINAGAZER
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Join Date: Sep 29, 2004
Status: offline

First of all let me tell you how much I enjoy this forum and the tips and travel pages it offers. It has a treasure of information for the foreign traveller. Thanks for all you contributions.
I am planning to visit China (1st time) next July. I just read some of your comments on how easy it is to book domestic flights. However it seems to be very difficult for foreigners to obtain train tickets. I would really like to understand why the difference and what are the problems for train tickets?
This question actually applies to other destinations in China as well (I plan to travel to Nanjing, Huangshan and Shanghai).
Thanks in advance for your comments.

Oct 22, 2004 19:06

TOMORROWNEVE...
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Join Date: Sep 29, 2004
Status: Offline

There are many reasons:
1.Lauguage obstacle. Most Chinese railway ticket booking systems do not offer english servise.
2.Large amount of tickets are controled my travel agent and tickets dealers.You can hardly buy an exactly ideal ticket at railway stations.
3.China has the largest population in the world. Most of us still take train as the first choice when travelling so far. Because it's more cheaper.
4.As for Chinese traditions and National holidays,People are easy to pour into the railways stations.During these special occasions the carrage can be over crowded.

Oct 25, 2004 10:10

DAISY
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Join Date: Mar 30, 2004
Status: Offline

Hi, Chinagazer!
If it is your 1st time to China, and travel by yourself (yourselves), I would not recommend the train. Always hear some (many) foreigners say that it is very convenient and easy to get the train ticket, but please pay attention that it is not the 1st time to China, and they may also know a little Chinese for communication, so getting the train ticket from the sale window is very easy for them.
You know, it is not successful even for Chinese to get ticket, especially during the high season.
So you'd better ask help from the hotel where you live or some travel agent. The serivce charge is RMB5. And more effecient than buying by yourself.
Othervise, take flight instead.

Oct 25, 2004 10:22

DAISY
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Join Date: Mar 30, 2004
Status: Offline

And saw your notes left for me^_^ Thanks for your special and complete trust in me: )

Yes, you absolutely can meet many hospitable Chinese during your marvellous trip! Because China is so vast, so many different places with totally different folkway, many situation should be considered before. And I think you must be potty about all the new, fresh and interesting... things that you will experience in China! If you have any question, please let me without hesitation. I am always ready to give my contribution^_^

And welcom to Xian!
Enjoy the delicate snacks and dining, and your wonderful trip in Xian!!

Oct 26, 2004 22:51	#4
CHINAGAZER Points: Join Date: Sep 29, 2004 Status: Offline	Thank you very much for your replies. Tomorrowneverdie: your answer explains a lot. Daisy: thanks for your recommendation.

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