Train or Fly between Xian and Beijing

Train or Fly between Xian and Beijing
Jul 22, 2008 21:59
CROSIS Points: Join Date: Sep 5, 2007 Status: offline	Some advice please. My wife, 10 year old daughter and I are travelling around China for a couple of weeks in October. At one part of our trip we are currently booked to fly from Xian to Beijing, but I like the idea of doing a train trip. The fantastic and extremely helpful people at Travelchinaguide.com (Jason and Vicky are just the best!!) have suggested we take a whole 4 person sleeper cabin for privacy, but I was wondering if anyone has any comments about safety or other things to watch out for if going by train. We will fly if its safer, but it would be great to see the countryside (even on an overnight sleeper there will be some daylight hopefully!) Thank you to anyone who wishes to make a comment.

Jul 22, 2008 21:59

CROSIS
Points:
Join Date: Sep 5, 2007
Status: offline

Some advice please. My wife, 10 year old daughter and I are travelling around China for a couple of weeks in October. At one part of our trip we are currently booked to fly from Xian to Beijing, but I like the idea of doing a train trip.

The fantastic and extremely helpful people at Travelchinaguide.com (Jason and Vicky are just the best!!) have suggested we take a whole 4 person sleeper cabin for privacy, but I was wondering if anyone has any comments about safety or other things to watch out for if going by train. We will fly if its safer, but it would be great to see the countryside (even on an overnight sleeper there will be some daylight hopefully!)

Thank you to anyone who wishes to make a comment.

Jul 22, 2008 23:51	#1
ELLYSE Points: Join Date: Oct 30, 2005 Status: Offline	No need to book the entire cabin... it's not a problem to have another traveller with you. If you're worried about safety, why wouldn't the other solo person be? He/she would probably be more worried since he/she's travelling alone, and there're 3 other people in the cabin whom he/she doesn't know! Right?

Jul 23, 2008 00:02

CROSIS
Points:
Join Date: Sep 5, 2007
Status: Offline

Thank you for this.

To be honest I would book the whole cabin just for the privacy even if I was on my own. It is such a small cost I think it is worth it. I presume that to mix with people we can walk into the other parts of the train, eg bar or dining car etc.

We have guides to drop us off and pick us up at the station as part of our private tour. Do you know if staff on the trains are able to speak English if we want to order food and drinks? We will have our translation book handy of course!

Jul 23, 2008 03:28	#3
ELLYSE Points: Join Date: Oct 30, 2005 Status: Offline	There's no bar, and I don't fancy the food in the dining cars anyway. Don't expect staff to be able to speak anything but rudimentary English. Small cost to you, but it's a big cost for people like me. I suppose most Asians have different ideas about privacy and money.

Jul 23, 2008 04:11

GUEST01124

I have the same issue earlier and I was commented for asking more. How about the Chinese's behaviour ? I am not so worried about safety as I can keep my valuable closely but I really not know how to handle or past my time if I have someone who spit on the floor in the carbin. I know the younger generation will not do such things but some older Chinese still behave this way. Is there any "no spitting" notice inside the train ? Or maybe Chinese passenger are much more civilized now and I am still behind time ? I hope nobody take offense.

Jul 23, 2008 06:20	#5
ELLYSE Points: Join Date: Oct 30, 2005 Status: Offline	People who have the money to take soft sleeper are usually well-mannered enough.

Jul 25, 2008 07:25	#6
GUEST01124	Oh Yes !! I should have thought of that earlier.

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