I took one from Ji’an to Beijing (around 1,700 km) for only $80. Considering you get a bed/blanket/pillow/ sheet, have access to clean restrooms, tons of sinks to use to do your nightly routine, and everything is constantly cleaned and stocked, this feels like a great deal to me. In the States, $80 won’t even get you a ticket for an overnight seat. I love China for how affordable and convenient it is. What do you think of this sleeper train, and what else do you want to see about my life in China?
BeeRose in China travels 15 hours overnight from Ji’an to Beijing on a second class sleeper for about $80. She tests the bunk options, notes comfort versus head
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
BeeRose in China hops onto a 15 hour overnight ride in a second class sleeper on a China Railway train bound for Beijing, showing the realities of a slower, older carriage versus the modern high speed network. She makes it clear this is not a high speed experience, yet for about $80 the value includes a bed with sheet, blanket, pillow, access to clean restrooms, and ongoing car cleanliness. The top bunk she tries is the least comfortable, lacking headroom for anyone over about 6 feet, so she contrasts that with the middle and bottom beds which offer more living space and actual sitting room, a premium feel with a view and a comfy setup. She demonstrates climbing into the upper bunk, moving around with a pinch of humor, and notes the importance of maneuvering carefully to avoid hitting your head. In the room, six passengers share space with two beds on each side, and she points out practical details like storage zones for suitcases beneath a bed, a dedicated area for backpacks, phone st
Next travel video:
7 min
2025
China Sleeper Train: $80 for 1700km Journey from Ji'an to Beijing
This is what China’s sleeper trains look like 🤯
I took one from Ji’an to Beijing (around 1,700 km) for only $80. Considering you get a bed/blanket/pillow/ sheet, have access to clean restrooms, tons of sinks to use to do your nightly routine, and everything is constantly cleaned and stocked, this...
What 2nd Class Looks Like on China’s Sleeper Train: A $80 Overnight to
Embark on a journey aboard China's sleeper trains and discover a surprisingly affordable and convenient travel experience! For just $80, this traveler journeyed 1,700 km from Ji'an to Beijing, enjoying a comfortable bed, clean facilities, and essential amenities. Compare this to the cost of an overnight seat in the States and marvel at the value China offers. BeeRose in China shares a glimpse into daily life, inviting viewers to explore more of the country's accessible transportation and cost-effective travel.
More about the current video:(Published on 2025-07-12)
BeeRose in China spends 15 hours on a sleeper train in second class heading to Beijing, showing both the upsides and downsides of the ride. She starts by acknowledging the slower pace compared with China’s high-speed network, then walks through the room layout: six passengers, three beds on each side, with top, middle, and bottom bunks. The top bunk is the most affordable but the least comfortable, especially for anyone tall, while the bottom bed offers more headroom and the sense of actual space. She climbs the bunk, demonstrates the awkward but doable process, and laments the lack of headroom by some riders. She then moves to the middle bed, noting that it’s cramped for anyone taller than 5’7” and can only lie flat. The most expensive bed provides real sitting space and a view, along with sheets, a pillow, and a thick blanket. She comments on the train’s gentle AC and the quiet atmosphere up top, as well as the general chaos downstairs. The cabin includes USB ports and a reading light, plus a stable if imperfect WiFi connection despite the speed of the train. She highlights storage spots under the bed and a small area beside the bed for valuables, then visits the bathroom area which features both a Squatty Potty and a Western toilet. Food options are available via a car-wide notice and QR codes for delivery, with traditional snack cards circulated by attendants. She notes the narrow walkways, constant movement of passengers, and the occasional noise from nearby kids, which makes for a lively night. Arriving in Beijing, she recounts early morning chatter from fellow travelers and a few chilly early hours, including an odd moment brushing teeth beside a shirtless man. The video ends with a balanced take: sleeper trains offer affordable, authentic experiences and surprising comfort, but if comfort and speed are paramount, China’s high-speed trains are superior. She signs off by inviting viewers to like, comment, and subscribe for future China life insights.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
Q: Is the sleeper train comfortable for a long trip?
A: It can be surprisingly comfortable if you pick the right bunk, but the top bunk is cramped and not great for tall travelers; the bottom bunk and middle offer more space and a better sleeping experience.
