Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Security in Chinese train stations is highly advanced with cameras everywhere, ensuring a safe environment for travelers. (0:08)
- Tip 2Getting to Beijing's West Railway Station is very easy using the subway, which is widely used by locals. (0:39)
- Tip 3Train tickets can be purchased for around $85, and the process is straightforward, similar to booking a flight. (2:46)
- Tip 4Major signs at the station are displayed in both Chinese and English, making navigation easier for international visitors. (3:33)
- Tip 5China is largely a cashless society; most transactions are done via mobile phone, so be prepared for this. (6:09)
- Tip 6While there isn't a dedicated dining room, restaurants are available on the lower floor where you can order food and eat before heading to the waiting area. (8:22)
- Tip 7The check-in process at the high-speed train station feels similar to airport security, efficient and organized. (11:30)
- Tip 8Second-class seating on the high-speed train offers ample legroom and comfort, comparable to or better than airplane seats. (12:39)
- Tip 9While the toilets might require some flexibility, the hand-washing facilities are modern and well-equipped. (14:21)
- Tip 10Experience the incredible stability of the high-speed train; you can walk around freely even at speeds of 300 km/h. (16:18)
That Evan Guy embarks on a journey from Beijing to Xi'an, experiencing China's state-of-the-art high-speed rail system. He's immediately struck by the impressive security and cleanliness of Beijing's West Railway Station, a stark contrast to his experiences with American stations. The G-series train, traveling at over 300 km/h, offers an incredibly smooth and quiet ride, making Amtrak feel like a relic of the past. The sheer scale of the stations, the efficiency, and the modern amenities, like the business waiting areas and cashless payment systems, leave him in awe. He also touches on the rigorous political system in China, contrasting it with the U.S. system. The video highlights China's rapid technological advancement and infrastructure development, leaving the traveler to ponder why such progress hasn't been mirrored in the United States.
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That Evan Guy's journey begins with an awe-inspiring introduction to Beijing's West Railway Station, a facility built in 1996 but remarkably modern and efficient, far surpassing his expectations and contrasting sharply with the often neglected state of American train stations. He notes the ubiquitous security, with cameras everywhere, contributing to a sense of order and safety. The sheer scale of the station, with its multiple vast waiting rooms, is overwhelming, even on a seemingly less busy Monday. The experience of navigating the station is made seamless by clear signage in both Chinese and English, and the prevalence of cashless transactions, where using cash is met with surprise.
Boarding the G-series high-speed train, That Evan Guy is immediately impressed by its sleek, airplane-like interior. He highlights the exceptional legroom in second class, describing it as more comfortable than any airplane seat he's experienced. The ride itself is astonishingly smooth and quiet, even at speeds exceeding 300 km/h, with no perceptible shaking. This level of comfort and advanced engineering leads him to reflect on the significant infrastructure development in China over the past few decades, contrasting it with the perceived stagnation in the United States.
He shares his observations on the Chinese political system, noting the emphasis on education and meritocracy for advancement, which he contrasts with the celebrity-driven politics he sees in the U.S. This reflection adds a layer of socio-political commentary to his travelogue. The dining options, while not in a dedicated area, are accessible, with various restaurants available within the station complex. He tries a unique Chinese hamburger, finding its flavor novel and enjoyable. The journey continues with breathtaking views of the Chinese countryside whizzing by, further emphasizing the train's speed and stability. The traveler expresses a strong sentiment that the U.S. could learn from and emulate China's commitment to advanced public transportation, questioning the allocation of tax dollars and the lack of similar infrastructure development back home. The video concludes with a glimpse of another magnificent, traditionally styled train station, reinforcing the theme of China's impressive modernization.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the security like at the train station?
- A: Security is unbeatable, with cameras everywhere, making you feel very safe and ensuring order is maintained.
- Q: How does the Beijing train station compare to stations in the U.S.?
- A: It's much more modern, efficient, and cleaner than most U.S. stations, even though it was built in 1996.
- Q: What was the train ticket price?
- A: The ticket cost around $85, purchased through Trip.com.
- Q: What are the waiting areas like?
- A: There are multiple, enormous waiting rooms, including a fancy business waiting area, and they are surprisingly busy.
- Q: Is it possible to pay with cash?
- A: It's very difficult to use cash; people primarily use their cell phones for all transactions as it's a cashless society.
- Q: What was the high-speed train experience like?
- A: It was amazing! The second-class seats had incredible legroom, and the ride at over 300 km/h was super smooth and quiet, like gliding on air.
- Q: What did you think of the train bathrooms?
- A: The toilets themselves are a bit unconventional and require flexibility, but the sinks and mirrors are great. Overall, a low score for the toilet, but high for the hand-washing area.
- Q: What was the most surprising aspect of the train journey?
- A: The sheer speed and smoothness of the train, even at 300 km/h, with no shaking. It felt like something out of a movie.
