China Bullet Train Adventure: Second Class Travel Vlog

I took a second class bullet train in CHINA 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:ChongqingPopulation:32 million
I took a second class bullet train in CHINA 🇨🇳
Arden Yeomans2025-05-1816 min

I took a second class bullet train across China — and it was nothing like I expected. From chaotic boarding to surprisingly comfortable views, this vlog captures the highs, lows, and weird moments of riding China’s iconic high-speed rail system on a budget. No first class, no luxury—just me, a camera, and whatever chaos comes with second class seats.

--- Arden Yeomans
May 18, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Day two in China
  2. 0:37Travel options to Chongqing
  3. 1:077-Eleven and McDonald's
  4. 4:14Choosing the train
  5. 5:30Buying train tickets
  6. 7:04On the bullet train
  7. 10:34Arrival in Chongqing
  8. 12:29Chongqing hotel
  9. 13:03Trying Chinese food

Arden Yeomans' budget-friendly China bullet train ride: chaotic boarding, stunning views, and unexpected cultural moments. An unforgettable journey!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Plan for sufficient snacks and drinks for a long train journey, especially if it's an 8-hour ride. Consider the type of food that travels well and won't spoil easily. (2:27)
  2. Tip 2Apple Maps works better in China if you turn off your VPN. This can be a useful tip for navigation, but remember to turn it back on when needed for other apps. (2:30)
  3. Tip 3Embrace the efficiency of Chinese road crossings. Unlike some cultures, people tend to cross when it's safe, even if the light isn't green. It's a more efficient way to move around. (3:04)
  4. Tip 4Don't panic if you miss a train. Have a backup plan, such as taking a taxi to the airport, especially if it's the last train of the day and the journey is long. (6:01)
  5. Tip 5Explore 24-hour spas in China for a unique cultural experience. This is a popular option and can be a relaxing way to unwind after a long journey. (15:10)

Arden Yeomans' China adventure continues with a thrilling second-class bullet train journey. This isn't your typical luxury travel experience; it's a raw, budget-friendly look at China's iconic high-speed rail. From navigating chaotic boarding to unexpected comfort, Arden shares the unique highs and lows of the journey, offering a glimpse into authentic Chinese culture. Get ready for unexpected discoveries, surprising interactions, and the emotional rollercoaster of a true travel experience.

More about the current video:( 6 / 10 )

I took a second class bullet train in CHINA 🇨🇳

This vlog follows Arden Yeomans' journey across China, starting with an unplanned change of plans from a three-night stay in Guangzhou to a spontaneous trip to Chongqing. The decision to take a second-class bullet train instead of flying is driven by concerns about luggage weight and potential extra baggage fees at the airport.

The journey begins with the usual challenges of navigating a foreign city, including difficulties with maps and the unique experience of Chinese roads where motorbikes share paths with pedestrians. A stop at McDonald's highlights the cultural differences in ordering and customer service.

The trip to the train station is itself an adventure, resembling an airport in size and complexity. Arden's lack of a pre-booked ticket adds to the tension, creating a humorous yet relatable scene of navigating the ticketing system with the help of Google Translate. The eventual success in obtaining a ticket is a relief, setting the stage for the long train journey.

The second-class train experience is described in detail, highlighting the differences between second and first class, the interactions with fellow passengers, and the changing landscapes visible from the train window. The long hours are punctuated by snacks and observations about the train's amenities and the overall journey.

Upon arrival in Chongqing, Arden checks into a surprisingly affordable and comfortable hotel, showcasing the affordability of travel in the city. The vlog concludes with a taste of local cuisine, a discussion of future plans, and a promise of more adventures to come in the following days.

China Bullet Train Adventure: Second Class Travel Vlog

I took a second class bullet train across China — and it was nothing like I expected. From chaotic boarding to surprisingly comfortable views, this vlog captures the highs, lows, and weird moments of riding China’s iconic high-speed rail system on a budget. No first class, no luxury—just me, a...

China Bullet Train Adventure: Second Class Rail Journey

Arden Yeomans' China bullet train adventure wasn't your typical luxury travel experience. This vlog dives into the unexpected realities of second-class train travel across China, from the bustling boarding process to the surprisingly comfortable ride. Get ready for a wild ride filled with both chaos and charm as Arden captures the essence of budget-friendly travel in China.