34-Hour Train Journey: Chongqing to Ürümqi

34 Hours on China's LOWEST CLASS Train 🇨🇳 (STANDING TICKET to Xinjiang)

Destination:ChinaProvince:XinjiangCity:Urumqi
34 Hours on China's LOWEST CLASS Train 🇨🇳 (STANDING TICKET to Xinjiang)
Jack Aynsley Travel2024-05-3158 min

Join us on an unforgettable journey as we embark on the 34-hour standing train journey across China. We start as always by collecting a coffee and snack before heading down Chongqing station to our train. Trouble strikes early as we are faced with difficult train guards who move us to temporary seats, again and again. We sit in amongst the busiest train of our lives, making new friends, interacting with Chinese Police questioning our motives and more. We keep things light hearted with a European picnic and some fine wines before dancing on the platform before bed, and by bed we mean more chair. Waking up groggy to face the harsh reality of another 10 hours, we begin our countdown but not without unexpected issues. During the night our train ran out of drinking water, leaving us dehydrated and being assisted by the police. After what feels like forever we arrive in Ürümqi in the Xinjiang province victorious. The end of the line marks the beginning of our new adventure.

--- Jack Aynsley Travel
May 31, 2024, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Trailer
  2. 00:36Arriving at Chongqing Railway Station
  3. 04:06Boarding the 34 Hour Train
  4. 11:30Being Kicked Out by Train Guards
  5. 18:28Designated Temporarily Seats
  6. 19:50Moved... Again
  7. 26:10The Great Railroad Picnic
  8. 31:19Exploring The Trains Facilities
  9. 34:10Becoming The Brewmasters
  10. 37:43Fighting to Leave the Train
  11. 43:42Getting Ready for A Cosy Night
  12. 47:54Waking up with 10 Hours Still to Go
  13. 51:55Our Train Ran Out of Water
  14. 55:29Finally Arriving in Ürümqi

Jack and Paige's 34-hour, standing-room-only train ride across China was unforgettable! From chaotic train guards to heartwarming local interactions, their journey to Xinjiang's Ürümqi was an authentic adventure.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Be prepared for unexpected challenges when traveling on lower-class trains in China. Having a backup plan is essential. (1:17)
  2. Tip 2Understanding basic communication, even with translation apps, can significantly improve interactions with locals and authorities. (15:32)
  3. Tip 3Pack snacks and drinks, especially if traveling long distances, as availability on the train might be limited. (26:25)
  4. Tip 4Consider bringing entertainment to pass the time, especially on overnight journeys. (35:14)
  5. Tip 5Engage with fellow passengers; you might receive valuable tips and insights about your destination. (44:46)
  6. Tip 6Always carry extra water, especially during hot weather, as train services may be unreliable. (51:58)

Jack and Paige, a British couple, documented their 34-hour journey on China's lowest class train, a truly unforgettable experience. From navigating challenging train guards in Chongqing to unexpected police interactions and a memorable European picnic, their adventure was filled with unique moments. Despite the hardships of a standing ticket, they interacted with locals, highlighting the authentic side of Chinese train travel. The final destination, Ürümqi in Xinjiang province, marked not just an end, but a beginning of a new adventure.

More about the current video:( 7 / 33 )

34 Hours on China's LOWEST CLASS Train 🇨🇳 (STANDING TICKET to Xinjiang)

Jack Aynsley Travel and Paige embarked on an extraordinary 34-hour journey aboard China's lowest class train, a standing-ticket experience from Chongqing to Ürümqi, Xinjiang. The video vividly portrays their unique challenges and unexpected encounters.

Initially, they secured coffee and breakfast before boarding, only to face immediate difficulties with train guards repeatedly relocating them. Despite the constant disruptions, they maintained a lighthearted spirit, sharing snacks and wine with fellow passengers.

Their journey wasn't without its share of surprises. The train unexpectedly ran out of drinking water, leading to a dehydrated situation resolved with the assistance of the police. Interactions with Chinese police, questioning their motives, added an element of intrigue to the journey.

Throughout the trip, Jack and Paige engaged with fellow passengers, sharing moments of camaraderie and cultural exchange. The video showcases the everyday lives of Chinese commuters relying on this train, offering a glimpse into their routines. The couple's European picnic, complete with cheese, ham, and crisps, provided a stark contrast to the surroundings, adding a touch of humor and cultural juxtaposition.

The long hours were punctuated by unexpected stops, where they briefly enjoyed fresh air and even a spontaneous dance on the platform. The video captures the unique challenges and rewards of this unusual mode of transport, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of Jack and Paige. The diverse landscapes and rural scenes passing by the train window are also showcased. The final arrival in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, marks the culmination of their incredible journey, a testament to their adventurous spirit and a promise of further exploration in the culturally rich Xinjiang province.

The video's unique details, personal insights, and emotional moments make it a compelling narrative, showcasing the unexpected joys and challenges of an unconventional travel experience across China. The vibrant descriptions of local interactions, surprising discoveries, and authentic experiences elevate the video beyond a typical travelogue.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most challenging aspect of the trip?
A: Definitely the lack of a seat and being constantly moved by the train guards. It was exhausting!
Q: What was the food like?
A: We mostly ate instant noodles, but we also had a European picnic with cheese and ham, which was a nice treat!
Q: What was the most surprising thing that happened?
A: Probably running out of water on the train and having to ask the police for help. That was unexpected!
Q: What advice would you give to others considering this journey?
A: Be prepared for anything! Bring snacks, water, and entertainment. Also, try to learn some basic Mandarin phrases.
Q: What was your impression of the people you met on the train?
A: Most people were really nice and friendly, even though the train was incredibly crowded.

34-Hour Train Journey: Chongqing to Ürümqi

Jack's epic 34-hour train ride across China from Chongqing to Ürümqi was full of unexpected twists, new friends, and a surprising lack of water!

China Train Journey: 34-Hour Standing Ticket Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 34-hour train journey across China, starting from Chongqing Railway Station. The trip is filled with unexpected challenges, from encounters with strict train guards to navigating the busiest train imaginable. The travelers make new friends, share a European picnic, and even dance on the train platform. Despite a night with limited water and a long countdown to arrival, they reach Ürümqi in Xinjiang province, ready for their next adventure. This is a story of resilience, unexpected encounters, and the spirit of adventure.