Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Chinese people are incredibly friendly and always ready to help if you look like you're struggling. (0:06)
- Tip 2Previous sleeper trains in China have been comfy and fairly spacious with food available, setting high expectations. (2:36)
- Tip 3Utilize translation apps or phrases for communication, as many locals are helpful and patient with language barriers. (3:37)
- Tip 4Be prepared for thorough security checks at train stations, which can be time-consuming with a lot of luggage. (4:13)
- Tip 5Passports are crucial for boarding trains in China; tickets are often linked to your ID for a seamless process. (5:40)
- Tip 6Train stations are large complexes with numerous restaurants and shops, offering opportunities to get food before your journey. (5:52)
- Tip 7Using your passport for boarding significantly speeds up the process, making it more convenient than traditional tickets. (10:16)
- Tip 8Chinese McDonald's offers unique menu items and is a convenient, affordable option for a quick meal during travel. (11:38)
- Tip 9Hard sleeper berths are a cost-effective option for long journeys in China, offering good value for money compared to soft sleepers. (16:06)
- Tip 10Utilize the available luggage storage space, even if it requires some effort to place bags securely. (20:24)
- Tip 11Remember to remove shoes before getting on the sleeping berths to adhere to onboard etiquette. (23:01)
- Tip 12Check food service times in advance, as dining cars may close earlier than expected, as experienced on this journey. (29:59)
- Tip 13Older trains may have more staff, potentially for training purposes, contributing to a highly supervised journey. (31:35)
- Tip 14Chinese trains prioritize health and safety with frequent checks by staff, even on older models. (35:06)
- Tip 15Some trains now feature mobile food carts selling snacks and drinks, adding convenience to long journeys. (41:49)
- Tip 16While older trains might be smaller, they offer excellent value for long-distance travel, making them a viable option. (42:21)
- Tip 17Chinese trains are remarkably punctual, often arriving early, a stark contrast to typical UK train services. (43:16)
- Tip 18Arriving at a reasonable hour after a night train allows for rest and a more relaxed start to exploring a new city. (44:04)
Join the Two Drifters as they experience China's incredible infrastructure firsthand on a 20-hour sleeper train journey from Shanghai to Guangi. Witness the impressive scale of Chinese train stations, the convenience of passport-based boarding, and the unique charm of both modern and older sleeper train models. Discover delicious onboard dining, encounter helpful locals, and marvel at the efficiency of China's rail system, all while exploring the stunning landscapes along the way.
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The Two Drifters embark on an extensive journey across China, starting with their departure from Shanghai on an overnight sleeper train to Guangi. The video highlights the impressive scale and efficiency of China's railway infrastructure, beginning with the massive, albeit oddly located, Sanjian train station. Navigating the station proved a bit of a challenge, with initial confusion about entry points and ticket collection, but the friendly nature of the locals and helpful staff eventually smoothed the process. They note the convenience of using passports for boarding, a system they wish was implemented in the UK.
Onboard, the experience shifts from the modern, room-like compartments of previous journeys to a more traditional, open-plan hard sleeper carriage. While acknowledging it's an older model, they find it comfortable enough for the 20-hour journey, especially given the reasonable price of 400 yuan. The video details the snug sleeping arrangements, the surprisingly good quality of McDonald's purchased for the journey, and the unique atmosphere of the train, which remains lively even late into the night. They also experience the onboard dining car, praising the quality and affordability of the food, which is cooked fresh on the train.
The journey is punctuated by observations about the differences between older and newer trains, the presence of robots for cleaning and security, and the sheer length of the train. Despite the occasional discomforts, like noise from other passengers and the compact sleeping quarters, the Two Drifters appreciate the authentic travel experience. The video concludes with their arrival in Guiling, marveling at the scenic mountainous landscape, and reflecting on the efficiency of Chinese trains compared to those in the UK, especially noting the early arrival.
Throughout the trip, the travelers emphasize the helpfulness of the Chinese people and the unique cultural aspects encountered, from navigating busy stations to enjoying local cuisine. The journey, while long, is presented as a quintessential Chinese travel experience, showcasing the country's vastness and its remarkable transportation network.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the difference between the hard and soft sleeper beds?
- A: The hard sleeper had six people in an open carriage, while the soft sleeper had four people in a more private compartment. While the hard sleeper was less comfortable, it was significantly cheaper and still decent for the journey.
- Q: Was the food on the train good?
- A: Yes, the food was surprisingly good and cooked fresh on the train. We had stir-fried beef with green pepper and rice, which was delicious and reasonably priced.
- Q: How punctual are Chinese trains?
- A: Chinese trains are incredibly punctual, often arriving early. This journey arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule, which is much better than UK trains which are often late.
- Q: What was the most surprising thing about the train journey?
- A: The sheer scale of the train stations and the efficiency of the passport boarding system were impressive. Also, the presence of robots cleaning the station floors was quite fascinating.
- Q: Would you recommend the older hard sleeper trains?
- A: For the price and distance, they are a good value. However, if you're sensitive to noise or prefer more comfort, opting for a soft sleeper on an older train or choosing a newer train model might be better.
