Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Use the Didi app for affordable and efficient taxi services in China, especially for longer distances. (0:20)
- Tip 2Book train tickets via Trip.com for convenience, as they go on sale close to the travel date and the service automatically books them for you. (3:16)
- Tip 3China's high-speed trains use a passport-integrated ticketing system; your passport is scanned at the gate, eliminating the need for physical tickets. (4:28)
- Tip 4Allow ample time for security checks at large train stations, as they are similar to airport procedures. (6:26)
- Tip 5Second-class seats on bullet trains offer comfortable legroom and space for luggage, with options to slightly recline. (10:38)
- Tip 6Lever on the armrest allows for slight seat recline for added comfort during the journey. (11:14)
- Tip 7There is ample storage space for large suitcases both overhead and in dedicated compartments on the train. (14:04)
- Tip 8Consider booking the fastest G-series trains for the most efficient travel between major Chinese cities. (15:40)
- Tip 9Finding vegan snacks can be challenging; be prepared with your own or look for specific vegan-friendly options. (21:17)
- Tip 10Utilize the QR code on your armrest to order food from various vendors for delivery directly to your seat. (23:19)
- Tip 11The bullet train offers a smooth, comfortable, and efficient travel experience, often preferable to flying for domestic journeys. (26:40)
- Tip 12Your passport is required for exiting the train station, similar to the entry process. (29:07)
Jess and Jay experience the marvel of China's high-speed bullet train, traveling from Shanghai to Beijing in impressive comfort and speed. They share practical travel tips, like using the Didi app for local transport and Trip.com for booking train tickets seamlessly. A standout feature is the passport-integrated ticketing system, eliminating the need for physical tickets and simplifying the boarding process. The journey itself is a testament to modern engineering, with spacious second-class seats, ample legroom, and a remarkably smooth ride even at high speeds. They also touch upon the convenience of onboard amenities and the surprising ease of ordering food directly to their seats. This bullet train adventure offers a comfortable and efficient way to cover vast distances in China.
More about the current video:( 7 / 7 )
Jess and Jay embark on an exciting journey from Shanghai to Beijing aboard China's high-speed bullet train, a trip that covers 750 miles in just over four hours. Their adventure begins with a taxi ride from their stay at the Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai to the bustling Hongqiao Railway Station. They share practical tips, recommending the Didi app for affordable and efficient taxi services within China, noting its effectiveness over integrated payment apps for this purpose. Booking train tickets through Trip.com is highlighted as a convenient method, especially since tickets often go on sale close to the travel date. Trip.com allows users to select trains in advance and books them automatically when they become available, saving the hassle of being online at the exact moment of sale.
A unique aspect of China's high-speed rail system they discovered is the passport-integrated ticketing. Instead of physical or digital tickets, passenger information is linked directly to their passports, which are then scanned at the gates for entry and boarding. This system, while initially surprising, is found to be incredibly efficient and straightforward, even in the massive Hongqiao station. They describe the station itself as being the size of an airport, emphasizing its vastness and the need for clear signage, which they found to be well-provided.
Upon boarding their second-class seats on the G12 train, Jess and Jay note the configuration of three seats on one side and two on the other. While they didn't get a two-seat arrangement, they found the legroom to be ample, with plenty of space for luggage both overhead and in dedicated compartments. They also observed the seats could be slightly reclined using a lever on the armrest, offering a comfortable ride. The train's journey is described as remarkably smooth, even at speeds reaching up to 350 km/h (217 mph), making it a preferable alternative to flying. They also highlight the availability of food and drink options, including a system where passengers can order from stations like Subway and KFC via QR codes on their armrests for delivery directly to their seats.
During the journey, they share their experience with train snacks, noting the challenges of finding vegan options, a common issue they encountered. Their train picnic consisted of Lays chips, Oreos, bananas, pistachios, and biscuits, reflecting their dietary preferences. They also point out the onboard amenities, such as hand wash stations and toilets, and the entertainment options like TVs showing sports matches. The efficiency and comfort of the bullet train experience are consistently praised, with the journey feeling quick despite its length. Arriving precisely on time in Beijing, they express excitement for their next destination and the continuation of their China tour, noting the noticeable drop in temperature upon arrival.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the booking process for the train tickets?
- A: We booked our train tickets through Trip.com. They go on sale close to the travel date, but Trip.com allows you to select your train in advance and books it automatically when available, which is super helpful.
- Q: How does ticketing work on China's bullet trains?
- A: It's really cool! You don't need physical or digital tickets. Your passport details are linked to the ticket when you book, and you just scan your passport at the gate to get through.
- Q: What is the second-class seating like on the bullet train?
- A: The seats are quite upright but comfortable, with good legroom. The configuration is three seats on one side and two on the other. You can also recline them slightly using a lever.
- Q: Is there food available on the train?
- A: Yes, you can order food like from Subway or KFC via a QR code on your armrest. Stewards bring the takeaway orders directly to your seat. We also brought our own vegan snacks.
- Q: How was the overall experience of the bullet train?
- A: It was amazing! The train is incredibly fast, smooth, and comfortable, much better than flying. The journey felt quick, and the efficiency of the system, from boarding to arrival, was impressive.
- Q: What was the temperature like in Beijing upon arrival?
- A: It felt noticeably colder than Shanghai. We estimated it was about 10 degrees Celsius cooler, definitely jacket weather!
