Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Book train tickets via China Highlights, Travel China Guide, or Trip.com. Trip.com offers easy timetable checks, price comparisons, and booking options, even with advance seat reservations. They also provide a full refund if plans change. (0:36)
- Tip 2Use Airalo e-SIM for convenient data access in China, bypassing the Great Firewall. It's cost-effective and allows access to Google, WhatsApp, and other apps. (10:05)
- Tip 3Use Astrill VPN for reliable internet access in hotels and public Wi-Fi spots in China. It provides access to Google, Facebook, and other blocked sites. (11:59)
- Tip 4Download a free PDF guide with hotel information, attractions, and tips for your China trip. The link is in the video description. (13:33)
- Tip 5Download a free PDF guide including hotels, attractions, and theme parks visited during the China trip. The link is in the video description. (28:29)
- Tip 6Use Trip.com for booking train tickets, hotels, and flights in China. It is user-friendly and offers competitive prices, including internal flights. (47:28)
Travelshorts takes you on an unforgettable journey through China's extensive high-speed rail network! This comprehensive guide explores the nuances of each class – from budget-friendly second class to luxurious business class and the unique experience of sleeper trains. Learn how to book tickets with ease using Trip.com, discover hidden amenities, and witness the stunning landscapes whizzing by. Prepare to be amazed by the efficiency and comfort of China's train system!
More about the current video:( 19 / 19 )

This China Train Guide video by Travelshorts offers an in-depth look at the various classes of train travel available on China's high-speed rail network. Travelshorts begins by explaining the most convenient way to book tickets, recommending Trip.com for its ease of use and full refund policy. The video then takes viewers on a journey through different classes, starting with second class from Beijing to Xi'an. Detailed descriptions and visuals showcase the seating arrangements, amenities (including surprisingly spacious bathrooms and hot water dispensers), and even the onboard food options.
The experience in second class is described as comfortable and roomy, despite the three-and-two seating configuration. Travelshorts highlights practical tips like using USB ports for charging and storing luggage effectively. The video also touches upon the use of QR codes for ordering food, although this proved somewhat unreliable during the journey. The constant Tannoy announcements are mentioned as a potential minor inconvenience.
Next, Travelshorts upgrades to first class on a journey from Chengdu to Leshan. The improved seating arrangement (two-and-two) and complimentary drinks and snacks are highlighted. The video demonstrates the ease of booking tickets through Trip.com, mentioning the cost-effectiveness and convenience of the service. The first-class experience is described as more spacious and comfortable than second class.
The journey continues with a luxurious business class experience from Chengdu to Guilin. This segment showcases the exclusive access to business class lounges at train stations, offering complimentary refreshments and expedited security. Onboard, Travelshorts details the premium amenities, including a fully reclining bed, entertainment system, and in-flight meal service. The video even includes a detailed tour of the business class lounge and the onboard amenities, emphasizing the high level of comfort and service. The journey highlights the ease of access to the business class section and the luxurious experience it provides. However, Travelshorts mentions the higher cost and the difficulties faced in booking tickets directly to Guilin, resulting in an extended journey to Guangzhou.
The video then transitions to the unique experience of a sleeper train from Xi'an to Shanghai. Travelshorts demonstrates the process of boarding, navigating the train, and settling into a four-berth soft sleeper cabin. The video provides a thorough tour of the cabin, showcasing its features, including storage space, USB ports, and even a blind for privacy. The video also shows the shared bathroom facilities, including both Western and Asian-style toilets. Travelshorts shares their experience of a comfortable night's sleep, despite the lack of en-suite facilities. The video also shows a tour of the train's common areas, including the water dispenser, restrooms, and crew quarters.
Finally, the video concludes with a look at premier class, albeit a somewhat unplanned one, on a short journey from Yangshuo to Guilin. The segment highlights a minor booking mishap where Travelshorts was initially assigned to a second-class carriage instead of premier class. However, they eventually locate the premier class compartment, offering a glimpse of its exclusive seating arrangement before their arrival at the destination. Throughout the video, Travelshorts provides valuable insights into the practicalities of train travel in China, offering tips on booking, navigating stations, and managing expectations for different classes of service. The video concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to like, subscribe, and check out more content from Travelshorts' epic China trip.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How can I easily book train tickets in China?
- A: I recommend using Trip.com; it's easy to use, shows timetables and prices, and you can even get a full refund if your plans change.
- Q: What's the best way to get data on my phone in China?
- A: I use Airalo, an e-SIM that works on iPhone and Android. It bypasses the Great Firewall, so you can use Google, WhatsApp, etc.
- Q: What's the best class of train to travel in?
- A: It depends on your budget. Second class is surprisingly spacious and comfortable. First class is more private, and business class is luxurious with a reclining bed and meal service.
- Q: What's it like traveling on a sleeper train?
- A: It's cozy, a bit like a private cabin. We had a soft sleeper with four beds and our own door. It's a great way to save on hotel costs!
- Q: What was the food like on the trains?
- A: The food on the business class train was okay, nothing special. I had curry pork with rice, which was a bit like airline food. Matthew and Holly had Kung Pow chicken, which they didn't enjoy as much.