China's $50 1st Class Train: Chengdu to Chongqing Journey

China's $50 1st Class Train: Chengdu to Chongqing 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:ChengduPopulation:16.3 million
China's $50 1st Class Train: Chengdu to Chongqing 🇨🇳
Travel Escapes2026-01-2428 min

I took a high speed train from Chengdu, China to the city of Chongqing. Chinese trains are known for being fast and reliable. Chongqing, China is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of over 30 million people. In this video I show the trip to Chongqing, China and my first impressions after arriving.

--- Travel Escapes
January 24, 2026, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 11:37train entry and boarding
  2. 16:50in-train meal exploration
  3. 21:30hotel arrival and check-in
  4. 27:45local Chongqing crepe tasting
  5. 28:25city walk intro

A Travel Escapes host documents a first-class high-speed train trip from Chengdu to Chongqing, sharing station navigation trials, train impressions, a hotel lay

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Arrive early at the station and give yourself extra time; prepare passport, ticket, and ID checks before security. (0:35)
  2. Tip 2Follow the staff cues and be in the correct line; expect announcements in Chinese and plan to move with the crowd. (4:00)
  3. Tip 3Get an eSIM before you go for reliable data, maps, and payments while abroad in China; use a service with over 200 destinations. (8:20)
  4. Tip 4Use Trip.com for bookings to consolidate itineraries and avoid language frictions with local sites; prepare Alipay and WeChat for easy payments. (12:50)
  5. Tip 5Use Alipay or WeChat to pay taxi fares after confirming the route; show Chinese map or destination to the driver to avoid overcharges. (21:10)

Travel Escapes takes viewers on a brisk first class ride from Chengdu to Chongqing, highlighting how China’s high-speed rail system can be both efficient and chaotic at the station. The host narrates the anxiety of language barriers, the thrill of speed, and the practicalities of navigating crowded stations, security checks, and boarding with a drone in tow. Along the way, he shares candid observations about price points, app ecosystems for rides and payments, and the value of preloaded eSIMs for staying connected in China. The journey includes a practical comparison of ticket classes, a firsthand feel for the sleek train design, and a glimpse into the rural to urban transition as the landscape speeds by. The arrival in Chongqing introduces a new chapter: a Hilton stay, hill-studded streets, and the spicy local food scene. Through it all, the traveler’s humor and curiosity keep the narrative lively, even as he dishes out helpful tips for future travelers about language barriers, taxi h

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China's $50 1st Class Train: Chengdu to Chongqing 🇨🇳

Travel Escapes boards a high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing with a first class ticket, vlogging every step from navigating a language barrier at the station to boarding the sleek train. He recounts the initial ticket problems, security checks, and the scramble to get into the correct carriage, noting the chaos and the calm in contrast. The ride is described as fast and smooth, with a basic yet comfortable seating setup and expansive window views beyond the cities into rural China. He reflects on Chengdu’s panda fame and the hype around Chongqing as a vertical, cyberpunk city with a massive population. Prices are discussed openly, with a first class ticket around 50 dollars in some segments and taxis and DD app rides highlighted for affordability. The train’s speed is compared to driving, showing a swift one-hour journey. The journey also covers practical travel tips: using eSIMs for constant internet, Trip.com for bookings, Alipay and WeChat for payments, and the importance of map apps that work locally. Upon arrival, the host checks into the Hilton Chongqing, tours the hotel amenities, and steps into the local streets, where hills and dense urban life give a distinct Chongqing vibe. He experiments with local street foods, including a Chinese crepe and a spicy hot pot culture, while noting the challenges of communicating in Chinese and negotiating taxi fares. The video ends with a quick city walk and teaser for more Chongqing content, inviting viewers to follow along for the series.

China's $50 1st Class Train: Chengdu to Chongqing Journey

$50 1st Class Train to Chongqing China 🇨🇳 I took a high speed train from Chengdu, China to the city of Chongqing. Chinese trains are known for being fast and reliable. Chongqing, China is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of over 30 million people. In this video I show the...

Chengdu to Chongqing High-Speed Train First Class Experience

Embark on a captivating journey aboard China's $50 1st Class train, traveling from the vibrant city of Chengdu to the sprawling metropolis of Chongqing. Experience the renowned speed and efficiency of Chinese high-speed rail as you traverse the landscape. Discover Chongqing, a city that dwarfs expectations with its immense population, and witness the traveler's initial impressions upon arrival. This video offers a glimpse into the unique travel experience offered by China's impressive transportation network and the allure of its major urban centers.

Attractions in this video: Panda Base, Chongqing River Area, Hot Pot Culture, Train Station Architecture