Travel Stories

This Section is for contributing your vacation stories. Share interesting things you experienced while on vacation. People you met, things that happened, things you saw. Share the that perfect moment you felt completely relaxed. Share funny things that happened or mishaps while you were on the road.

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China

Experiencing China by Train

You may think you know China very well. You may have even lived in China for a few years. But nothing beats that myth down better than traveling by train through this amazing country that holds one third of the world’s population.

I should know. I have spent over three years living in China as an English teacher, and I learned that the best way to travel through China is by train. By train you can imbue the countryside, and experience a China that is very different from its cities. You won’t get this if you take a plane.
China’s trains are among the busiest in the world, and every single city of this country is linked to it. Within, there is a social hub unlike any other. Fellow Chinese passengers will share stories and offer advice if you tell them where you are going--especially those whom you find yourself sharing a cabin with.

This is how Chinese trains are designed. Generally, the aisle is on one side of the train car. The aisle opens to compartments or cabins on the other side. Some cabins have six beds or berths (three on each side), these are the 2nd class cabins. The remainder of the cabins have four berths (two on each side) and are 1st class cabins.
Personally, I prefer traveling 2nd class not only because it is cheaper, but also because in this way I have more cabin members to acquaint myself with, and more stories to hear. The heart of Chinais, after all, the Chinese.

In the 2nd class cabin, the most expensive berth is the one on the bottom. By day, the bottom bunk also transforms to a common seat, which is why I never take the bottom. I treasure my moments of privacy, and by staying in an upper bunk I have the choice when I want to hear stories, and when I simply want to be alone with my thoughts.

For me, the middle bunk is best. It is less difficult to climb into than the top bunk, and you are not disturbed by those sitting on the lower bunk, nor by passersby. The cheapest bunk is on top. It is also the smallest, and if you are allergic to people, it would be the best for you. No one will climb that far up to tell you their tales.

Bring Your Stash

You will want to have some stuff ready when you travel by train. I would recommend a bottle of water, some snacks, and instant noodles—enough for the length of your trip.

The trains will supply hot water for your noodles and during meal times you will hear a symphony of slurping. Join in. Vendors with rolling carts will offer additional snacks. It becomes part of the song.

Here is the best thing about train travel in China. Imagine finding yourself lost somewhere in the center of the earth (for at one time, China did consider itself to be located at the earth’s center), lost amid 1/3 of the world’s population. Disaster. That will never happen if you travel by train in China.

This is because at the start of your trip, a ticket collector will give you a token in exchange for your ticket. And when you are nearing your destination, don’t worry about being forgetful--the ticket collector will inform you as she returns your ticket to you.

I have never felt unsafe during train travel in China. I love the crazy ambience, the oversized blankets they give you, the sound of slurping, the interaction that would have otherwise been missed if I didn’t take the train. Ride it. You can buy tickets from elong.com, from any local travel agent, or directly at the train station.

Lyndsey writes for briefcases, a website that offers luxury briefcases direct from the manufacturer. Lyndsey currently lives in Kolkata, India where she is studying the Bengali language and learning to cook Indian food.
Contributed by Lyndsey Bibble

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