Train travel in Sichuan

China has an extensive railway network.

Train travel is a good way of seeing the country if you don't want to fly over and miss it. There are some great sights to see in Sichuan from the train.

The train journey from Chongqing to Chengdu (and vice versa) is an enjoyable one.

The trip takes about four hours travelling through beautiful countryside.

You will see mountainous areas, deep ravines, lakes and rivers.

You get to meet interseting local people.

On at least two occasions, I have met young doctors travelling from one city to another. They were going for a conference - there seems to be a lot of interchange of people between Chongqing and Chengdu.

The railway stations and trains are quite modern.

A new railway station has been constructed in Chonngqing.

The railway station in Chengdu is quite modern as well.

The Chongqing Railway Station was built and opened in 2006.

It typifies the modern railway station found in China.

The waiting area is over two levels and is spotlessly clean.

Under the plaza is an arcade of shops.

Also there is a large well controlled taxi rank where you line up for your taxi.

You will find modern trains on the major routes. For example, the train in the following picture is one I travelled on in late 2008 from Chongqing to Chengdu.

The trains are modern and clean but always full of people.

Several trains run between the two cities each day.

If you buy the more expensive soft seat ticket, you will have a reserved seat.

Otherwise it could be a free for all finding a seat.

You may need help booking tickets unless you speak and read Chinese. Unlike the airports, there is very limited English signage at the railway stations in Chongqing and Chengdu.

When I travelled by train:

• a travel agent bought my ticket or
• a Chinese friend went to the station and bought me the ticket

Many young people have a basic understanding of English.

Show your ticket to a person at the station or in the queue. More than likely they will make sure you get on the right train. They are very friendly and helpful.

Railway stations can be very crowded! Train travel is very popular. Be prepared! The queues are long and there is a lot of waiting around.

There are different classes on the train - basically the difference is a soft seat or a hard seat.

I suggest you pay the extra money unless you want to sit on a hard seat for hours on end.

As you can see, the train is quite modern.

It is a comfortable ride bewteen Chongqing and Chengdu. However, the train did not have Western style toilets so be prepared!

Train travel is a great way to get around China.

People chat and play cards. Several Chinese (students and young professionals) were only too willing to talk especially as it meant they could practice their English.