Taking the train in China is an experience not to be missed. You can meet people from all over the country, and the views out of the traim windows are unavailable in any otyer form of travel.
The city has five railway stations, with lines running to almost all provincial capitals, and to all China's major cities. There are four kinds of seats available-soft berths, hard berths, soft seats and hard seats. If you are headed for any destination which has a travel time of over 6 hours. You should definitely try to get a soft seat car. Any trips over 12 hours and a hard or soft sleeper is a must. Soft sleepers are more comfortable, but offer a more isolated (some would say private) train experience.most over-night trains have dining cars. And if you really can't find a seat or bunk anywhere, you can usually pay a small amount to spend the night in the dining car. It is a good idea to bring your own food. Instant noodles, fruit and sausages are what most people bring. Hot water is available on board.
Beijing's West Railway Station is Asia's largest rail terminal and is very modern and well-equipped.
For any information call 65129525(Beijing Railway Station,Chinese language only), or 63216253(Beijing West Railway Station, Chinese language only).
It is more convenient to have the hotel travel service or front desk buy you a train ticket (for a small service charge ) as it can sometimes be confusing and time-consuming to book by yourself.Beijing Railway Station and Beijing West Railway Station have a special counter selling tickets to foreigners and overseas Chinese. Tickets can be purchased up to six days in advance.
It is necessary to show your passport ID when booking or buying tickets.
By dialing 65634672(Chinese only )from 18:00 to 21:00 four days before your departure date, you can book your ticket by phone for any train leaving the old Beijing, the best bet is to have your hotel send a shuttle bus to have your hotel send a shuttle bus to come and get you. The other option is to take a taxi. But don't go with the guys who come up to you and say "hello,taxi?" they are people with private cars and there is on guarantee as to how much they will charge or whether you will get to you intended destination. The way to go is out the front door to the taxi line. There is usually a bit of a long line, but it moves fairly quickly as there are more than enough taxis waiting there at all times of the day. These drivers are rdliable and will charge according to the meter. Remembering. You can pick up your tickets at five venues, qianmen Ticket Booking Office (Add:Northwest of Xizhimen Subway Station );Fuchengmen Ticket Booking Office(Add:south of the Fuchengmen Overpass);Xidan Ticket Booking Office(Add:Xidan Department Store);south of the front gate of the people's University. The opening times for the pick-up bureaus are 9:00 am to 11:00am to have a Chinese version of the address you are going to. The other and probably cheapest option is for those who are fairly familiar with the city. There are two airport buslines that leave every 30 minutes and only cost 16 yuan.