Job Discussion Forums

[aotearoa]

Is it possible to travel from Hong Kong to Chengdu in Sichuan Province via train? I know there's a train that goes from Kowloon Hong Kong to Gaungzhou on the China Mainland, but after I get to Guangzhou can I get to Chengdu via train and if so how could I do it and about how much would it cost? Thanks everyone, you all have been so ABSOLUETLY FANTASTIC with all my questions here, keep up the great amount of knowledge you all have and thanks for sharing with newbies such as me. I can't wait to get to CHINA!!!

[Roger]

Yes, this is definitely a pleasant way of arriving in Sichuan, and one that helps you acclimatise and deal with your jetlag!
You can take a bus from HK for 100 HK dollars to Guangzhou (that's the most expensive part of your journey in terms of dollars per km). Then I usggest you check in at a guesthouse (there is a youth hostel near the train station and one on historic Shamian island some 5 kms to the south). This will set you back 70 RMB or so per person (I assume you will come with your fiancee, so if you take a double room then the cost will be around 250 for the two of you).
Buying a train ticket is an experience in its own right! You have to:
- select a train (number, departure time, day),
- decide whether you want a comfortable or luxurious-qualtity
berth; either you travel in a six-berth, open to the aisle compart/
ment, or it is a 4-berth compartment with a door to the aisle.
I don't think you want to take a seat-only arrangement for such a long trip (about two days). In so-called hard-seat carriages people smoke, spit on the frloor and eat their meals in all this mess. It gets ever more crowded the closer you come to the final destination. Thievery is a common phenomenon!
I don't at the moment know the exact fares, but a hard-sleeper (six-berth, no door compartment) would set one person back around 400 RMB (almost the same amount in HK dollars).
Soft sleeper (4-berths, with door) is double.

There are trains every day, but normally they fill up fast, so you might end up waiting a day or two before you can board one.
Good luck
Roger

[davis]

Also when buying your ticket I would suggest you ask for the bottom bunk. Much easier to get in and out of during the long ride. AlsoI would suggest buying food from the vendors at various stops rather than the unappealing stuff you can puchase on the train. Trains are a great way to go but still tiring. Do not get a seat ticket. Get a hard sleeper unless you can afford a soft sleeper. I saw some soft sleepers with western toilets---much more sanitary than the squatters.

[whitjohn]

A footnote. Hard sleeper bottom bunk from GZ to Kunming runs about RMB450. Bottom bunk cost a few RMB more but is worth it...except everyone wants to sit on your bunk to talk...you can make a lot of friends this way!!