| My husband and I recently took the train from Shanghai to Beijing. It was our first time in China, and our first experience with Chinese trains. It was extremely clean (even the WC wasn't too bad). The entire train is quite luxurious. The compartments are small but really nice with soft warm quilts, and although the compartment sleeps four, if you book lower bunks, and the train is not too crowded chances are you won't have any company on the upper bunks. Our Chinese friend purchased the tickets for us, and we had the compartment to ourselves. The nice thing is there is a locking door, so you can lock it while you are sleeping, or have it locked for you while you go to the dining car. It's not totally private, though. Be aware that the attendants have the keys to the compartments, so chances are you might be interrupted at any time. For instance, someone came in to our compartment during the night to retrieve a quilt from an upper bunk. But we thoroughly enjoyed this mode of travel. It was very comfortable. We even slept well, and the food in the dining car was very good. For the price, you can't beat the train, and it saved the price of a hotel for one night.
I understand the Shanghai to Beijing train does not have compartments with only 2 bunks, but these can be had on the Kowloon to Beijing train, and they come complete with private toilet. Am I correct? |
Train from Beijing to Shanghai