Urumqi to Beijing

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Distances in West-China are huge. So transport is often overnight. From Kashgar to Urumqi a fast (22h) connection is by sleeper bus. I haven't seen this kind of bus before. It contains three rows of bunk beds. A single bed is not to big, the feet are in a box below the head of the man in front. But it's still a lot more comfortable than a bus seat.
Even nicer is going by train, hard sleeper. This possibility I used from Urumqi to Beijing. You get a good, long enough, clean and quite comfortable bed. And you can really sleep, the train is modern and smoothly supported. For having your instant noodle soup, a cup of tea or a porridge there is hot water onboard. So while the desert was passing outside I enjoyed my time with reading, sleeping, having food and trying to chat with the Chinese family that joined my compartment. All together it's 45h, so I spent two nights on the train.

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Photos

Chinese Railway
On the way through the desert in Xinjiang.

Hard Sleeper
is the name of this luxurious travel categorie. Honestly, I never sleeped so well on a train.

Beijing West Railway Station
It's the biggest I've ever seen. And I think quite beautiful for a railway station.