Beijing to Xi'an Sleeper Train

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It was with much apprehension that we fort our way onto the T43 bound for Xi'an. Which of the people and their belongings would we be confined in a small cabin with for the 12 hour journey? We tried to get lower bunks as we had been warned about the lack of space and possible theft that goes on with the top bunks but as we had practically purchased the last available ­­­­­­­­­soft beds on the train we weren't complaining. It was a triple relief when the cabin was clean with bedding, there was plenty of storage for the rucksacks up top and most importantly two well presented people - a businessman and a student entered the cabin.

Overall the sleeper train was quite a pleasant experience and fairly uneventful. Never heard a peep from the student but the businessman acted as if he was the only one in the cabin. Switching lights on/off, playing a movie for all to hear, slurping his noodles with extreme sounds effects, clearing his throat followed by the inevitable spitting afterwards. His piece de resistance came once he decided to go to sleep and snored so loudly that despite ear plugs (quickly located by Claire), you could still make him out over the rumble of the train as it made its way through the night towards Xi'an.

The train toilets are also something that require a strong stomach, a nose plug and an incredible sense of balance only thought possible in the Karate Kid movies! and with the flickering light too the whole experience would unravel in a kind of visually memorable strobe effect. We arrived bang on time and joined the sea of people pushing their way out of the railway station. On reflection we wondered how the experience might have been different had we travelled either on the hard sleeper (ultra thin mattress) with 6 people (2 triple bunks) to a cabin or even better still the hard seat only option for the very poor people. Perhaps we might consider these options for our next sleeper as we adjust to life without the usual western comforts.....

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Comments

[Lee]

going soon
hi there, me and my girlfriend are planning on going to china next year traveling and looking into the over night train from beijing to xi'an. is it really that mental with the stampedes?? i knew its busy but not like that. any tips on what train station to use and the price of it all?? thanks

[AndyNClaire]

Station Info
Hi Lee, No to be fair it wasn't that bad (especially after travelling through the streets of Hanoi later onour trip!). Glad we didn't go third class though. I think second class is ok if you don't mind harder beds and more people. I believe we departed from Beijing West station (not sure Bejing East goes to Xi'an). The transport in the parts of Chine we travelled were altogether very good. Happy Travelling. Cheers Andy