Travel China by train? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Kwhoop05 · 06-02-2005, 04:41 AM

I'm in Xian teaching English and am getting a little bored here. I'm interested in just taking off and traveling and wanted to see if anyone has any tips for traveling China by train as a girl, by myself...is that just plain dumb, because I think I'm up for it!?

Any tips/suggestions

**voyd** · 06-02-2005, 07:04 AM

I don't think you have to worry about getting assaulted on these trains, moreso just avoiding all the smokers and keep an eye on your luggage.

Xian is kinda out in the middle of nowhere though. Not sure where the closest point of interest is - Shaolin temple in Henan, perhaps?

mjgeo · 06-05-2005, 02:27 AM

I took a train from Beijing to Xi'an in Jan 2003, but with my Sister and Dad. Not sure how we got out of Xi'an though.
I don't think you will have any problems on the train itself or at the station. Just watch your luggage like voyd said. In all the trains we took through China we had nice people sitting next to us, and were never bothered by anyone. So I would say go for it. You shouldn't run into any trouble and if you book a hostel before you leave, they might even pick you up from the station.

If it is a long trip you are up for (like 16 hours), get a basic, low class ticket that provides a bed.

How long will you have off, if you have to return to Xi'an?

Kinda Sorta · 06-20-2005, 07:20 PM

I was just in Xian about 2-3 weeks ago and came there from Chendu and left to Biejing from Xian. I had no problems with the train travel in China and knew a few western females that travel alone throughout the area and had no problems aswell. Chengdu was a good place to go and relax but alot like Xian. If you need any cheap awsome places to stay in Chengdu or Beijing let me know.

**voyd** · 06-21-2005, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kinda Sorta@Jun 20 2005, 08:19 PM
If you need any cheap awsome places to stay in Chengdu or Beijing let me know.

I was thinking about taking a 4-week Chinese course in Beijing, maybe this August semester. They have dorms available, but I'd also consider cheap off-campus housing as well. Watcha got? And are you in Beijing now?

Also, are there any particular Chinese language-teaching schools or courses that you would recommend? I'm semi-fluent orally but fairly illiterate in reading/writing.

travelrob · 06-25-2005, 02:25 AM

I'm in Beijing now until the middle of August teaching tennis at a resort. Anyone come through Beijing, let me know and we will get together for a few drinks.
robnunnery003@yahoo.com

Kinda Sorta · 06-27-2005, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by voyd@Jun 21 2005, 08:14 AM
They have dorms available, but I'd also consider cheap off-campus housing as well.* Watcha got?* And are you in Beijing now?

The place that i stayed at was called Leo Hostel. Great place with awsome staff and a great location. 750m from Tiananmen Sq. in hutongs. 40rmb dorm beds, 180rmb doubles. Has free internet and playstation. It's on Qianmen Da Jie (the road running North-South just south of Tiananmen Sq. Its directly across the street from "1000 shops" (it a big green sign on your right and the hostel is on the left when walking from Tian. Sq. Also check out www.leohostel.com. And no im not in Beijing, just got back to Canada about 2 weeks ago. Hope that helps.