Beijing is an exciting city! Stay updated with our weekend summary of the latest news.
Shift in Travel Preference from Planes to Trains
An increasing number of travelers between Beijing and Shanghai are choosing bullet trains instead of flights, as the country's high-speed rail network proves to be more convenient and efficient than airlines. Last year, over 52 million train journeys were made between the two cities, significantly exceeding the 8.6 million passengers who used air travel.
More than 100 high-speed trains operate daily in both directions between Beijing and Shanghai, whereas airlines only provide around 55 flights each day between the two cities—and with less favorable conditions. The quickest train service completes the 1,300km journey in just over four hours, featuring stable internet, comfortable seating, and plenty of charging options.
This shift in transportation preference has led the China Air Transport Association to warn that high-speed rail is diminishing the air travel market, particularly among affluent customers. In response, various airlines have started to offer lower fares and additional travel benefits or upgraded services to attract customers back.
Travel between Beijing and Shanghai continues to rise, along with the demand for more frequent train services. Airlines are likely to adapt to these changes, suggesting that the competition between these two modes of transport will persist.
China-Vietnam Train Service Resumes
Last week, the international bidirectional train service between Hanoi, Vietnam, and two Chinese cities—Nanning and Beijing—resumed after a five-year halt.
For residents of Beijing, the Z5 train on the Beijing-Hanoi route departs from Beijing West station at 4:05 PM every Thursday and Sunday. After reaching Nanning, passengers transfer to the T8701 train to continue to Hanoi's Gia Lâm station.
On the Hanoi-Beijing route, the MR1 train leaves Gia Lâm station every Tuesday and Friday. After arriving in Nanning, travelers will switch to the Z6 train, which will take them to Beijing West, arriving the next day.
Currently, train tickets are available only for purchase at the ticket windows of designated train stations. Passports are necessary for ticket acquisition, and travelers must prepare paper visas or visa-exemption documents beforehand. Passengers should anticipate customs checks in Pingxiang, China, and Đồng Đăng, Vietnam.
Please verify specific details regarding prices, travel durations, train routes and numbers, schedules, document requirements, or any updates with the relevant train stations or ticket agents.
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Images: Pexels, Unsplash
Beijing is a vibrant city! Stay updated with our weekend summary of the most recent news.
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