Posts Tagged Bunk
Travelling in China by Train
It’s fantastic to travel around in China because there are domestic flights, trains and coach routes all over the place. China itself is a huge place and so you will always be able to find something to suit you, there are so many things to discover and so many places to travel to! The transport system is fairly decent especially between the bigger cities, you can find a train from Shenzhen all the way up to Beijing if need be but I can’t say too much about the standard since I don’t have much experience in that department…
When you travel around by train within China, one of the few main things you have to note is the 4-5day ticket system where you can only purchase tickets 4-5days before you leave. And this is why China train tickets can be a pain to get your hands on unless you are staying in a hotel. Having experiencing for myself personally what a local person has to go through just to get their hands on a crappy 18hr train ride on a “hard seater”, it really makes you appreciate the wonderful staff in the hotels!
Another thing about getting a hold of tickets is that you need to remember that peak periods such as National Day and Chinese New Year is not ideal times because that’s when there is mass movement within China. If you want to see any cultural or historical sites during this time, just remember that millions of Chinese people are thinking the same thing. Attempt to go when there’s less chance of Chinese tourists unless you don’t mind having every photo to be a sea of black heads.
Now, when you are travelling around china on the train, you need to prepare yourself a little bit. First of all, the squat toilets (as pre-mentioned in my other post) are back with vengeance! Just imagine what kind of mess you can find in a squat toilet which is used by both male and females on a moving vehicle… Don’t be surprised to find Mr Hankey (refer to southpark) hanging around the shoddy compartment.
The second thing is the types of seats you get, always try and get the sleeper if you are on a long journey or a night train! The seaters are crowded and you might end up with strange people drooling on your shoulder, it’s just best to avoid this if you can. The thing with the sleepers is that they have 6 bunk beds in the little alcove, three on each side. The bunk beds are only for lying down, there is just not enough room to sit on them except the bottom bunk. But if you don’t like other people sitting on your bed then it’s best not to reserve the bottom bunk as it’s common for people to use it as a communal seat. I personally prefer the top bunk so that I can have as much privacy as I can.
Also be aware that the very narrow bunk bed doesn’t really give you much room to manoeuvre around. I had quite a bit of trouble twisting and turning so that I could settle into a comfortable position, even with my small size! But the good thing is that those train bunk beds are VERY comfy, this is especially true if you compare it to the dorm beds which feels like you’re sleeping on the floor.
The next thing to note is the fact that you share the alcove with 5 other people, less if you’re lucky. And if you’re a light sleeper then don’t forget ear plugs!! I’ve been pretty luck during my few trips on a train… There was one occasion where the person on the other side of the wall next to me couldn’t sleep because of some extremely LOUD snores, and every now and then they became so frustrated that they would bang the bed in an attempt to wake the snorer.
I haven’t experienced it myself but I have been advised that there is very little difference between the “hard and soft sleepers” and the “hard and soft seaters”. Having to be unfortunate enough to experience an 18hr night train on a hard seater and a crap train, I would strongly recommend that you at least try to get the window seat because this way you have something to lean against.
There is very limited leg space and you have very limited movement on a “hard seater” as you’ll be surrounded by people across from you and beside you. If you are thinking of taking the aisle seat to have better access to the toilet or to plan your escape, you can forget about it. It’s not uncommon, especially during peak season, that the local Chinese people will purchase “standing tickets” and they’ll take up your escape route in the aisle. You’ll just have to climb over them if you need to use the toilet.
Overall, I rather quite liked travelling around on the train. I don’t plan on travelling any other way but on the new bullet trains or on a sleeper if I’m travelling long distances though!! The locals are very friendly, especially to foreigners, and they like to offer food or drinks to you frequently (don’t think it strange that they offer at least 3 times). And when you are stuck on a train for such a long period of time, the time passes much more pleasantly when you are having fun practising your broken Mandarin or teaching them some broken English.
Tags: Beijing, Bunk, Bunk Bed, Bunk Beds, China, China Train, Chinese, Flight, Flights, Food, Hotel, Hotels, Tickets, Toilet, Toilets, Tour, Tourist, Train Tickets, Travel, Travel To, Travelling, Trip, TripsRelated posts
Wild Ride to Wuyishan
“A good traveller has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” This quote by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu perfectly sums up a recent trip of mine to Mount Wuyi or Wuyishan in Fujian province. Travelling by train, van and boat together with my husband’s Chinese colleagues, we had such an unforgettable adventure.
Departing from Xiamen, we took the late evening train and arrived in Wuyishan on the south-eastern coast of China the next morning. At the train station, I was struck by the sheer number of travellers (multiply the crowd at KL Sentral by five) and how comfortable the Chinese were eating, drinking, sleeping, squatting or breastfeeding there.
Our motley crew of a grandmother, two men, four women, two young children and a toddler were unprepared for the crowds and the jostling. About two hundred of us were caught in a small corridor when incoming passengers pushed their way (or us) through.
Packed like sardines for 15 minutes, with sweat streaming down our faces and people shouting all around, we felt like singing Born Free when we burst into the open space of the waiting area!
Ticket to ride
The train’s arrival had us scurrying along the platform and onto the train, which, although cramped, was clean.
Two triple-decker bunks, each one measuring about 2.5ft (.7m) wide and 6ft (1.8m) long, flanked each other. Each bunk had a pillow and a quilt. A flask of hot water was to be shared among the six passengers, especially as almost every local person carried a glass or plastic tumbler of Chinese tea.
The conductor came around to collect our ticket stubs, which we surrendered for safe-keeping.
Settling down, our travel companions feasted on popular snacks like preserved chicken feet or duck’s tongue, which I declined. Instead, I ate a steaming hot dumpling or man tou, barbecued pork, chicken floss and various nuts.
Soon, shrieks filled the air as card games went into full force. Vendors touted pickled foods or toys loudly, and one selling mini torches convinced a few of us to part with 15 yuan (RM8) each.
Strategically arranging my toddler and myself on the lowest bunk, we slept way before lights were out at 10pm.
Waking up at 7am, I was urged by grandma to quickly wash before the rest of the passengers woke up. I was fascinated by the people’s lack of self-consciousness as they went about their cleansing rituals in full view of others.
Armed with a toothbrush, toothpaste, a cup and a hand towel each, they meticulously brushed, gargled, hocked, spat, washed and wiped their faces, necks and armpits.
Nobody batted an eyelash either when a granny washed her samfoo suit in the sink as if she was in a little stream back in the countryside.
After this peek into the long-distance travel habits of the average Chinese, I’d think twice about travelling on a train again especially after visiting the common squat toilet.
Climb every mountain
We arrived at the Wuyishan Zhan station at 8.30am and disembarked quickly after getting back our train tickets.
Our tour guide (dao yu) hustled us into hiking gear at the hotel as we had to ascend and descend Wuyishan before sunset.
Wuyi mountain covers an area of 70sq km. Its 36 peaks, most under 600m high, are skirted by a meandering river, Nine Bend Stream. With its landscape of water and hills, Wuyishan is known as south-east China’s most scenic wonder.
Cute and colourful “trains” brought us to the foothill, where rows of litters (bamboo chairs hoisted on men’s shoulders) stood. It costs 250 yuan (RM133) for a lift up the mountain, while a ride downhill costs only 20 yuan (RM11).
The trek up was pleasant in the cool mountain air, past thick, green foliage. Passing by a bridge, we caught a glimpse of the bamboo rafts that would take us downstream later. The simple, handcrafted bamboo rafts had 80s-styled rattan armchairs mounted on them.
We broke our trek at the scholar Zhu Xi’s Memorial Hall, where tourists took snapshots of stone figurines depicting classical Chinese classes in session.
Gasping for breath halfway up the steep stone steps, we stopped in a cavern to enjoy the coolness under the rocks.
By 10.30am, we had reached the plateau and disbanded with half of us staying back to babysit while the other half (with grandma in the lead!) continuing the long and narrow climb up Tianyou Peak.
The rest of us, who paled at the idea of scaling the mountain, trooped gladly to the teahouse, where fresh pots of Chinese tea, green olives, tea eggs and baked sweet potatoes soothed our hunger pangs before lunch.
The kids ran wild and free on the giant expanse of green grass and breathed in sweet mountain air.
An hour later, the climbers returned to regale us with awesome descriptions of the view from the top. I truly admired the 60-year-old Sichuan grandmother’s endurance – her cheeks were flushed but she looked none the worse for the wear, unlike the younger members of the group!
Rough ride on the raft
Bracing ourselves for the raft ride, we walked to the edge of the stream where we were told to firmly hold on to the children’s hands – a young child had once drowned while playing in the crystal clear stream water with koi swimming in it.
This was the starting point of our two-hour raft ride along Nine Bend Stream, 9kms long. Six adults to a raft, we were given flimsy life-jackets, which didn’t fit the children, not to mention our toddler!
Sensing my worry, one of the muscular pole-men assured that the raft excursion was a gentle and enjoyable ride and that both of them were able swimmers.
Taking the biggest risk I’d ever taken in my life, I stepped onto the raft, strapped the life-jacket onto my toddler and ordered him to sit quietly between my legs.
I’ve been on canoes, speed boats, military ships and river cruises down the Seine and gondola rides in Venice, but I swear this raft ride down the peaceful waters of Nine Bend Stream was the most relaxing.
The rattan chairs make you feel as if you’re in your grandmother’s house in the kampung. You sit back and play with the stream water as a gentle breeze caresses your face, and you breathe in pure oxygen from the lush green trees you pass by. What bliss.
Of course, our toddler didn’t sit still and soon wanted to play with the bamboo water gun (5 yuan/RM3). It entertained him for a while until it malfunctioned. His favourite snacks occupied him next, but soon he started to get restless again.
In the end, the pole-men suggested that he paddle in the pool of water collected in between the bamboo poles. Peace reigned again and everyone sat back to relax, snapped photos or took turns being the pole-men. Although the pole-men’s strokes seemed effortless, nobody in our group could mimic their graceful efforts!
Land was soon in sight, and I was relieved to be on solid ground again.
The next day, we missed the visit to the Dahongpao tea plantation as our toddler had a slight fever. We spent the day at a jade factory and a red mushroom retailer where we bought red mushrooms (at 180 yuan/RM95 per kg) known for its aromatic and health properties when boiled.
This wild ride to Wuyishan was certainly a memorable sampling of the scenic sights in southern China.
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Student Guide to Beijing Travel
Before you go to Beijing:
Beijing is a should-see student travel spot. Beijing is a city full of vitality. She is waiting for young students like you to feel and touch. Make travel plans for before you go.
- You need a passport and a tourist visa.
- Find the best airfare to Beijing from student airfare agencies like Student Universe and large travel websites like expedia and travlocity as well.
- Study the major attractions in Beijing and find the favorable sites you like. See”Top 10 Must See Attractions in Beijing”.
- Learn some Chinese simple sentences: Are you going to visit Beijing China? Worried about your inability to speak Chinese ? Please find below the useful information for you:
* It’s better to pick up some simple Chinese phrases before going. How to learn Chinese? You may turn to some websites for help. They offer Chinese learning lessons:
- Learning Useful Chinese Phrases for Travellers
- http://14.travel-way.net/~chinese/index.html
- http://www.ecchinese.com/
- http://www.transparent.com/languagepages/chinese/chinese.htm
- http://www.craigslist.org./
Note: Chinese is a phonic language , very often similar words have different meanings based on pronounciation and different words have similar pronounciation. No pain, no gain!
- You may go to your local bookstore or library and getting some audio tapes for Chinese learning.
- You also try to find a community college or school offering Chinese learning for beginners.
- Each year a huge number of travellers with little knowledge of Chinese language visit or even work in China, actually you will have no big problem at all. You know more and more local Chinese are learning English. And they are pleased to practice with you. No worry! You can find assistance anywhere.
What should you pack for Beijing?
Learn how to pack the basics for Beijing. Winter ( from Dec. to Feb. ), Beijing is cold and dry, sometime coupled by strong winds. Your lips will feel very dry and uncomfortable. Don’t have to take a hat to keep from the wind. You can eaily buy a hat here in Beijing at a good bargain. Take a lipstick to moisten your lips. Beijing has heating system, which is a compulsory measure from the Beijing local government. So it’s quite warm and comfortable in your hotel or any indoor places during your trip. you don’t have to bring a overcoat from home which will be a burden for you for such a long trip. You can get it quite cheaply in Beijing. You may go to Yashow Market or Silk market for your overcoat, or a parka, hat, scarf, gloves, or warm socks. Since the indoor Beijing is quite warm, you suggest you have a fairly heavy overcoat and one thin sweater It’s a bad idea of having two or three sweaters ! Too many sweaters will make you uncomfortable and embarrassed once in a warm room while you have no way to take them off! Sweating inside! So overcoat + thin sweater is a ideal choice. Easily take on and easily take off. Spring and summer is the rain season in Beijing. Bring a very small umbrella and light rain coat or jacket that can be rolled tight for toting in your day pack while touring. The summer in Beijing is very hot! Don’t forget to get your sunglasses. Autumn ( Sept and Oct ) is the best season for sightseeing in Beijing.
See Beijing Weather and Beijing China Travel Tips.
Arriving in Beijing:
When you arrive at the Beijing Capital Airport, you may take a rest and have some coffee at Starbucks or KFC that have the outlets in the international arrival hall. You can exchange your money at the banks in the hall. See Currency Converter. Beijing Capital Airport has two terminals. Most of the international incoming flights land on the terminal two while terminal one is for a few domestic flights. The second floor of terminal two is for arriving flights and the first floor is for outgoing flights. So when you get to Beijing capital airport, you are on the first floor of the terminal two.
To get to the downtown Beijing from the airport, you have two choices – taking shuttle bus or taxi. For shuttle bus, you should go out of the hall and find some coaches waiting outside. There are several lines. Please be sure where you are going and choose the right line. It costs about RMB 20 ( USD 3 ). If you are not quite clear about the distance between your hotel and the bus stop, we suggest you take the shuttle bus to get to the Aviation Building in the downtown, then take a taxi to your hotel. For taking taxi from the airport to the downtown Beijing, you should wait in line for the taxis waiting outside. For taking taxi, please pass through the “black cab drivers” who may follow at your heels. These black taxi whose rates are far above the going fare. Please head straight for the taxi line outside the arrival doors. Make sure they use the meter, and if you notice irregularities, just point it out. Even local residents are sometimes the victims of meters that ominously read RMB100 (until, with the push of a button, the original fare is restored). You will have to pay an extra RMB10 (roughly US$1.4 = RMB10) for the Airport Expressway toll. Once it is learned that a foreign tourist is overcharged RMB 400 from the airport to the downtown area! Normally the ride costs about RMB 150 ( US$20). Most taxi driver speaks little English, maybe, just a few words. So please show your hotel in Chinese. Airport taxis come in RMB2. The flag of the former drops at RMB12 and goes up in RMB2 increments per kilometre after four kilometres. Taxis can be rented for the whole day for 8 hours, and the best way to do this is to bargain directly with the driver. Expect to pay at least RMB350 for the day. Please keep in mind – “a legal taxi’s plaque number starts with the number “B”!
Money Exchange in Beijing:
How and where to exchange your money when you travel to Beijing China ?
Usually you may do money exchange at the banks or ATM machine at the Beijing Capital Airport when you arrive. They make the same deal either you do it at the airport banks or at ATM machine. When you do the money exchange, don’t forget to take your passport. Please keep your receipt. It is vaild for three months! you can use the receipt to exchange your RMB ( Chinese money ) back to your currency when you leave China. When you run out of money, you can also exchange your money at the counter of your hotel in Beijing. Each hotel has the capacity to do the money exchange for you since Bank of China or other banks in China will have their counters at the foreign-related hotels
Where should you stay in Beijing? How much will it cost?
Beijing hostels are the best way to go for budget lodging in Beijing. Ask to see a hostel room before you pay and choose a dorm (several bunks in one room) for the cheapest Beijing lodging. Expect to pay US$ 8 – 15 for a Beijing hostel bunk.
Top 10 Beijing Hostels:
1) Saga International Youth Hostel, Beijing (????????):
Located in the Heart of Beijing central business district within walking distance to Beijing Central Railway Station and Tian’anmen Square. It takes you 10 minutes to walk to our hostel from the airport shuttle bus terminal of Beijing International Hotel. It is a good idea to stay here for the shuttle to the airport for the next day.
Address: 9 Shijia Hutong, Nanxiaojie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Phone: 86-10-65272773
ZIP: 100010
2) Downtown Backpackers, Beijing (????????)
Downtown Backpackers is located in the center of the ancient capital of Yuan dynasty, hence called Downtown. This area is now the very famous protected area of old Chinese, called Hutong – Nanluogu alley. Downtown Backpackers is near the Forbidden grove and just behind Beihai Park.
Address: No.85 Nan Luo Gu Xiang, Dongcheng District Beijing
Phone: 86-10-84002429
3) Beijing Far East Youth Hostel (????????)
Far East International Youth Hostel, as one of the best hostels in Beijing, is located in a preserved and protected Hutong area, typical local residency neighborhood, 10 minutes’ walk away from the alleyways to Tian’anmen Square, Qianmen Business Center and Forbidden City. The well- known Liulichang Cultural Street is only 5 minutes walk. It is in a traditional Chinese courtyard attached to the main building as a comfortable hotel and the courtyard are built in the style of Qing Dynasty.
Address: 113 Tie Shu Jie Xuan Wu District Beijing 100050, China
Phone: 86-10-51958811
4) Beijing Leo Hostel
Leo Hostl is the most central hostel in Beijing, located inside the famous Da Zha Lan hutong market streets, which have over 600 years of history, only 5-10 minutes walk from Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Qianmen bus & subway center. There is no problem taking transportation to anywhere you want to go in Beijing. The Leo Hostel is a traditional Chinese hutong hostel, beautifully decorated with traditional furniture and fittings. As an escape from the busy market streets outside, inside the hostel are several peaceful, green seating areas.
Address: Leo Hostel, Guang Ju Yuan Binguan, 52 Da Zha Lan Xi Jie, Qianmen, Beijing, 100051, China.
Telephone: (86) 10 86608923, (86) 10 63033318
5) Beijing Feiying International Youth Hostel (??????????)
The Beijing Feiying International Youth Hostel is well located in the heart of Beijing. To go there, you take the subway and get off at the Changchunjie stop through Exit C, then you will see the McDonald’s on your right. Just walk 150-metres east and turn right, you will see the hostel. From the Feiying hostel, you take a 5-10 minutes’drive, you will get to Tiananmen Square and the Liulichang Cultural street.
Address: Behind of No. 10 Building Xuanwumen West Street, Xuanwu District Beijing
Phone: 86-10-63171116
ZIP: 100053
6) Beijing Eastern Morning Sun Youth Hostel (??????????)
Beijing Eastern Morning Sun Youth Hostel is located on the Floor B4 east building of Oriental Square which is the largest architectural complex in Asia. It is also next to the very famous shopping street – Wangfujing Pedestrian Street.
Address: 8-16 Dongdan santiao, Oriental Palza Dongcheng District Beijing, China
Phone: 86-10-65284347
ZIP: 100005
7) Beijing Zhaolong International Hostel (??????????)
The Beijing Zhaolong International Hostel is well located behind the Zhaolong (Great Dragon) Hotel. It is near the Beijing’s popular Sanlitun Bar Street, the Lufthansa shopping. The hostel has 35 rooms, with two to six beds in each room. It features air-conditioning, 24-hour hot water, a self-catering dining room, laundry room, general store, game room and a reading room.
Address: 2 Gongtibei Lu Chaoyang District, Beijing
Phone: 86-10-65972299
ZIP: 100027
Beijing City Central International Youth Hotel (????????)
Beijing City Central Youth Hostel is located at the northwest corner of Beijing Zhan Qianjie, across from the Beijing Railway Station. The bus terminal, airport shuttle bus stop and taxi stands are next to the railway station, and Beijing Zhan subway station (Exit A) is just outside the door.
Address: No. 1 Beijingzhanqianjie, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005
Phone: 86-10-85115050, 86-10-65258866
9) Jade Youth International Hostel Beijing (????????) (??????????)
Jade Youth International Hostel is a two-star hotel. It is located in the most flourishing Beiheyan Avenue in Wangfujing, adjoining the Palace Museum in the west, adjacent to the business street of Wangfujing in the east. There are several bus lines around, the public transportation is excellent. The hotel has over 100 guest rooms now with internet center, self-service kitchen and so on will best serve you.
Address: No. 5 North Jade Lane, Beiheyan Avenue, Dongcheng District Beijing
Phone: 86-10-65259966
ZIP: 100006
10) Beijing Drum Tower Youth Hostel
The hostel have about 30 rooms with private facilities, there are air-conditioner & long-distance phone and cable TV in the room. In lobby you can get high-speed internet connect and you can use your own computer to surf the net for free. On the terraced roof you can view the drum tower and bell tower, also there have Chinese and western style restaurant can serve you good tastes food, tour office can help you to arrange your tours around BeiJing. It will make you feel comfortable and convenient. It is an ideal place to stay. Drum Tower Youth Hostel became the member of the International Youth Hostel Association in 2006. There have 23 dorm rooms with share facilities, the dorm rooms at third floor and B floor.
Address : No.51 Jiugulou Dajie, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Phone : 0086 10-64037702/9907
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