Riding the Dragons Back
Train are an underrated means of transport in China. Now, they may take longer and cost more, but it avoids the hassle of airport security and potential flight cancellations, a common and frequent theme for travel within China. Also, taking a train will allow for a relaxing scenic route where you can enjoy the sights as you make your way across China. Something that is not possible in an airplane.
As China has the second largest railway system at about 100,000 kilometres, and many beautiful provinces to visit, you are pressed for choice when it comes to choosing a route. However, in this article we will go over 5 scenic routes that you should take:
1. Beijing, China to Lhasa, Tibet
A great route for those who enjoy the thrill of danger and adventure. This route takes you across the ‘Sky Road’ which is the highest railway in the world, where the train reaches altitudes of more than 4000 metres. A great aspect of this route is the open plains where you can see nomadic herders with their animals to the Hoh Xili nature reserve, which is labelled as the death region due to its harsh climate which does not permitting any form of life.
This is a great journey if one would want to dare go as high as 4000 metres above sea level. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
2. Beijing, China to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Probably by far my favourite route. One of the reasons why I love this route so much is that you get to see the transformation the great wall undergoes, turning from the infamous Great Wall to bricked houses and sandy towns. Another highlight of this trip is the train passing through the Gobi desert.
This journey is well worth it, and I would definitely recommend a pit stop at the Gobi dessert.
3. Nanning to Guilin
The twisted rocky hills to the beautiful rivers are just some of the reasons why the Chinese have named the sights in Guilin as ‘the best under heaven.’
The train journey from Guilin to Nanning is a route that begs to be explored, where you can admire the views as the train traverses this route.
4. Xi’an, Shaanxi to Chengdu, Sichuan
The terracotta warriors and the panda reserve are some of the most famous landmarks in China. Therefore, a trip between these two cities will afford you the opportunity to see the best that these two cities have to offer, while allowing you to lose yourself in the dramatic highlights along the way.
For instance, as the train passes along Jiangyou, you will get the opportunity to view the beautiful mountain terrain or lose yourself in the many tunnels and bridges dotted along this route.
5. Beijing, China to Kowloon, Hong Kong
Covering nearly the whole breadth of China, this train journey is probably the best way to experience and take in the country’s beauty.
The benefit of traversing this route by train is it gives the opportunity to see numerous provinces, some of which include Tianjin, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Jiangxi etc. And in these provinces, there are a number of scenic sights that can be appreciated as you zip through country. For instance, the Yangtze River in Wuxue or passing through a bridge in Jiujiang that spans a river, or the wooded hills and highlands of Lushan.
It’s a wonderful route and if time permits you could even plan out brief stops in places like Wuxue or Jiujiang to truly experience the culture and sights of those areas.
