China Express: Epic Train Journeys

China has an extensive and efficient railway system

, connecting its vast and varied regions, populated and unpopulated, making it one of the best ways for the traveler to experience the people and the land. Cheap and relatively comfortable, trains offer a chance to see the country in detail and are a great way to get to know the populace.

If you have the time and inclination, you can take a train all the way from London to Beijing via the legendary Trans-Siberian Express, but for those with less time or inclination for weeks of wide open spaces, there are shorter train journeys within China that are equally fascinating. A day trip to the Great Wall from Beijing by train is a nice alternative to a bus tour. You can set your own pace by taking the hour-long train ride from Beijing to Badaling to see the Great Wall and return whenever you please on the inexpensive rail route.

A more ambitious, but extremely worthwhile train journey in China is the new Qinghai-Lhasa railway, which opened in 2006. It is the first railway to reach all the way to Lhasa, Tibet and it is the highest railway on the planet, with sections reaching heights of over 5000 meters (16,640 feet), requiring supplementary oxygen to be pumped into the cabins. It offers breath-taking views and has made Lhasa much more accessible to travelers, which is a good or bad thing for Lhasa's inhabitants, depending who you talk to. At any rate, it's a much more safe and comfortable way to visit the ancient Tibetan city than in the days of road travel. It's a 2 night journey from Beijing and is highly recommended for the traveler in search of awesome mountain vistas.

A customized itinerary for those in China wishing to get a taste of the Mongolian region and the wide expanses of Northern China and Siberia might be one leaving Beijing going northwest to Ulan Bator, Mongolia, then to Ulan Ude and Chita in Siberia, then southeast to Harbin, back in China, and completing the circle by taking the last leg back to Beijing.

Whichever classic China rail journey you choose, you'll want to stay in touch with family and friends. Call China and take advantage of low rates on international calls offered by many telecom services. Plan your great Chinese railway adventure today, there are many exciting destinations in store for the traveler in search of a truly unique experience.

China Express: Epic Train Journeys

By: Adrian Fisher

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