Travel By Planes vs Trains in China During Covid

When it comes to travel, most families would opt for the fastest way to get from point A to point B. That usually means flying by plane. But I’m here to share my family’s decision and experience taking the train from Beijing to Shanghai and back, and why this can be a great decision, especially during Covid.

Let’s start with the cons of flying, especially in China, during Covid. If you weren’t in the habit of arriving at the airport at least two hours before your flight, you definitely need to do so these days. On top of the required tests and paperwork your destination might require, you will be required to scan QR code after QR code to fill in multiple digital forms (including one for each kid) in order to get past various checkpoints. Oh, and the shops and restaurants in the international airport were all closed except for one cafe offering noodles and coffee.

Then there’s the standard customs clearance issue, which comes up with a new item that threatens to be confiscated every time. Last time it was our overseas branded hand sanitizers, the reason being that “they contained alcohol”. This time, they tried to remove my husband’s Leatherman Tread bracelet because it has mini tools in its design. It’s always a game of luck and chance with the airport customs.

In comparison, taking the train was a walk in the park.

Traveling from Beijing to Shanghai right after the latter opened up was especially straightforward and easy, since hardly anyone else seemed to want to travel there at that time. All you need is to show your Health Code as per normal, and your passports for ticket verification. We didn’t even need paper tickets (yay, saving trees!)

That said, traveling from Shanghai back to Beijing was a tad more complicated. Firstly, the VIP entrances were sealed off, so even Business class passengers had to mingle with the madding crowd. And it was madding indeed! Compared to our first train trip from Beijing, the larger crowd was frustratingly pushy, plus the summer heat was intense. But the check-in still remained straightforward with just Health Codes and passports.

Here’s a handy discovery for train travelers: Once you get to the station, request for luggage assistance. In our experiences, this came in the form of 红帽子 (hóng mào zi, literally translates to Red Hat) – think caddies at the country club but with a pushcart instead. For the reasonable fee of RMB150 per Red Hat helper (though I suspect you can negotiate this price), they will cart your luggage for you and unload it onto the train. But the best part of using this service? They guide you through the station so you don’t go to the wrong platform, and push through the crowds for you!

There's more to this story! This article originally appeared on our sister site, Jingkids International.

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READ: A True Quarantine Story in 2022

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

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BauLuo wrote:
BauLuo wrote:

Breaking News!!! Covid Found in Fish!!!

All fish are now required to wear a mask at all times, and maintain a 1.5 metre distance from every other fish. 大白 are vigilantly scouring the seas, and a complete disinfection of all oceans is expected soon.

Breaking News! Covid Virus Found on Moon.

Earth samples from the latest moon probe have found the Corona Virus on the moon!! All travel to and from the moon has been halted, unless you have a green code. As Dr. Fauci says, ` look, we all know there are rocks on the moon. Rocks can be used to hit someone on the head. Therefore, in order to keep eveyone safe from possible moon rock assault you need 10 shots of the vaccine, wear three masks, and hide simpering in your nearest closet'.

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I am Doktor Aethelwise Snapdragoon.

BauLuo wrote:

Breaking News!!! Covid Found in Fish!!!

All fish are now required to wear a mask at all times, and maintain a 1.5 metre distance from every other fish. 大白 are vigilantly scouring the seas, and a complete disinfection of all oceans is expected soon.

Breaking News! Covid Virus Found on Moon.

Earth samples from the latest moon probe have found the Corona Virus on the moon!! All travel to and from the moon has been halted, unless you have a green code. As Dr. Fauci says, ` look, we all know there are rocks on the moon. Rocks can be used to hit someone on the head. Therefore, in order to keep eveyone safe from possible moon rock assault you need 10 shots of the vaccine, wear three masks, and hide simpering in your nearest closet'.

I am Doktor Aethelwise Snapdragoon.

BauLuo wrote:

Breaking News!!! Covid Found in Fish!!!

All fish are now required to wear a mask at all times, and maintain a 1.5 metre distance from every other fish. 大白 are vigilantly scouring the seas, and a complete disinfection of all oceans is expected soon.

I am Doktor Aethelwise Snapdragoon.

Breaking News!!! Covid Found in Fish!!!

All fish are now required to wear a mask at all times, and maintain a 1.5 metre distance from every other fish. 大白 are vigilantly scouring the seas, and a complete disinfection of all oceans is expected soon.

I am Doktor Aethelwise Snapdragoon.