Beijing News You Might Have Missed This Week, May 31

Beijing is a happening city! Don't miss a thing with our weekend roundup of the latest news.

Shift in Travel Preference From Planes to Trains

A growing number of people traveling between Beijing and Shanghai are opting for bullet trains over flights, as the country’s advanced high-speed rail network continues to outshine airlines in convenience and efficiency. It is reported that more than 52 million train trips were made between the two cities last year, dwarfing the 8.6 million passengers who traveled by plane. 

There are now more than 100 high-speed trains that operate daily in both directions between Beijing and Shanghai, while airlines manage only about 55 flights per day between the cities – and with less pleasant conditions. The fastest train service covers the 1,300km journey in little more than four hours and offers stable internet, comfortable seating options, and ample device-charging capabilities. 

Changes in transportation preference have prompted the China Air Transport Association to caution that high-speed rail is eroding the air travel market, especially among high-end customers. Various airlines have begun to offer lower prices and other travel perks or upgraded amenities in order to counter the shift and regain customers.

Travel between Beijing and Shanghai only continues to increase, as does the demand for more frequent train service. Airlines will continue to respond to these circumstances as well, meaning the battle between the two modes of transport is not likely to disappear any time soon.

China-Vietnam Train Service Restarts

The past week has seen the resumption of international bidrectional train service between Hanoi, Vietnam, and two cities in China, Nanning and Bejing, after an interruption of five years.

For Beijingers, the Z5 train of the Beijing-Hanoi route departs Beijing West station at 4.05pm every Thursday and Sunday. After arriving in Nanning, passengers then take the T8701 train onward to Hanoi's Gia Lâm station.

For the Hanoi-Beijing route, the MR1 train departs Gia Lâm station every Tuesday and Friday. After arriving in Nanning, passengers then take the Z6 train onwards to Beijing West, arriving the following day.

At this time, train tickets can only be purchased offline at the ticket windows of relevant train stations. Passports are required for ticket purchase. Paper visas or visa-exemption materials must be prepared in advance. Passengers should expect to go through customs clearance in Pingxiang in China and Đồng Đăng in Vietnam.

Make sure to double check specific details on price, travel time, train routes and numbers, schedules, document requirements, or any changes in infromation with the applicable train stations or ticketing agents. 

READ: Last Chance To Visit Dada Beijing This Weekend

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