Popular Train Routes in China: Itinerary Ideas & Travel Tips

Traveling by train is one of the easiest and affordable ways to explore China. Because China's railway network stretches in every direction, you can travel comfortably between iconic cities, scenic regions, and cultural destinations in just a few hours. In this guide, you'll find recommended train routes for planning your itinerary, including classic journeys like Beijing to Xi'an, regional trips such as Chengdu to Chongqing, Hong Kong transit options and memorable overnight train experiences.
Whether you're looking for the fastest way to connect multiple destinations or want to enjoy the scenery itself, these train route ideas will help you plan a trip that suits your travel style.

High-speed train in China

Quick Overview of Popular China Train Routes

Before continuing, there's something to keep in mind: even if the departure and arrival stations are the same, the number of intermediate stops can vary. This means that travel time and price will also change. Below you'll find a summary of high-speed train routes that international travelers often use to give you some inspiration.

Journey	Trains per day	Duration	First Class	Second Class
Beijing - Xi'an	Approximately 20 trains per day, departures 6:30 - 19:00	4.5 - 6 hours	800 - 900 RMB	500 - 600 RMB
Xi'an - Chengdu	Approximately 80 trains per day, departures 5:30 - 20:00	3.5 - 4 hours	400 - 500 RMB	280 - 350 RMB
Chengdu - Chongqing	Approximately 140 trains per day, departures 6:00 - 22:00	1.5 - 2.5 hrs	150 - 300 RMB	100 - 160 RMB
Chengdu - Zhangjiajie	Approximately 7 trains per day, departures 8:00 - 17:00	4 - 4.5 hrs	600 - 650 RMB	380 - 430 RMB
Zhangjiajie - Guilin	1 train per day, departure 7:00	7 hours	Approx. 550 RMB	Approx. 350 RMB
Guilin - Hong Kong	3 trains a day, departures 12:30 - 15:30	3.5 hours	660 - 720 RMB	410 - 450 RMB
Guilin - Guangzhou	Approximately 60 trains per day, departures 6:00 - 22:00	2 - 3.5 hrs	260 - 320 RMB	180 - 240 RMB
Guangzhou - Shenzhen	Approximately 280 trains per day, departures 6:00 - 23:30	0.5 - 1.5 hrs	90 - 110 RMB	60 - 100 RMB
Shanghai - Hangzhou	Approximately 240 trains per day, departures 4:30 - 23:00	1 - 2 hours	90 - 130 RMB	60 - 90 RMB
Hangzhou - Huangshan	Approximately 50 trains per day, departures 7:30 - 21:30	1 - 2 hours	170 - 190 RMB	100 - 140 RMB
Shanghai - Beijing	Approximately 40 trains per day, departures 6:30 - 19:30	4.5 - 6 hours	960 - 1000 RMB	600 - 670 RMB

Train Routes for Popular Destinations in China

Beijing - Xi'an

The shortest journey takes only 4.5 hours. If you travel with Odynovo, we prioritize booking tickets with the shortest travel times.

If you have half a day free in Beijing, you can visit these places: the Temple of Heaven, where, in addition to admiring the historical architecture, you can watch locals exercising in the morning; the Summer Palace, an imperial garden ideal for a leisurely stroll; or Qianmen Street, where you can experience the lively atmosphere of an authentic morning market.

If you leave very early, you will arrive in Xi'an at noon and can spend the afternoon visiting the Bell Tower and the Muslim Quarter.

Xi'an - Chengdu

There are many trains every day, so you can choose the time that best suits your itinerary. The journey takes between 3.5 and 4 hours.

In the morning in Xi'an, you can visit Shuyuanmen Street, with its antique and souvenir shops. You can also explore the ancient city wall, either on foot or by bicycle, to enjoy the panoramic views.

Alternatively, you can arrive in Chengdu at midday and spend the afternoon strolling through Kuanzhai Xiangzi or Jinli Old Street to experience the bustling, everyday atmosphere of Chengdu's traditional alleyways.

Shanghai - Beijing

The shortest journey between Shanghai and Beijing takes only 4.5 hours. Shanghai is a city full of surprises, so take advantage of your last few hours to explore it freely. You might just turn a corner and stumble upon a small shop that will stay with you.

On Anfu and Wukang streets, you'll find all sorts of charming cafes and restaurants. On Yuyuan Street, technological innovation activities are sure to pique your interest. And in Yuyuan Garden, among pavilions and towers, you can experience the beauty of traditional Chinese gardens.

If you have some free time in Beijing, don't miss the spectacular sunset from Jingshan Park.

Guilin - Zhangjiajie

There are only a few trains, with just one departure per day at 2:20 PM. Although Guilin is a small city, every corner offers something worth seeing. Before leaving, you can visit Elephant Trunk Hill Park, known for its unique rock formation resembling an elephant's trunk. You can also visit Reed Flute Cave to admire the fascinating karst formations inside the cave.

Chengdu - Zhangjiajie

We recommend taking the 2:00 PM train, as it's the shortest route and leaves you with time in the morning to explore Chengdu. You can visit People's Park, one of the best places to experience the daily life of locals, with people playing mahjong, Chinese chess, or doing their morning exercise. Enjoy a cup of tea at one of the park's teahouses and let yourself be carried away by Chengdu's relaxed pace.

If your trip is short and you want to make the most of your time to see more places, you can also take the first train in the morning, which arrives in Zhangjiajie at 12:00. With half a day, you'll have enough time to visit Tianmen Mountain.

Chengdu - Guilin

There are 15 high-speed trains a day, with a journey time of between 5 and 7 hours. If you'd rather not spend so much time, you can opt for a plane, although the price is somewhat higher than the high-speed train. Sleeper berths are also an option to consider, as the atmosphere in the berths between Chengdu and Guilin is better than usual, ideal for those who want to try this experience. Furthermore, the price for a berth is the lowest.

Fenghuang - Shanghai

There are two ways to get from Fenghuang to Shanghai. The first is to travel from Fenghuang to Zhangjiajie and then take a flight to Shanghai, which saves some time. The second, cheaper option is to take the high-speed train directly from Fenghuang to Shanghai. The shortest journey takes 6.5 hours, departing around 3:30 PM, and costs about half the price of a flight between Zhangjiajie and Shanghai.

Short Train Routes Between Nearby Cities

These routes are designed to make it easier to combine destinations within the same region in China, as the stops are relatively close to each other.

Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou - Huangshan - Shangrao

This isn't just a train line, but a complete tour of eastern China. The journey between each city on the route takes no more than two hours. You'll be able to see modern cities, water towns, traditional gardens, and the spectacular scenery of Huangshan Mountain all in one go.

Datong - Pingyao - Xi'an

A route that connects history and culture. The journey between each city takes no more than three hours, ideal for those who enjoy exploring ancient architecture and feeling the weight of history.

Guangzhou - Shenzhen - Hong Kong

Perfect for flexible travel within the Greater Bay Area. In Guangzhou, you can enjoy the morning tea culture. In Shenzhen, you'll experience the urban landscape of a modern city. And in Hong Kong, you'll discover that unique blend of East and West. Three distinct urban personalities that you can experience in a single trip.

Chengdu - Chongqing

The fastest high-speed train takes just over an hour. Chengdu and Chongqing are a classic combination that many travelers add to their itineraries. Chengdu is peaceful and relaxed, and is also the quintessential home of giant pandas. Chongqing is world-renowned for its almost surreal cityscape, with that 8D feel. Two completely different personalities, but equally fascinating, and the round trip is very convenient.

Guiyang - Kaili - Tongren

The high-speed train from Guiyang to Kaili takes only 30 to 40 minutes, making it an ideal short extension. Kaili is an area where the Miao and Dong ethnic groups coexist, perfect for a deeper cultural experience through visits to Miao villages, local markets, and traditional handicraft workshops.

From Kaili to Tongren, the high-speed train takes around 1 hour, offering an easy connection to Mount Fanjing. Known for its distinctive peaks, sea of clouds, and peaceful mountain scenery, Mount Fanjing is one of Guizhou's most impressive natural destinations.

Kunming - Dali - Lijiang

This is the most classic route in Yunnan. The journey from Kunming to Dali takes about two hours. Along the way, the train runs along the eastern shore of Erhai Lake, and it is common to see passengers raising their cameras to capture the scenery outside the window. From Dali to Lijiang, the journey takes around one hour, and this section offers the most beautiful scenery along the entire route.

Train Journeys with Spectacular Scenery

Enjoying the scenery from the train window is also part of the journey. Below are some of the routes with the most breathtaking views. Have your camera ready beforehand, so you don't miss the scenery while you're looking for it.

Hangzhou - Huangshan

Known as one of the most poetic scenic train routes south of the Yangtze River, this journey follows the Fuchun and Xin'an rivers. The clear waters and green mountains gradually unfold before your eyes. Along the way, you will pass Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) and ancient villages with white walls and dark roofs, where natural scenery and cultural heritage blend together.

Hangzhou - Shenzhen

This railway line connects several coastal cities in southeast China, making it a great option for travelers who want to explore different parts of the region by train. Along the way, you will pass cities such as Wenzhou, known for its coastal landscapes and traditional villages, Xiamen, famous for Gulangyu Island and its relaxed seaside atmosphere, and Chaoshan, where you can experience local food culture and traditional customs.

Zhangjiajie - Fenghuang

The train passes through the deep mountains of western Hunan Province, traveling through untouched forest landscapes along the route. It also passes several ethnic villages in the area, where traditional buildings of local minority groups can often be seen. As you approach the final destination, the scenery of the Tuo River and stilt houses gradually comes into view.

Guilin - Guangzhou

The first part of the journey offers karst landscapes, especially near Yangshuo Station, where a seemingly endless series of small, jagged mountains rise, as if the train were moving through a traditional Chinese ink painting. In the second half, the landscape gradually changes to rolling fields and hills, transitioning from mountains and waterways to the modern towns and cities of southern China, with a diverse array of scenery along the way.

Xining - Lhasa

This is China's most classic plateau scenic railway route, offering vast and impressive landscapes. Shortly after departure, you will see Qinghai Lake stretching into the distance, with its deep blue waters. The route passes through grasslands, lakes, and snow-capped mountains, with excellent visibility throughout the journey. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife living on the plateau. The entire journey offers unique highland scenery.

Lanzhou - Urumqi

This railway line follows the route of the ancient Silk Road and showcases some of the most iconic landscapes of Northwest China. Along the way, you will pass through red Danxia landforms, vast grasslands, the Gobi Desert, and desert landscapes. Snow-covered mountains, oases, and deserts alternate throughout the journey, creating dramatic changes in scenery. The entire route offers a wide and open horizon, allowing you to experience the vast and rugged beauty of Northwest China.

Train Routes With Hong Kong for Visa-Free Travel

Since Hong Kong is a separate administrative region from mainland China, you can enter or leave mainland China via Hong Kong to qualify for China's visa-free transit policy, and explore China without a visa.

Zhangjiajie - Hong Kong

There is only one train per day, with a journey time of 6.5 hours. Tickets may be more difficult to obtain during public holidays. If you book your trip with Odynovo, we will monitor ticket availability and purchase tickets in time.

Guilin - Hong Kong

There are three trains per day, with a journey time of 3.5 hours. Due to the short distance between the two destinations, many travelers choose to continue to Hong Kong directly after Guilin as the final stop of their trip.

Guangzhou/Shenzhen - Hong Kong

It's the fastest way to get to Hong Kong. From Guangzhou South to Hong Kong West Kowloon, the shortest journey takes about an hour. From Shenzhen North, it's even faster, taking only half an hour.

Chongqing - Hong Kong

There's one train a day, taking 7 hours. Ideal for travelers who aren't in a hurry and want to save money. Flying offers more flight options, but it's also more expensive.

Overnight Trains for Long-Distance Travel

Some destinations are quite far apart, and flying can be expensive. If you have enough time for your trip and want to save money, these cheaper overnight train lines are a good option.

Xi'an - Shanghai

The journey takes around 16 hours, with four trains per day. By departing at night and arriving the following morning, you can save the cost of one night's accommodation, and the ticket price is much lower than flying.

Guilin - Shanghai

The journey takes around 15 hours, with four trains per day. In addition, all sleeper berths are bullet train sleepers, which provide a better experience compared with sleeper berths on conventional trains.

Zhangjiajie - Beijing

The journey takes around 18 hours, with one train per day. It departs at 9:30 PM and arrives in Beijing at 4:00 PM, allowing you to spend a full day in Zhangjiajie visiting attractions.

Let Odynovo Plan Your Trip

All these routes are just a small sample of China's vast rail network. In fact, no matter how obscure your destination, there's almost always a train that will take you there. If you don't want to spend hours studying train schedules and connections, you can leave these details to Odynovo. We'll arrange the trains and connections for your itinerary according to your interests and available time, so you can dedicate all your energy to enjoying the truly worthwhile scenery.