My one-week trip across China, covering more than 2,000 miles, did not involve a single flight. From the perspective of efficiency, coverage, and the delicious food along the way, China's high-speed rail system—the largest and fastest-growing network in the world—is an ideal way to explore this country.

As I boarded a train that reached nearly 200 miles per hour, leaving Shanghai behind, the trees outside the window blurred into a green haze due to the speed. I had a sense of out-of-body experience, as if I were fast-forwarding through China.

"We're no longer on Amtrak," I thought to myself.

Thus, I embarked on my one-week journey through China alone, covering more than 2,000 miles without taking a single flight. From the perspective of efficiency, coverage, and the delicious food along the way, China's high-speed rail system—the largest and fastest-growing network in the world—is an ideal way to explore this country.

On the first day, I went to Wuyuan, then hired a car to visit the famous ancient village of Huangling. Exploring this terraced village amidst people constantly taking selfies and wearing flower crowns gave me a glimpse into China's vast tourism market.

When I initially planned this trip, I was captivated by videos circulating online that showcased Chongqing's vertical, maze-like architecture. The train ride to this city, which covered 750 miles, took 10 hours, including a one-hour stopover.

That evening, when I entered Chongqing's futuristic central business district, another highlight of the city—spicy cuisine—hit me right in the face. And on the 61st floor, the NOVA Planet High-Altitude River View Hotel with a space theme offered an unobstructed view.

For the next leg of my journey, I treated myself to the highest class ticket on China's high-speed rail—business class. A $180 ticket for the six-hour journey to Xi'an gave me a seat that could be fully reclined.

Our conversations with the passenger sitting next to me followed a similar pattern. They used translation software on their phone to show me greetings, and I replied using Google Translate. We kept going back and forth until we switched to WeChat, an app that automatically translates our conversation.

Exchanging messages with the person next to me made me feel like a teenager, but it worked effectively. Despite the possible political tensions caused by the tariff news that morning, everyone I met was incredibly friendly and helpful.

I came to China to experience the most futuristic train travel, but I also wanted to feel the history of this country. So for the next leg of my journey, I chose a more traditional way—slow, green-sleeper trains compared to the streamlined high-speed rail. I booked a berth in a four-berth cabin for $50, preparing to embark on a 10-and-a-half-hour journey—while the high-speed rail would take less than half that time for the same distance.

When I boarded, I found an elderly couple already asleep in the lower bunk. I climbed into my own bunk, put in earplugs, and had a sound sleep.

We arrived in Wuhan on time (even the Swiss could learn a few things from the punctuality of Chinese trains). Wuhan is known for its breakfast, and my plan was to enjoy the local famous morning meal before taking a train back to Shanghai in the afternoon.

But I stayed too long in a small café, and when I finally got up to go to the station, I realized I was about to miss the train.

During the traffic jam, I changed my ticket on Ctrip to the train the next morning, which was simple to operate. The next morning, I arrived at the station early, with plenty of time.

This article was published on the website of The Wall Street Journal on August 1, titled "What's the Best Way to Explore China? Take the Future-Forward, Punctual, and Efficient Trains." The author is Matthew Kronsberg.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7534604395263033896/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the [Up/Down] buttons below.