Beijing for the weekend!

Walid Bajjani
Jun 16, 2017
3 min read

This article shares my journey from Shanghai to Beijing over the 2nd weekend of 2017, here are some useful tips if you are looking to do the 1640 mile journey yourself.

My Journey started on Friday evening boarding the train at 5PM for a 10PM arrival. The train is probably the best way to get to Beijing from Shanghai quickly and for a decent price. Air-travel costs roughly the same price as the train but considering security checks and travel to and from the airport, train is definitely a better option for domestic travel around China.

The Beijing-Shanghai High Speed Railway, also known as the Jinghu High Speed Railway, has been put into operation from June 30, 2011. The train runs at a highest speed of 186mi/h (300km/h) which shortens the 819 miles (1,318km) journey between the two cities to 5 hours. It costs about ¥600 each way which is about £70 each way (£140 ROUNDTRIP). It is expensive relative to most products and services in China however, when comparing it with back home i.e. London Kings Cross to Newcastle (approx 281 mile distance - 3 hour journey) is valued at approx £140 each way at peak times.

Looking back at my travels I have developed a bit of a habit of splashing out on hotels needlessly however the two friends I was travelling with convinced me that a hostel would be more worthwhile, fun and street smart. So some of us to stay at a certain Leo Hostel and the rest at 365 inn. Unfortunately the guys who were supposed to be staying in my Hostel (Leo Hostel) missed their train! So quick word of advise be aware that China has A LOT of people and mass traffic jams can pop up at any time and just screw everything up. Luckily for me the two friends I were with were staying in the 365 inn just across the street so it was all Gucci.

When we arrived in Beijing we hoped on the Metro to get to our hostels, en route we picked up some bomb ramen noodles for dinner and after the 5 hour High speed train it was exactly what I needed. Also the night before we left Shanghai we booked online a full day tour of the Great Wall Of China and Tiananmen square. With a pick up at 8AM I went to sleep as soon as I checked in. The Tour guide was right on time and we would soon find this was the highlight of our J-term in China. I quick tip if you are travelling in January, WRAP UP WARM, it was absolutely freezing at some what -6/-4 degrees so just layer up to have a good time! First stop of the day was Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden city where the emperors of China and various dynasties once resided. The architecture was beautiful and intricate and it gives yoy a real insight into the ways of life for the ancient Chinese people. Next was a 2 hour coach ride to the Great Wall of China stopping off for some delicious lunch before we took the cable cart to the top. The Wall just went on forever, winding and looping across the mountains of Beijing. Its amazing how the Chinese were able to build such a masterpiece spanning from East to West of China. Even though it was freezing there wasn't any snow however, that night it snowed heavily giving the landmark a whole new vibe completely.

On our way back we checked out a Government rune Jade museum were I purchased a necklace with an engraved tiger as my birth year is 1998, the year of the tiger. We then also check out the Temple of heaven on our last day before we made our return shown below which has such a great cultural and political importance which is worth visiting and reading up on a little.

All in all a very positive experience, one which I recommend to everyone if you are in China.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me!

All the best,

Walid