How to Book Train Travel From Shanghai to Chongqing

Chongqing, the third most densly populated city in China, is thought to be the legendary ''State of Ba,'' with independent clans known for their war songs and dances occupying the territory as early as the 11th century BC. Buddhist-inspired architecture dominates the area, as does the magnolia, the official tree of the city visible in sidewalk plantings and as ornamental additions to streetlight posts.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access to book train travel online
• Passport and appropriate visa

Instructions

Book Your Train Travel From Shanghai to Chongqing

1. Visit the China Trip Advisor Web site (see Resources below) to begin to book your train travel from Shanghai To Chongqing online. You may also call 011 (+86) [phone], though the online form is preferred.

2. Click on the ''Train Tickets'' link from the top menu of the index page.

3. Open the list of available trains leaving Shanghai by clicking on the hyperlink that reads, ''Departing from Shanghai.''

4. Click on ''Shanghai -> Chongqing Time Table'' to see trains traveling between these two cities. In this case, the only train that makes this route is the K71/K74 train.

5. Complete the reservation request form at the bottom of the page. Double check your information for accuracy, including making sure that your email address is spelled correctly.

6. Keep an eye out for an email from China Trip Advisor in response to your reservation request, usually within 24 hours. Note that your reservation is not confirmed until final payment is made and the China Trip Advisor staff verifies your order.

Tips & Warnings

• Using the online form is the quickest and easiest way to make your reservations.

• Since the train ride from Shanghai to Chongqing is more than 41 hours long, think about opting for the soft sleeper. It's almost twice as much fare, but you'll be a lot more comfortable.

• If you're staying at a hotel in Shanghai, you can have your train tickets delivered to the hotel lobby. Just let the staff at China Trip Advisor know that you want this service when you make your reservation request. Delivery is included in the moderate ticket price.

• Payment for your train reservations is very flexible. Most credit cards are accepted and you can even use your PayPal account, if you have one. However, be aware that the transaction cannot exceed $1,490 USD. So, if you're booking for a group and the total fare surpasses that amount, you'll need to break up your reservations into two or more separate orders.

• If you have any questions about your train, or traveling in China in general, visit the Help Desk link on the China Trip Advisor to send your question in via email.

• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally from outside the United States, check which prefix to use. All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.