How to Book Train Travel From Shanghai to Guilin

Guilin is considered one of the most beautiful cities in China, due to its location on the Lijiang River and its geographic diversity. Guilin is locally referred to as the ''Forest of Sweet Osmanthus'' due to an abundance of trees of the same name that flourish throughout the region.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

Book Your Train Travel From Shanghai to Guilin

1. Launch the China Trip Advisor Web site (see Resources below).

2. Click on ''Train Tickets'' from the top menu on the home page of the Web site.

3. Locate and click on the link labeled ''Departing from Shanghai'' from either the left margin of the page, or the list of links in the center column.

4. Open the link for ''Shanghai -> Guilin Time Table'' from the center of the page. Note that there are two trains available for this route, both of them being ''K'' trains. However, be aware that one train from Shanghai arrives at the Guilin main station, while the other pulls into the Guilin North station.

5. Complete the reservation request form at the bottom of the same page the trains are listed on. You can ask for information about one or both of the trains servicing the route between Shanghai and Guilin. One train station may be closer to your hotel or other destination in Guilin, for example.

6. Wait for an email response. You should be contacted by an agent from China Trip Advisor with train and reservation information within 24 hours of submitting your request.

Tips & Warnings

• Online booking is the easiest way to get tickets, accommodations and package deals. If you would like to book hotel reservations in Guilin at the same time you book your train travel, China Trip Advisor can do this for you too. Just include this information in your message when you submit your reservation request.

• Think about booking a soft sleeper when making your reservation. The trip will take from 26 to 28 hours one-way, so you'll likely be sleeping for a good portion of that time. Hard sleeper compartments are cheaper, but prices for soft sleepers are still moderate. There you can have more room and comfort, plus a door for privacy from the rest of the carriage.

• Only Chinese food is prepared in the restaurant car and the choices are limited. So if you have special dietary requirements (such as low-salt, vegetarian, etc.) plan to bring alternative food and snacks accordingly.