 |
| China Railway High-speed |
CRH TRAIN
China is one of the few pioneering countries that implement this kind of commuter transport; the very fast ones.
BEIJING SOUTH RAILWAY STATION
This train station serves the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Rail and some other routes. It is huge. Second largest in Asia, after Shanghai Railway Station.
 |
| Beijing South Railway Station |
It felt like we were in an airport. Enormous oval-shaped space. High glass ceiling. Airy. Bright. Rows and rows of chairs. I was totally overwhelmed.
We were off to Tianjin for a day-visit. And mainly, to experience the CRH train ride.
So many ticketing counters and automated ticketing machines. Buying tickets was quick and easy.
 |
| Automated Ticketing Machine |
There were english signages which were very helpful. Many digital screens were installed, showing trip schedules and gate numbers.
Passport was required for foreign passengers.
Waiting to Board
After purchasing the tickets, we took a seat at the waiting area close to our designated gate, much like what we do in an airport. For first time passengers like me, I appreciated the comfort of this waiting area. Its got shops for food, beverages, coffees, etc.
Keep an eye onto the screen and pay close attention to the P.A. system for the boarding announcement.
All Aboard!
When our boarding time was called out, we cued in line, passed the ticket barrier, went into the gate, and down the escalator to where the trains were.
 |
| Escalator going down |
No time to look around. Passengers were rushing to board.
We sort of got panic first because we might board the wrong coach. Each coach has a digital number flashing on it. We might enter the wrong coach.
 |
| Entering the train |
We just boarded anyway without knowing if it was the correct coach because the train was about to close its doors.
It turned out, once you're inside, you can access other coaches and just look for your numbered seat.
We each got a complimentary bottled water upon upon showing your ticket to the conductor.
Seats were nice and comfy. Inside temperature was also nice and cool.
Smooth as Silk @ 332 KPH
When the train took off, I made a mental note of the sensations I felt (first-timer instincts). It was very smooth. It gotten so fast in a very short time. As the train hits the speed of about 332 KPH (there's a digital speed counter up front), it remained very smooth. No lateral jerking whatsoever. No vibrations. It felt like we were gliding on the track.
 |
| 332 kmp |
The landscape scenery outside was awesome, while the immediate view was a total blur from the incredibly fast speed.
It was a 25-minute ride from Beijing to Tianjin, that would normally takes 3 hours by a bus. A real showpiece of a technology.
How to get to the Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing China?
Subway Line 4 and Line 14. Get off at the Basement 3 of Beijing South Railway Station.
Really awesome China!
Back to the ➡️ MAIN MENU