A-Z - Explore Shanghai - page 315

Train classes. Historically, there is no first or second class on Chinese trains, but four cat-
egories or classes: ruanwo or soft-sleeper, ruanzuo or soft-seat, yingwo or hardsleeper, and
yingzuo or hard-seat. The soft-seat class is usually only available for short journeys.
However, some new high-speed trains are now described as having first class, second class
and even business class seats.
Long-distance trains normally only have soft-sleeper or hard-sleeper facilities. The soft-
sleeper class has four-bed compartments with soft beds, and is recommended, particularly
for long journeys. The hard-sleeper class has open, six-bed compartments. The beds are not
really hard, but are cramped and not very comfortable. While you can reserve a place for the
first three classes (you always buy a ticket with a place number), this is not always essential
for the hard-seat category. There is always boiled water available on the trains. There are
washrooms in the soft-sleeper and hard-sleeper classes. The toilets, regardless of which
class, are usually not very hygienic, and it is a good idea to bring your own toilet paper.
There are dining cars on long-distance trains.
Arriving by bus
Overland buses are the most important means of transport in many parts of China, especially
where there is no railway line. In most towns and settlements there are main bus stations for
overland buses. Although some rural bus journeys can be slow, China's enormously im-
proved highway infrastructure makes major routes fast and reasonably safe. High-speed
(gaosu) buses stick to the expressways and don't make regular stops to pick up passengers
en route. There are regular breaks during bus journeys; on journeys lasting several days you
will usually find simple restaurants and overnight accommodation near the bus stations.
Some buses have numbered seats, but it is not usually necessary to book a ticket or seat in
advance. Modern buses with air conditioning operate in tourist areas.
Car hire
You need a Chinese licence to drive in China and, besides, it's not for the faint-hearted. Dan-
gerous driving is rampant. Avis ( www.avischina.com ) operates throughout Asia, offering self-
drive options and cars that come with experienced drivers.
Trips out of Shanghai
The cheap option when making excursions from Shanghai is to use the special sightseeing
buses that depart from several venues around town, but these are mainly used by domestic
tourists and don't cater to foreigners (ie. people who don't speak Chinese).
Trains are one good option for independent travel to Suzhou and Hangzhou; tickets can
be booked through your hotel or directly at the Shanghai Railway Station at 100 Molin Road,
tel: [phone].