BACKGROUND In 2008, China launched the 30-minute high-speed train linking Beijing and Tianjin, setting itself on track for one of the most ambitious rail expansion projects in the world, given the size of the country. Since then, more intercity services, including one between prominent hubs Beijing and Shanghai – which rolled onto the tracks in June – have flourished, leading industry experts to predict stiff competition between rail and domestic air carriers.
Last year’s collision of two high-speed trains on the Yongtaiwen line along a viaduct in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province has not dampened demand, with more rail lines expected to come on-stream. In fact, when all the planned city links are completed by 2020, China will boast the largest and most technologically advanced high-speed railway network in the world.
(note: this journey followed the Shanghai to Suzhou Tried & Tested)
THE STATION For our next stop, Hangzhou, we were advised to depart from the train station in Suzhou’s New Industrial Park, instead of the older and more chaotic facility downtown that we encountered upon arrival from Shanghai. It was also nearer our hotel, the Kempinski, thus saving us from rushing and getting stressed.
Though not as impressive as Hongqiao’s, the station was large and airy with generous provision for natural light. Again, there were no trolleys to be found. Ten minutes prior to the 1631 departure time of train G7389 for Hangzhou, we were called to line up and take the escalator down to platform 10.
THE SEAT As expected, second class featured less space, and our car had 12 rows in a 3-2 configuration, with three on the left side of the train and two on the right side. The Kempinski concierge had been able to secure the two-seat section for us, so we didn’t have to share the space with a stranger. I again took the window seat.
THE JOURNEY This was a longer journey since we had to backtrack to Shanghai via Kunshan, and from Shanghai there are nine stops before arriving in Hangzhou, about 85 minutes’ duration. With that number of stops, my colleague got up at each station to make sure that our luggage was not inadvertently taken (or stolen). Occasionally, the attendant rolled by with a trolley laden with chips, cup noodles and drinks, which were for sale.
VERDICT Not as comfortable as first class, but having used several regular train services around China, this was comparatively luxurious.
Fact File
- CONFIGURATION 3-2 layout
- F&B Snacks, noodles and drinks for sale
- PRICE RMB122 (US$19.50) plus a RMB15 (US$2.38) surcharge if customer purchases tickets with the hotel concierge’s help.
Margie T Logarta
