China Train Travel: A 36-Hour, Long-Distance Journey Between Beijing And Kunming

A steward offers snacks from a trolley to Lunar New Year travellers aboard a crowded train bound for the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing, a journey of 32 hours, after departing from the West Railway Station in Beijing on January 31, 2013. The world's largest annual migration is underway in China with tens of millions across China boarding trains to journey home for Lunar New Year celebrations. Passengers will log 220 million train rides during the 40-day travel season as they criss-cross the country to celebrate with their families on February 10, but just as making the trip home can be laborious -- often lasting one or two days -- so can simply acquiring a seat on the train, and every year complaints arise about the inefficiency or unfairness of the system, although an initiative allowing travelers to purchase tickets online aims to curb long queuing times. AFP PHOTO / Ed Jones (Photo credit should read Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images)

Thirty-six hours is the lifespan of the adult mayfly. It is the average work week (plus one hour of overtime) in France. It is the name of a 1965 film starring James Garner. It is also an incredibly long time to spend on a train. In the midst of the Lunar New Year rush, your correspondent is travelling 36 hours by rail from Beijing to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, in China’s southwest.

The Chinese government is justifiably proud of its network of futuristic high speed trains. The newest addition -- the longest high-speed railway line in the world -- opened at the end of 2012, allowing passengers to make the 1,418 km journey from Beijing to the southern metropolis of Guangzhou in just eight hours. But high-speed rail service to remote Yunnan isn’t scheduled to be completed until 2015.

Instead your correspondent is on the T-61 train out of Beijing West Station.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.

Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

Support HuffPost

International Destinations train travel lunar new year China Destinations

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

Related

From Our Partner

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

39 Products For Anyone In Their Quiet Luxury Era, But On A Budget

29 Pairs Of Shoes Reviewers Say Make It Feel Like You’re 'Walking On Clouds'

This Affordable Drugstore Cream Might Be The Closest Thing To The Famous La Mer

12 Shorts For Men That Aren't Too Long And Don't Look Dumb

Reviewers Are Obsessed With These Comfortable Sneaker Sandals — Here's Why

MORE IN LIFE

5 Signs Your Partner May Have An Avoidant Attachment Style

6 Signs Your Dog Is Happy

7 Surprising Money ‘Rules’ Most People Don’t Know (But Should)

Many Americans Have Villainized MSG — And It’s Making A Comeback

I’m Taking Ozempic. Here’s What I’m Telling My Kids.

I’m A Spine Doctor. Here’s 1 Thing I’d Never, Ever Do If I Had Back Pain.

5 Good Signs Your Skin Is Actually Aging Well

This Gen Z'er Makes $82K A Year And Is Still Struggling Financially — Here's How It Affects Her Daily Life

Can A Sexless Marriage Survive? We Asked The Experts.

Totally Lovely Mother's Day Gifts That Cost Less Than $30

We Track Sales For A Living – Here Are 33 Way Day Deals That We Recommend

19 Outdoor Furniture Deals Worth Shopping From Wayfair’s Way Day Sale

Study Identifies The 1 Grandparent Who Has The Biggest Impact On Kids

This 1 Thing In ‘13 Going On 30’ Is Still Too Real 20 Years Later

It's Settled: THIS Is The Best Way To Make A Margarita

6 Signs Your Memory Loss Isn't Normal

Seen ‘Baby Reindeer’? Here’s What To Do If You Think You Have An Online Stalker

The Funniest Tweets From Parents This Week

The Funniest Tweets From Women This Week

Calling All Hot Sleepers: Cooling Pillows Are Under $50 In Brooklinen's Sitewide Sale

This Popular Large-Room Air Purifier Is Somehow Less Than $70 Right Now

We Shop For A Living And These Are Our Favorite Products Ever

The Luxury Serum That Has Kept My Mom's Skin Glowing For Years Is 15% Off Right Now

Right Now, This Affordable Stanley Tumbler Look-A-Like Is On Sale For Even Less

Achieve Perfect Cold Brew Or Iced Coffee With One Of These Highly-Rated Options From Amazon

26 Beauty Products Reviewers Over 50 Wished They’d Known About Sooner

These 15 Products Can Make Gardening So Much More Comfortable

This Is The Mint Julep Recipe Served At The Kentucky Derby

This Skin Serum Is A Secret Weapon For Shrinking Large Pores — And It's On Sale

Right Now, This Affordable Stanley Tumbler Look-A-Like Is On Sale For Even Less

This Luxury Moisturizer Is Very Rarely On Sale — So Act Fast

The Nasty Truth About 'Poo Plumes' — And How To Protect Yourself From Them

This Palestinian Olive Oil Soap Is The Best I’ve Ever Used

The 'Unsexy' Beauty Products That My Algorithm Keeps Suggesting Are Actually Pretty Great

Skin Care Gems Reviewers Say Save Them During Flights & Beyond

12 Cute And Comfortable Garden Clogs That Aren’t Crocs

37 Ways To Make Your Backyard Look Like An 'After' Shot On HGTV

HuffPost Readers Love This Ultra-Comfortable Sneaker — And It Just Got An Upgrade

Why Drew Barrymore’s Interview With Kamala Harris Was So Cringey

The Most Ridiculous Things People Say To Multiracial Families