27FEB 2011 Sun – Train From Beijing to Antu, China

27 Feb Sun - Today I rode in a three wheel Taxi to railway station and rode the train to Ant U which is about 800 miles north and slightly east of Beijing in Jilin.
Bicycles, Three-wheeler Taxi, and Motor Bikes
On Saturday, I noticed that all the major roads have dividers between the higher speed lanes for automobiles and slower lanes for motorcycles, three wheeled taxis, and bicycles.

Instead of walking and taking the Subway to Railway Station with our luggage in the snow, we decided to take a three wheeler taxi. This taxi is a 3-wheel motorcycle (more like a motorbike) with an enclosed cab in the back for passengers. The 3-wheeled taxi is similar to the three wheelers in India but the passenger section was enclosed to protect the passengers from the cold weather. The driver faced the elements. The load was heavy with a large American and large suitcase.  He joked that I was 200 Kilo which would be more than 400 pounds.

Train Trip from Beijing to Antu, China



The Train contained 18 cars with 6 cars holding 66 beds – bunk beds three high built for the smaller Chinese frame and 10 cars with 100 people each with chairs and standing room. Only a chair for the 21 hour trip costs 200 Yuan (~$34 USD). A bed in one of the 3 high bunks costs 150 Yuan (~$25) more per person. The ticket for a private room with four beds (2 bunk beds) costs about 2000 Yuan or ~$340 USD. There was 1 car with only 44 beds behind closed doors for privacy. There was 1 dining car. About 1,400 passengers were on the train. There was an attendant on each car.

 Smoking was allowed in the space between the cars. I walked through the cars to the cars with standing room only. There were several smokers in the space between cars.

The train had Asian style toilets where you have to squat not sit. Like India and old style in Kuwait. If you have not seen one you it may in for a shock. You have to squat like backpacking in the woods in America. No Toilet Paper and no towels for the sink. 



Train Waiting Area - Beijing



I experienced the large crowds again at the Railway Station. The entry to the Subway and the entry to the Railway Station was jam packed with people. We arrived about 11:30 am for a 1:15 pm departure. Peacefully, weaved our way into the Railway Station entrance to the waiting area. Then when the crowd stood up and began to move their way to the trains, we just followed the crowd. Our car was #13 of 18 cars. My compartment was #15.





Train Waiting Area - Beijing







My Bed On The Train



Bunk Mates on the Train



Another Bunk Mate Who Had The Lower Bunk Across From My Midddle Bunk