Shanghai Train Station (Xin Ke Zhan)

As the center of an important rail network, Shanghai has daily trains to Xi'an, Beijing, Kunming, Guilin, Qingdao and almost all provincial capitals. Regular services also run to neighboring cities, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Wuxi. Travelers can also catch a 26-hour train ride to Hong Kong. Due to the affordability of rail travel, many Chinese travel by rail. Consequently, the atmosphere at the station is chaotic and crowded. Foreigners can purchase their tickets at the booking office in the soft-seat waiting room, where English-speaking service is provided. The station is in the north of the city and the easiest way to reach it from the city centre is to take the subway to Shanghai Railway Station. Taxi services are available from the city to the station. There are various food outlets, serving convenient, cheap food and drink to go, such as instant noodles and bottled beverages. Most hotels will reserve train seats for travelers, although they will make a small charge for this service.