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Q: Tips for entertaining myself on a long train ride?
So I'm out to Yunnan to meet a friend and it's a helluva long way from Hangzhou. I think the train ride to Kunming is 30 hours or something like that. Anyway, I'm just wondering what tips any of you have for passing the time?
11 years 14 weeks ago in Transport & Travel - China
There was a video recently about a guy and a girl on a train in HK, I think. Something about hiding under a jacket...
OwainLW:
Taipei metro I think that was, though the beds on long-distance Chinese trains do present the opportunity for more if he has a sleeper ticket (and the required guile).
Traveler:
You're right. It was Taipei. I used to like the old rattling mail trains. The rhythm, rocking and rolling of the train would always get the girls worked up - even complete strangers 
Bring beer, talk to the locals, play cards. Remember everyone is as bored as you are will probably want to strike up a conversation with you as you're a foreigner. Use it as a chance to practice your Chinese and meet some normal people. Despite them seeming rather daunting, I've had some memorable experiences on long-distance trains in China.
You should practice your staring contest skills beforehand.
I am taking the train (long haul) for the first time next week from Shenzhen to Hangzhou.
I am getting a soft sleeper so we will have power for the laptop and IPad...and only 2 other people in the room to stare.
If you are getting a normal seat then I pity you...spend the extra money....or bring a new very big book.
take some alcohol..it will be very easy to pass your time
well im a Chinese and maybe i can give you some advice.Food including bread and fruit,drinks as the food offered on the train is incredibly terrible.Also i think it could be a good chance for you to know more about china,i mean a real china by talking to different people. there is a joke here.there will always be a politician,a historian and a comedy player on the train.but i have to tell you the travelers on the train are from various classes which means you may be stared at.sometimes they may do something rude or impolite they themselves even dont realise.if you can deal with these things with a positive altitude,im sure you will have a good trip
GuilinRaf:
Even looking out the train window, one sees many interesting things.
A book is enough.
Tip: try to stretch your legs once in a while to prevent leg swelling.
I-pod, food, water, toilet paper are absolutely necessary.
well you could take a look at Sex in China on a 30 day visa? we need more people to have a look today we are only up too 2014 views this is a great way to kill time 
Use the squat toilet. I took a train and the westrn toilet had never been cleaned - ever. The mineral build up in the toilet was half an inch think and stunk. I took the soft sleeper and reserved a bottom bunk.
1,bring books;
2,download some movies onto your ipad/laptop (you can charge your battery on the train)
3,bring ear pugs in case some people snore ...
4,bring cigarettes if you smoke
5,bring alcohol if you drink
6,bring sun cream, you'll need it
Yun Nan is amazingly beautiful! I went there last year, you'll have a wonderful trip!
wow,, I did HZ to Kunming in 2006. cool... long ass ride. get a window seat. lotsa money,,, small bills ,,10's. u gotta buy water and fkn' noodles on train. also tp,, also heartburn and pepto-bismol to be safe,,, ummm, sunglasses to block out some staring,,, good book,,, money-belt type thing,,, top up your phone,, ipad and chargers... super comfy clothes u can sleep in... get good shower b4 u go,,, tooth brush tooth paste in your backpack... small backpack.. are utravelling alone? cuz small backpack u can keep w/ u when u go WC.. if u got the $, pay for better train, better seats... soft sleeper. best of luck.
You could sing some songs, play some games on your ipad. Or you could just take a nap and dream about being some place cooler!
At least you are going from Huangzhou to Kunming--the scenery, at least, will be beautiful enough to just watch. I found when I went from Beijing-Shenzhen by train, I watched the countryside for a good part of the time. When I did Beijing-Xian, all I could think was 'gross.'
If you know Chinese/are trying to learn Chinese, bring a pack of cards. People would play with you, and there are plenty of Chinese games that are the exact same thing as Western card games, with different names & terms.
Bring a book.
Watch a movie on your laptop.
Bring earplugs, because you will need them.
