If you are traveling by train you can only book three days ahead. You need to buy a Soft Sleeper ticket. You can do this in most big hotels. Be prepared to be asked to pay cash, and for BIG crowds at the train stations. When a train comes in in China EVERYBODY will surge forward to try and get on board, even if they have a reserved seat or bed.
When traveling by train you would be advised to buy at least some food in advance, a couple of pots of instant noodles is my usual load, there will be hot water for the noodle and for tea on the train in big metal tanks at the ends of carriages. It is free for passengers. you may also want to take something for breakfast as well, fruit is usually good.
This is because train food isn't always good. Some trains will serve boxed meal from a trolley but they aren't very nice most of the time, others will have a dining car, but it will only be Chinese food and 90% of the time there are no English language menus.
Watch out for the toilets. Asian squat toilets on a train get poopy quickly and they may run out of water for flushing, especially if the train is delayed. Some trains have both Asian and western toilets, though you may need to walk the length of the train to find one. Take some flip flops for the train. Soft sleepers come with some a lot of the time, but they may be used and you may not like them.
ALWAYS year footwear in the toilets. Be prepared for some shocks, too. I've flown domestically loads of times and have never had any trouble. Thing might seem a little rougher than in the US, but they are still safe. You may wish to watch out for spitting. Spitting is a national pastime in much of China. And don't drink that water. Other than that, enjoy. China is a very cool place.
From a customer of China Highlights
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