Overnight train to Xi'an

Took a bus to Beijing West station and fought through thousands of passengers to the terminal (13 of at least 20) and then the platform (7 of another 20+) to our sleeper carriage and then our bunks (14 of 22). We could only get hard sleeper tickets (six beds per cabin) due to the busy season but they were comfortable enough with a toilet, two basins and a hot water dispenser for tea & noodles at the end of each carriage. Very glad of our no-bug sleeping bag liners though - as the quilts had seen better days.

It took over 12 hours to travel 1200 km and it was surprisingly smooth and quiet. Got some kip and woke up on the outskirts of Xi'an in the morning.














Xi'an is on the Silk Road in Shaanxi province and one of the ancient capitals of China. It is a walled city and small enough to walk around easily. It has a Muslim Quarter near the centre with markets, restaurants and shops that are really lively at night.

Can't get a beer of course and some of the menu items were 'interesting' (tripe on a stick, sheep head, lamb entrails etc.) Sheet iron cow spinal cord sounded particularly appetizing.