Boarding the Fastest Commercial Train

Futuristic-Looking High Speed Train in Shanghai 上海

Futuristic-Looking High Speed Train in Shanghai 上海

The first time I rode on a high speed train in China, I was awed by the power and the speed of the train. Practically all of my train rides in China have been on their slow commuter trains which are crammed with people and where seating is a multiple choice test. My first high speed train ride was from Beijing to Taian City. My recall my friend saying that it was just like take the metro, only faster. I had no idea what she meant until I tried it for myself. It was light years away from the normal trains.

Aerodynamic Lines of the High Speed Train in Shanghai 上海

Aerodynamic Lines of the High Speed Train in Shanghai 上海

Inside the high speed train was like the inside of a plane. Everything was neat and clean and even had stewardesses. The price of comfort was high though but it saved me three very uncomfortable hours jostling with peasants in the hard seats. This pleasant experience convinced me to try the high speed train again. This time I will be leaving from Shanghai to the city of Hangzhou. I was excited at taking this train ride since it was billed as the fastest commercial train in the world at that time. I believe it has been surpassed by other speedier trains in China.

Boarding Gates at the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station 上海虹桥站

Boarding Gates at the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station 上海虹桥站

The airport-like Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station was the starting point of my journey. The ultramodern complex allows passengers to purchase tickets themselves from a self-serve kiosk. Waiting was another thing since there was a lot of people waiting near the gate where I was supposed to depart from. I was wondering what the fuss was since we have seats anyway, right? When the gates opened, we went down to the trains and I quickly ran to the front to get a snap of these awesome machines. Indeed impressive they were, I can’t wait to ride it.

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