The Midnight Express: How I Slept My Way Through China at 300 km/h
#100WaysOfTravel
Let me tell you about the time I conquered one of the world’s most bustling countries while snoozing like a baby on a cloud. It was the Shenzhen-to-Shanghai night train, and I’ll be honest: I boarded with the energy of a person who had fought through airports too many times. But this time, I thought, “No planes. Let’s see how the land of high-speed trains handles me.”
First off, let’s talk about boarding. I stepped onto the train at 8 PM, expecting the usual train chaos. But no! This train experience was smoother than a silk robe—silent, efficient, and so fast you feel like you’re getting on a spaceship. The moment I stepped inside, I knew I had made the right call. It was like walking into a secret high-speed club. There were plush sleeper cabins, soft lighting, and a pillow that said, “You deserve this.”
After throwing my luggage into its own personal nook (fancy, right?), I settle into my private sleeper cabin. And when I say “settle,” I mean I melted. The bed is like a warm hug from the universe. Sure, it’s a train bed, but why does it feel more comfortable than my bed at home? What is the magic here? Do they sprinkle it with fairy dust? If they do, I want some of that for my apartment.
Now, the evening is just getting started, and the train begins zooming north, barely making a sound. I lay back and watch through the window as Shenzhen’s skyscrapers zip by like stars in warp speed. Feeling like I’m living in a futuristic sci-fi movie, I pull out my phone and take a few photos to brag about later. Obviously.
Around 10 PM, it’s time for lights out. I’m expecting some clattering train noises, but instead, it’s like someone hit the mute button on China. All I hear is a gentle hum—almost like a purr from a content cat. I get under my blanket, which, might I add, was just the right amount of cozy, and close my eyes. Fast forward to what feels like five minutes later, and suddenly it’s 6 AM.
I wake up with a jolt, convinced I’ve missed something important—like, I don’t know, my stop or the entire journey. But nope! I’m just in Shanghai now, having slept through the whole thing like a log on vacation. In fact, I’m feeling so refreshed, I’m half convinced I’ve slept too well. Is that a thing? Sleeping too well? Maybe I’ve ascended to some higher plane of train travel.
The cherry on top? Stepping off the train and watching the sunrise over Shanghai. No delays, no hassle, just me, my carry-on, and the knowledge that I’ve just turned 10 hours of what used to be stressful travel into the most relaxing commute of my life.
If you’re ever looking to combine adventure, speed, and better sleep than you get in your own bed, the night train from Shenzhen to Shanghai is the ultimate solution.
#High Speed Train