China - Train from Shanghai to Xian

I'll be starting my first visit to PRC in a couple of weeks.

I want to take a train from Shanghai to Xian (because I like trains and want to see some countryside) but don't want to take an overnight train. From perusing this China forum, I learned from Jiejie that I could take a day train to Zhengzhou and then connect to a train to Xian.

My plan is to go from Shanghai to Suzhou, spend the day and night and then on to Xian via Zhengzhou the next day.

My question: Will I be able to buy train tickets in Shanghai for all three segments before I head to Suzhou or will I have to buy a separate ticket in each departure city? There are connections in Zhengzhou of about 15 minutes but I don't think I could make that if I had to buy a ticket to Xian once I arrived in Zhengzhou.

I also want to thank all of you, expecially Jiejie and Moondog, for so much helpful information. You convinced me that even a "senior citizen" like me can see China without taking a tour.

My question: Will I be able to buy train tickets in Shanghai for all three segments before I head to Suzhou or will I have to buy a separate ticket in each departure city?


You can buy train tickets in Shanghai for all three segments so long its for sale.

You can, and should, buy all segments in Shanghai.

My suggestion is:
Suzhou NORTH - Zhengzhou: D286 dep 08:35 arrive 14:49.
Zhengzhou - Xi'an NORTH: D1005 dep 15:47 arrive 18:40.

These are both on High-Speed Rail. Do not even think about trying to make a 15 minute connection to that G2011. Just...No.

Suzhou North and Xi'an North stations are not anywhere as convenient to center of city as the main rail stations are, so allow for taxi budget and time to get you to/from station to hotel.

If you wanted to get into Xi'an earlier in the day, then probably the best way is to leave Suzhou at the end of the touring day and head over in the evening by high speed rail to Nanjing (South) and stay there for the night, then take the D686 departing Nanjing South 07:27 arr Zhengzhou 12:23, then the G2007 dep 13:24 arrive Xi'an North at 15:35.