On your train, there are electric power sockets in your carriage at various points in the corridor. I don’t think you have any power point inside your compartment, at least I can’t remember seen any. I think it uses a two-pin plug, as I have seen various mobile phones on charge.

The food in the dining car was OK, it had only Chinese food on offer (on most trains), they were freshly cooked from a limited menu. For two people, with lots to eat and soft drinks it came to less than RMB100, no more than USD 15.

Unless you are Chinese, or want to be adventurous, I would advise against buy ‘rice-in-a-box’ for lunch or dinner on the train; it is an ‘acquired’ taste.

As your train leave at midday, you might like to get on the train (not arriving the station, but in your compartment) by around 1130, once you stored your luggage in your compartment, you might like to make your way to the dinning car to wait for the start of lunch, as it gets filled up very quickly. Do ask what time they serve dinner, and be there a little early.

It may not be a bad idea to bring with you some bottle water and snacks. Depends on who you are travelling with (alone, or with company) a MP3 of some sort would be useful. A small bottle of cologne/perfume/after shave/ scented wet wipe may also make your journey more pleasant, as yours is a 25-hour ride

I have travelled by train all over China, always enjoyed my trips and never encountered any problems; some trip were more 'adventurous' then others. But wherever you go, always take care and be aware of your surroundings.

Have a nice train ride!