Originally Posted by LOUDNOISES

The lack of competition and independent low cost carriers has long been a source of consternation for me but as those who know the Chinese mentality will testify, they would rather run a business into the ground before offering competitive pricing. With all the subsidising anyway, is there really any incentive to offer better deals anyway.

I would like to take the train more, but being on the PEK side of town a good hour away from the Train Terminals and usually with toddler in tow, the difference in price is not tempting enough to go through all that palava.

The Train prices on the long hauls do confuse me though - a 10hr trip BJ to GZ costs 3,000rmb return in 1st whilst a flight is around the same price and a lot quicker.

If they did overnight sleepers I'd be on it like a flash but alas non.

Is the subway now linked to Beijing West and South? Last time I took a train I came in to West station on a Sunday evening with suitcases, small baby and accompanying detritus only to find a three hour wait for a taxi. I have to admit I almost burst into tears