Pseudo Nim

So I need to go to Chengdu for work. I figured it would be a complete waste to just fly in and go back, but I can't take any time off, so I concocted this insane plan of flying into Xi'an (a flight via ICN gets me in at 12:20pm), going to see the Terracotta warriors plus maybe the tomb of the emperor nearby, and then make a mad dash to the 19:xx train (there are two, I think - 19:07 and 19:32) to Chengdu. Sleep in Chengdu and go to work.

Based on the things I'm reading, this should be entirely doable (traffic notwithstanding; but I think realtime traffic should be useful enough?). Get in at 12:20, should be out of the airport by 13:00'ish? (XIY has a diplomatic lane? + no checked bags), Terracotta by 14:00-14:30, 3 hours there, leave for train at 18:00, 45 mins + traffic = in train station by 19:00, leaving plenty of time to pick up tickets and board the train.

That said, I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a driver. I could use DiDi, but I'll have a carryon bag, and I'd ideally prefer to have someone trustworthy to leave everything in the car and who'd be close by. Any thoughts on this?

JPDM

I have used Dingyi. Nice guy and he speaks good English.
[email protected] - +86 180 0922 0086

Pseudo Nim

Thanks! I'll send him a mail.

qpr

To be at the train station at 19:00 to pick up tickets for a 19:32 train is not enough time.

Pseudo Nim

qpr

You can buy the tickets online and send the driver your passport number that he can pick them up in advance.
But you still have to go through security and ticket checks.
So you better not to be late.

JPDM

The driver cannot pick up tickets with just a passport number. He need the passport, or, if he gets an accommodating clerk, just a photocopy.

Pseudo Nim

1) if I buy from Ctrip, they seem to say they can mail the tickets to an address in China. Can i avoid a pickup then ?

qxk970517

Unfortunately there are no fast lanes for First Class/Biz Class at train station. And I guess even for the delivery they have to check identifications upon delivery so I'll suggest you save more time and pick up yourself at train stations. BTW don't forget train station in-person pickup requires an ticket pick up code where should be written on ur Ctrip order.
Have fun in China!

JPDM

No special privilege for 1st or biz class ticket holders except for a nice waiting area in some stations.
But lines aren't so bad in any case.