When traveling on domestic flights within China, baggage allowances can vary slightly between airlines and ticket classes. Here’s a general overview to help you understand what to expect:
Checked Baggage Allowance
- Standard Allowance:
- Most domestic airlines in China allow passengers to check at least one piece of baggage free of charge.
- Some airlines may offer a higher baggage allowance for business class or premium economy passengers.
- Weight Limit:
- Typically, the weight limit for checked baggage ranges from 20 to 30 kilograms (44 to 66 pounds) per piece.
- Excess weight beyond the limit may incur additional fees depending on the airline’s policy.
- Size Limit:
- The standard size limit for checked baggage is usually calculated by adding the length, width, and height of the bag, totaling around 158 cm (62 inches).
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
- Standard Allowance:
- Passengers are generally allowed to carry one piece of cabin baggage and one personal item (like a handbag or laptop bag).
- The personal item should fit under the seat in front of you.
- Weight and Size Limits:
- Carry-on baggage weight limits typically range from 5 to 10 kilograms (11 to 22 pounds) depending on the airline.
- Dimensions for carry-on bags are usually restricted to approximately 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 inches).
Tips for Managing Baggage
- Check Airline Policies: Always check the specific baggage allowances and restrictions of the airline you are flying with. Policies can vary, especially for budget airlines versus full-service carriers.
- Pack Efficiently: Distribute weight between checked and carry-on bags to comply with airline regulations and avoid additional fees.
- Consider Additional Baggage Needs: If you plan to bring back souvenirs or have specific baggage needs (like sports equipment), confirm the airline’s policies beforehand.
Special Baggage Items
- Sports Equipment: Special rules may apply for transporting items such as skis, golf clubs, or bicycles. Check with your airline for specific guidelines and any additional charges.
- Fragile Items: Carry valuable or fragile items in your carry-on baggage to ensure they are handled with care.
Additional Considerations
- Excess Baggage Fees: Be aware of excess baggage fees, which can vary depending on the airline and the weight of the baggage exceeding the allowance.
- Airport Assistance: If you have mobility issues or require assistance with your baggage, contact the airline in advance to arrange for airport assistance services.
By understanding and preparing according to these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother travel experience when flying domestically within China.
Understanding exit regulations in China is crucial for travelers planning to leave the country. Here’s an overview of the key aspects you should be aware of:
Passport and Visa Requirements
- Passport Validity:
- Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from China.
- Ensure your passport has blank pages for visa stamps and entry/exit endorsements.
- Visa Requirements:
- Most travelers need a valid visa to enter and exit China. The type of visa required depends on your nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay.
- Make sure your visa is appropriate for your travel plans (tourism, business, study, etc.) and valid until after your intended departure.
Departure Procedures
- Airport Check-In:
- Arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight departure time to complete check-in and security procedures.
- Customs Declaration:
- Complete a customs declaration form accurately, declaring any items subject to customs regulations, such as currency amounts exceeding certain limits, valuable items, or restricted goods.
- Security Screening:
- Pass through security checks with your carry-on and checked baggage as per airport procedures.
- Immigration Control:
- Present your passport, completed departure card (if applicable), and any required exit documents at immigration control.
- Immigration officers will stamp your passport indicating your departure from China.
Restricted and Prohibited Items
- Customs Regulations:
- China prohibits the export of certain items, including cultural relics, endangered species, and items of national importance.
- Declare any items subject to restrictions or requiring special permits to avoid penalties or confiscation.
Important Considerations
- Dual Citizenship:
- China does not recognize dual nationality. If you hold dual citizenship, including Chinese citizenship, consult with relevant authorities before departure to avoid complications.
- Temporary Exit Permits:
- If you are staying in China on a temporary residency permit, ensure it remains valid until your departure date. Extensions or permits for re-entry may be required if you plan to return.
- Overstays:
- Overstaying your visa or residency permit in China can lead to fines, detention, or deportation. Always adhere to the validity and conditions of your visa.
Additional Information
- Travel Advisories: Check for any travel advisories or updates from your country’s embassy or consulate regarding entry and exit requirements for China.
- Documentation: Keep copies of your passport, visa, and other important travel documents in a separate location for emergencies.
By understanding and following these exit regulations, you can ensure a smooth departure from China. If you have specific questions about visa types, customs declarations, or any other aspect of exiting China, it’s advisable to consult with relevant authorities or your airline for up-to-date information.
Understanding entry regulations in China is essential for travelers planning to visit the country. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key aspects you need to know:
Passport and Visa Requirements
- Passport Validity:
- Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in China.
- Ensure your passport has blank pages for visa stamps and entry endorsements.
- Visa Requirements:
- Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter China. The type of visa you need depends on your nationality, purpose of visit (tourism, business, study, etc.), and duration of stay.
- Apply for the appropriate visa well in advance through a Chinese embassy or consulate.
- Visa-Free Transit:
- Some travelers may be eligible for visa-free transit if transiting through certain airports or ports for a limited duration (usually 24, 72, or 144 hours). Conditions apply, such as having an onward ticket to a third country.
- Some travelers may be eligible for visa-free transit if transiting through certain airports or ports for a limited duration (usually 24, 72, or 144 hours). Conditions apply, such as having an onward ticket to a third country.
Entry Procedures
- Arrival at Airport/Port:
- Upon arrival, proceed to immigration control with your passport, completed arrival card (if applicable), and visa (if required).
- Immigration officers will inspect your documents and may ask about the purpose of your visit.
- Customs Declaration:
- Complete a customs declaration form accurately, declaring any items subject to customs regulations, such as currency amounts exceeding certain limits, valuable items, or restricted goods.
- Health Declaration:
- Due to health concerns or pandemics, health declarations may be required upon entry. This includes reporting any symptoms or recent travel history.
- Security Screening:
- Pass through security checks with your carry-on and checked baggage as per airport/port procedures.
Restricted and Prohibited Items
- Customs Regulations:
- China prohibits the import of certain items, including narcotics, firearms, ammunition, and politically sensitive materials.
- Declare any items subject to restrictions or requiring special permits to avoid penalties or confiscation.
Important Considerations
- Dual Citizenship:
- China does not recognize dual nationality. If you hold dual citizenship, including Chinese citizenship, consult with relevant authorities before entry to avoid complications.
- Temporary Residency Permits:
- If you are entering China for work, study, or other long-term purposes, ensure you have obtained the necessary permits or visas before arrival.
- Health and Vaccinations:
- Depending on your travel history and health regulations, vaccinations or health checks may be required. Check with relevant authorities or your airline for specific requirements.
- Overstays:
- Overstaying your visa or residency permit in China can lead to fines, detention, or deportation. Always adhere to the validity and conditions of your visa.
Additional Information
- Travel Advisories: Check for any travel advisories or updates from your country’s embassy or consulate regarding entry requirements for China.
- Documentation: Keep copies of your passport, visa, and other important travel documents in a separate location for emergencies.
By understanding and following these entry regulations, you can ensure a smooth arrival and stay in China. For the latest information and specific inquiries about visas, customs, or health requirements, consult with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
Yunnan, the most southwestern province of China, is home to mild weather, diverse culture, delicious foods, and stunning scenery. Winter is a decent time to travel Yunnan. The highest mountains and the coldest temperatures in winter can be experienced in the northern part of Yunnan which borders Tibet. However, travelling around Lijiang, Dali and Kunming of the central Yunnan would be a great experience. The weather is good enough with bright sunshine, azure sky and less rainfall. Flowwers are in full bloom, and you may feel like it is in spring not in winter. Below we introduce you the top destinations to visit Yunnan in winter.
Top 1: Xishuangbanna – the Kingdom of Animals and Plants
Located south of the Tropic of Cancer, Xishuangbannan enjoys the tropical monsoon climate. November to next May is dry season with cool weather so that it is the hot tourism season. Try to avoid the peak holidays due to crowded Chinese tourists such as Chinese Spring Festival (usually in late Jan or early Feb.) While if you would like to taste the rich tropical fruit here, traveling during the period from June to September is a good choice. Please read more about Xishuangbanna.
Tips for the Visit
Highlights: Wild Elephant Valley, Menglun Botanical Garden, Wangtian Tree, Manting Park, Dai Village
Recommended Tour Length: 3~4 days
Recommended to Visit with: Kunming, Lijiang, Dali
Things to Do: See tropical rain forest and experience unique ethnic customs
Recommended Tours:
4 Days XishuangBanna Hiking Tour to Ganlanba Basin and Mekong River
4 Days Best XishuangBanna Tropical Forest and Ethnic Minorities Discovery
7 Days Kunming, XishuangBanna and Puer Family Tour with Tropical Forest and Ethnic Culture Discovery
8 Days South Yunnan Ethnic Minority Discovery and Tropical Forest Photograph Tour
Please read more about Xishuangbanna Tours.
Top 2: Kunming – the Spring City
With its perpetual spring-like weather which provides the ideal climate for plants and flowers, Kunming is known as the “Spring City”. Every winter, black-headed gulls from Siberia fly to Kunming and settle in Green Lake and Dianchi Lake, forming a harmonious scene of human beings and nature. Besides, Dongchuan Red Land and Jiaozi Snow Mountain are worth visiting. Read more about Kunming.
Tips for the Visit
Highlights: Stone forest, Dongchuan Red Land, Dianchi Dam, Jiaozi Snow Mountain
Recommended Tour Length: 2~4 days
Recommended to Visit with: Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-la, Yuanyang, Xishuangbanna
Things to Do: See black-headed gulls, sunbathing, visit Dongchuan Red Land and Jiaozi Snow Mountain
Recommended Tours:
1 Day Kunming City Discovery Tour
2 Days Kunming Dongchuan Red Land and Jiaozi Snow Mountain Tour
5 Days Kunming Spring City and Luoping Rapeseed Flowers Photography Tour
6 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang Tour
Please read more about Kunming Tours.
Top 3: Dali – Nanzhao Kingdom with Bai Culture
Dali is one of the earliest cradle of Yunnan culture and created glorious Dali Kingdom. Walking around Dali, you will witness the magical power and charm with your own eyes. Dali has around 126 days in the year with temperatures around 18-21℃(54-66 F) which is the most appropriate temperature for taking a break. In addition, it enjoys abundant sunshine which is most welcome during the winter months thanks to its high altitude. Please read more about Dali.
Tips for the Visit
Highlights: Dali Ancient Town, Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas, Xizhou Ancient Town
Recommended Tour Length: 2~3 days
Recommended to Visit with: Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La
Things to Do: See natural scenery, explore history and ethnic culture
Recommended Tours
1 Day Dali to Lijiang Tour with Shaxi Old Town and Shibaoshan Mountain
2 Days Dali Cycling Tour around Erhai Lake
4 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Group Tour
6 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang Tour
Read more about Dali Tours.
Top 4: Lijiang – Highlights of Yunnan Tour
As a popular destination in Yunnan, Lijiang is considered as a fairyland blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow mountains and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by Naxi ethnic minority. In winter, Lijiang enjoys more sunshine than other seasons. Choosing a favorable local guesthouse and having a warm sun bath on a sling chair is a perfect way to spend your holiday in Lijiang. Please read more about Lijiang.
Tips for the Visit
Highlights: Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lugu Lake
Recommended Trip Length: 2~4 days
Recommended to Visit with: Shangri-La, Dali, Kunming
Things to Do: Visit snow mountain, explore ancient town and discover ethnic culture
Recommended Tours
1 Day Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tour with Impression Lijiang Show
2 Days Lijiang Lugu Lake Tour and Matriarchal Society Discovery
3 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour
Read more about Lijiang Tours.
Top 5: Shangrila – Eden in Dream
Northern Yunnan, which borders Tibet, has the highest mountains and the coldest winter temperatures. If you would like to visit Haba Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(Lijiang) and other snow mountain, winter is a good time to visit. Otherwise, you should prevent to go north to Shangri-La or Deqin. Read more about Shangrila.
Tips for the Visit
Highlights: Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery, Tiger leaping Gorge
Recommended Trip Length: 3~5 days
Recommended to Visit with: Kunming, Lijiang, Dali
Things to Do: See natural scenery and explore Tibetan culture
Recommended Tours
1 Day Lijiang to Shangri-la Tour with The First Bend of Yangtze River and Tiger Leaping Gorge
2 Days Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain Tour from Shangri-La
4 Days Shangri-La City Tour
8 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Overland Tour
Read more about Shangrila Tours.
Top 6: Yuanyang – Paradise for Photographer
Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces is marked by spectacular terraces that cascade down the slopes of the towering Ailao Mountains to the banks of the Honghe River. In winter, there is only water in paddy field. With the change of sunray, terrace presents different beautiful scenery. Sea of cloud often appears at these months. If you want to experience rice transplanting, come and visit Yuanyang Terraces in late April.
Tips for the Visit
Highlights: Sunrise, Sunset, Rice Terrace
Recommended Trip Length: 3 days or longer
Recommended to Visit with: Kunming, Jianshui
Things to Do: See the spectacular scenery of terraces and explore Hani culture
Recommended Tours
3 Days Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Photography Tour from Kunming
6 Days Kunming Yuanyang Jianshui Photography Tour with Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
8 Days Yunnan Photography Tour with Dongchuan Red Land and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
Read more about Yuanyang Tours.
Top 7: Western Yunnan – New Land of Yunnan Tour
Including Dehong, Baoshan, Lincang and Nujiang, Western Yunnan belongs to the subtropical monsoon climate and the subtropical monsoon rain forest climate. It is located in the low-latitude plateau region, where there is no severe heat in summer and no severe cold in winter, and the four seasons are like spring. Tengchong, Ruili, Mangshi are top destinations of western Yunnan tours.
Tips for the Visit
Highlights: Menghuan Grand Golden Pagoda, Mengbanaxi Rare Park, Tengchong Volcano Park, Rehai Hot Spring
Recommended Trip Length: 3 days or longer
Recommended to Visit with: Dali, Lijiang, Kunming
Things to Do: See volcanic geology, discover rainforest and explore ethnic culture
Recommended Tours
10 Days West Yunnan Birding Tour with Gaoli Gongshan Mountain, Tongbiguan Nature Reserve and Ruili Tropical Forest
11 Days West Yunnan Overland Tour
13 Days West Yunnan Overland Indepth Tour
Read more about Dehong Tours, Baoshan Tours, Lincang Tours and Nujiang Tours.
Keep Reading:
How to Plan a Kunming Tour?
How to Plan a Dali Tour?
How to Plan a Lijiang Tour?
How to Plan a Shangrila Tour?
How to Plan Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Tour?
How to Plan a Honghe and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Photography Tour?
How to Plan a Xishuangbanna Tour?
Visit Yunnan in AutumnVisit Yunnan in AutumnVisit Yunnan in AutumnVisit Yunnan in Autumn
The Train Tickets Booking from Shanghai to Kunming
Shanghai to Kunming Tour by High Speed Trains, has been put into service on May 21, 2016. At this time, 4 pairs of high speed trains run daily between Changsha South Railway Station and Kunming South Railway Station with travel time of only 11 to 12 hours.
Length: 1407 miles (2264km)
Duration: 11-12 hours
Designed speed: 186/217 mph (300/350 km/h)
The Train Map from Shanghai to Kunming
The Kunming–Singapore railway, increasingly called the Pan-Asia railway Network is a network of railways, being planned or under construction, that would connect China, Singapore and all the countries of mainland Southeast Asia. The concept originated with British and French imperialists, who sought to link the railways they had built in southwest China, Indochina and Malaya, but international conflicts in the 20th century kept regional railways fragmented. The idea was formally revived in October 2006 when 18 Asian and Eurasian countries signed the Trans-Asian railway Network Agreement, which designates the Kunming–Singapore railway as one of several planned trans-Asian railways.
The proposed network consists of three main routes from Kunming, China to Bangkok, Thailand: the Eastern route via Vietnam and Cambodia; the central route via Laos, and the western route via Myanmar. The southern half of the network from Bangkok to Singapore has long been operational, though a high-speed line has been proposed.
As of January 2014, construction of sections connecting China with Vietnam, China with Myanmar and Laos with Vietnam are under way. Work on sections in Laos began in December 2017 and is expected to be completed in 2021 with Chinese assistance. The railway network is expected to increase regional economic integration and increase China’s economic ties with Southeast Asia. A high-speed rail project in Vietnam with Japanese support was canceled in 2010 due to high cost. However, it will be re-considered during 2019 communist party session, as Vietnam’s economy is growing at much faster pace than anticipated.
History
Colonial railways
The British and French Empires first proposed building a railway from Kunming to Singapore in 1900 as Russia was completing the Trans-Siberian railway. From 1904 to 1910, the French built the Yunnan–Vietnam railway, to connect Kunming with Hanoi and Haiphong in French Tonkin, now northern Vietnam.
In 1918, the southern line of the Thailand railway system was connected with British Malaya’s west coast line, completing a metre gauge rail link from Bangkok to Singapore.[10] In the late-1930s, the British began to build the Yunnan–Burma railway but abandoned the effort in 1941 with the outbreak of World War II.
In 1936, Vietnam’s main railway, from Hanoi to Saigon was completed. This French-built system was (and still is) metre-gauge.
In 1942, the railways of Thailand and Cambodia were connected linking Bangkok and Phnom Penh, but this trans-border connection has long since fallen into disuse. The Japanese Empire built the infamous Thailand–Burma railway using prisoners of war to connect Bangkok and Yangon, but the entire line never entered commercial operation and is now partially submerged by the reservoir behind the Vajiralongkorn Dam.
A continuous metre-gauge rail line from Kunming to Singapore via Hanoi, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur was not realized as the French never built the “missing link” between Phnom Penh and Saigon, choosing to build a highway instead.
21st century revival
In 2000, ASEAN proposed completing the Kunming to Singapore railway, via Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Phnom Penh, and Bangkok. This 5,500 km (3,400 mi) route is now known as the eastern route. In 2004, ASEAN and China proposed the shorter western route, which instead of running east through Vietnam and Cambodia, would go west from Kunming to Myanmar and then to Bangkok. In 2007 ASEAN and China proposed building three routes, the Eastern, Western and a central route via Laos.
Planning & Construction
Eastern route
- In China
- Kunming–Hai Phong railway (Kunming-Hekou section), 465 km old metre gauge railway from Kunming to the Hekou Yao Autonomous County on the border with Vietnam (completed in 1910).
- Kunming–Yuxi–Hekou railway, 370 km (230 mi) standard gauge railway from Kunming to Hekou (via Yuxi and Mengzi, completed in 2014).
- In Vietnam
- Kunming–Haiphong railway (Lao Cai-Haiphong section), metre gauge railway from Lao Cai, on the border with China, to Haiphong via Hanoi (completed in 1910).
- North–South railway of Vietnam, metre gauge railway from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (completed in 1936).
- North–South express railway of Vietnam, 1,570 km (980 mi) standard gauge, high-speed rail, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (cancelled). This line was jointly planned by Vietnam and Japan using Shinkansen bullet train technology and financed in part by Japanese official development assistance. The project was scheduled to be built in stages from 2011 to 2020. In June 2010, Vietnam’s National Assembly rejected the plan due to high construction cost, reportedly equal to about 50 percent of the country’s GDP. However, the project will be re-considered during 2019 Vietnam’s National Assembly Session as Vietnam’s economy is growing much faster, thus significantly decreasing the project’s cost / GDP ratio.
- In Laos
- Savannakhet–Lao Bao railway, a 220 km (140 mi), electrified double track, high-speed railway from Savannakhet in Savannakhet Province, on the Thai border, to Lao Bảo in Vietnam’s Quảng Trị Province. The project costs US$4 billion and is being built by the Giant Consolidated of Malaysia. A ground breaking ceremony was held in Ban Naxai on December 18, 2013. This line will also be extended to the port city of Danang in Vietnam, and give landlocked Laos an outlet to the South China Sea.
- In Cambodia
- The Phnom Penh to Poipet railway, next to Aranyaprathet on the Thai border, was rebuilt and reopened on July 5, 2018. The original railway was destroyed in 1973 during the Cambodian Civil War.
- The disconnected rail link from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City is being reconsidered. The cost for construction is estimated around US$600 million and the Chinese government will fund most proportion of construction. The Cambodian government will deal with the relocation of people who will be affected by the proposed new railway construction. The section from Phnom Penh to the Thai border
Central route
The central route including the Bangkok to Singapore section will be 3,900 km (2,400 mi) in length. A trip from Kunming to Singapore will take 30 hours in 2022, and 18 hours when completed in 2040. (compared to 80 hours from Vientiane to Singapore in January 2019). The line will be used to transport both passengers and cargo.[8][21]
The central route consists of the following sections:
In China
- Kunming–Yuxi railway, from Kunming to Yuxi (completed in 1993, upgraded in 2016).
- Yuxi–Mohan railway, 503 km standard gauge railway from Yuxi to Mohan at the border with Laos (under planning). This line was originally planned to begin construction by the end of 2010, but has been delayed. Construction of a railway logistics hub in Mohan began in early 2011. Construction began in 2016 and schedule for completion in 2022 from Yuxi-Jinhong-Mohan.
In Laos
- Boten-Vientiane railway, 421 km (262 mi) standard gauge line from Boten in Luang Namtha Province on the border with China, to Thanaleng, on the border with Thailand. This section is to be opened in late 2021.
This line was originally planned as a high-speed rail joint-venture between the Laotian government and the China Railway Corporation, the Chinese state rail operator, and set to begin construction on 25 April 2011 but was delayed due to a corruption scandal that removed the Chinese railway minister, Liu Zhijun from office. The Laotian government then became the sole investor in the project, which is funded with a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China that would cover 70 percent of the project’s cost of US$7 billion. The project was downgraded to a conventional speed railway with a maximum speed of 160 km/h instead of 200 km/h. As the terrain in Laos is mountainous, 76 bridges and 154 tunnels will need to be built. Unexploded bombs that have been dropped during the Vietnam War will have to be removed.
The loan finance arrangement for this line was criticized by economists in the West as too expensive for Laos. There is also controversy over villagers whose houses will be moved to accommodate the new railway line. One village, Bopiat in northern Laos, has already been moved once to allow the construction of a casino. The National Assembly of Laos approved the project in October 2012, but the construction has not commenced because the Chinese state lender has been waiting since July 2013 for the Thai legislature to approve funding for the Thailand section of the railway line. On 22 July 2014, China’s Exim Bank suspended loans to Laotian infrastructure projects, leaving the rail project in jeopardy. On 28 July 2014, at a meeting with Chinese Communist Party general secretary Xi Jinping in Beijing, Lao People’s Revolutionary Party general secretary Choummaly Sayasone asked the Chinese government to continue its assistance of rail development in Laos.
In October 2014, Radio Free Asia reported that China had made a new pledge to finance the project as talks between the two countries continued.
In January 2016, Singapore’s Straits Times reported that ground was broken on the project in December 2015.
In Thailand
Existing
- Northeastern Line (Thailand), a metre gauge railway connecting Bangkok with Nong Khai. Currently in operation.
- Southern Line (Thailand), a metre gauge railway connecting Bangkok with Hat Yai / Sungai Kolok. Currently in operation.
- Hat Yai – Padang Besar Shuttle Train
Planned / Under Construction
- Bangkok-Nong Khai High Speed Railway, a high-speed railway from Bangkok to Nong Khai on the border with Laos. As of 2020, 2 of the contracts for the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section is under construction, while the Nakhon Ratchasima – Nong Khai have yet to enter the bidding phase. Costs of this section was to be determined by February 2016 with construction starting in May 2016. When completed, eight-car, 613 passenger CRH2G[33] passenger trains will run on the line at a maximum speed of 250 km/h. At a speed of 180 km/h, it is estimated that passenger trains will run from Bangkok to Nong Khai in 230 minutes. HXD3B and HXD3C electric locomotives will be used to power freight trains travelling the line at 120 km/h.[4]
- Bangkok-Hat Yai / Padang Besar railway, a high-speed railway from Bangkok to Hat Yai and Padang Besar, near the border with Malaysia (under planning).
Planning for these lines began during the administration of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of the Democratic Party, which agreed to borrow US$400 million from China to purchase materials and expertise, and build one high speed line to Nong Khai Province to the north and another to the Padang Basar on the Malaysian border to the south. When Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of the Puea Thai Party took office in August 2011, the Thai government initially scaled back those plans and proposed shorter lines that connected Thai cities but did not reach international frontiers. Supoj Sablorm, the secretary of the Thai Ministry of Transport, explained that Thailand was not in a rush to build a high-speed rail line to Laos because the Chinese-backed project in Laos had been delayed to beyond 2014. A year later in August 2012, the Thai government announced the plans to build four high-speed rail lines, including extensions to Nong Khai and Hat Yai by 2022. In October 2013, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, on a visit to Thailand, promoted Chinese high-speed rail technology and offered loan packages for high-speed rail construction that are partially repayable with rice and rubber.
On 19 November 2013, the Thai Senate passed a bill that authorized the government to borrow US$69.5 billion to fund high-speed rail and other infrastructure projects in Thailand without going through the annual government budgeting process. The opposition Democratic Party challenged the spending bill in court and a judge expressed doubt about the necessity of high-speed rail for Thailand. The ensuing political protests in Bangkok, which began in December 2013 and continued through May 2014, has paralyzed the Thai government and prevented further decision-making of the rail project.
On 30 July 2014, Thai army chief General Prayut Chan-o-cha, whose forces seized control of the government through a bloodless coup in May, announced plans to build two high-speed rail lines as part of a 741.4 billion baht transportation program. The Nong Khai to Map Ta Phut line, 737 kilometres (458 mi) in length, would run from the Laotian border at Thanaleng to the Gulf of Thailand. The Chiang Khong to Ban Phachi line, 655 kilometres (407 mi) in length, would run from Chiang Rai near the northern tip of Thailand to Ayutthaya just north of Bangkok. The two lines would allow trains to travel at a top speed of 160 km/h. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2015 and is to be completed in 2021.
In November 2014, after a meeting between Li Keqiang and Prayut Chan-o-cha, China agreed to lend Thailand funds to build dual-track standard gauge mid-speed railways on the Bangkok-Nong Khai, Bangkok-Map Ta Phut, and Kaeng Khoi–Map Ta Phut routes. The loans could be repaid with rice and rubber. On 4 December 2014, the Thai National Legislative Assembly voted 187–0 with seven abstensions to approve loans for the Nong Khai-Map Ta Phut and Kaeng Khoi-Bangkok lines. China would undertake construction and development of the lines but would not receive land use rights along the routes. On 19 December 2014, the two countries signed a memorandum to build the railways.
As of December 2015, China and Thailand have agreed to build the 845 km double-track rail routes connecting Bangkok-Kaeng Khoi-Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon Kaen-Udon Thani-Nong Khai and a second section connecting Kaeng Khoi-Map Ta Phut. The two parties have not yet reached agreement on financing for the project.
In March 2020, the Thai government committed to a US$21 billion railway expansion plan that will include a high speed rail from China to Singapore through Bangkok via the Laotian border near Vientiane.
Western route
The western route consists of the following railway sections:
In China
- Chengdu–Kunming railway, 115 km (71 mi) from Kunming to Guangtong (completed in 1971)
- Guangtong–Dali railway, 213 km (132 mi) from Guangtong to Dali (completed in 1998), and
- Dali–Ruili railway, 336 km (209 mi) from Dali to Ruili on the border with Myanmar (under construction since 2011).
In Myanmar
- Kunming–Yangon high-speed railway (Myanmar section), from Muse in the Shan State on the border with China to Yangon with maximum train speeds of 170–200 km/h.
The Kunming–Yangon high-speed railway forms a portion of the 1,215 km (755 mi) high-speed railway from Kunming to Rakhine State on the Bay of Bengal.
In the summer of 2018, it seems plans are again on to complete the China-Myanmar railway. In late November 2010, Chinese state media reported that the railway would begin construction in about two months. But in March 2011, the Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming stated that the project was delayed due to the first elections in Myanmar in 20 years and differences in the railway gauge of the two countries.[47] He explained the Chinese rail developers were waiting for the new cabinet in Myanmar to form and expressed hope that work on the line would begin before the end of 2011.
On 18 July 2014, the Myanmar government cancelled the project, citing opposition from civil rights groups, villagers and the general public.
- Yangon–Myitkyina railway, from Yangon to Myitkyina, near the border with China (existing railway).
In December 2013, the Myanmar government began to discuss the upgrade of the existing Yangon-Myitkyina railway with the Asian Development Bank and the government of South Korea.
- Yangon–Mandalay railway, from Yangon to Mandalay (existing railway).
In December 2013, Japanese media reported that the Myanmar and Japanese governments had reached an agreement to upgrade this line.
- Yangon–Bangkok railway.
In May 2012, the railway Minister Aung Min of Myanmar announced that a feasibility study would be undertaken to rebuild the 105-km stretch of the Thai–Burma railway from the Three Pagoda Pass to the Thai border.[49] The railway could be reopened, he said, with international assistance and promote development in the region and peace with ethnic Shan and Karen rebels in the border areas.
Malaysia to Singapore section
The existing route uses the KTM ETS tracks from Padang Besar to Gemas and southwards using diesel trainsets on a single track to Woodlands Train Checkpoint, Singapore. The line from Padang Besar to Gemas was electrified and double tracked in 2015, and upgrade works from Gemas to Johor Bahru are expected to be completed in 2021, bringing down journey times from Woodlands North in Singapore to KL Sentral to about 4 hours, via Bukit Chagar.
In 2013, the governments of Malaysia and Singapore agreed to build a Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore that was scheduled to open in 2026. But shortly after winning the May 2018 election, the incoming Malaysian prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad said he would reconsider the project. Among revisions being explored to reduce costs, was to align the route to the existing meter gauge Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) line and lay a standard gauge track in parallel, with a fork running to Jurong East so that bilateral agreement is not violated, to allow trains running at 200 km/h, cutting journey time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 130 minutes. Stations were planned for Bandar Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Bangi-Putrajaya, Labu (Seremban), Muar, Batu Pahat, Iskandar Puteri and Jurong East. The plan has been cancelled after 2 extensions requested by Malaysia, with the project allowed to lapse on 31 December 2020.
According to PLANMalaysia, the northern high-speed rail corridor will be built along North-South Expressway and the stations will be at Tanjung Malim, Tapah, Ipoh, Taiping and terminated at Butterworth.
Dali-Lincang Railway introduce the location, railway, rialway maps, train routes, normal trains and high speed trains schedule, train travel maps, train tour tips, train tickets booking, railway facilities and servive, travel guide of Dali-Lincang Railway. Take the high speed train tour of Dali-Lincang Railway, learn more about the train travel guide of Dali-Lincang Railway.
China-Myanmar Railway
Dali-Lijiang railway to complete Oct’09, paving way for Yunnan-Tibet train.
The article reports on the completion of the laying of train tracks between Dali and Lijiang railways in Yunnan Province as part of building a Yunnan-Tibet railway in October 2009 in China. According to sources from Chengdu Railway Bureau, the next to be built will be the electricity of the railway, telecommunications and signal systems. It mentions that the line is expected to be open for passenger transportation before the National Day Holiday in October.
Ernnrient would introduce large state- owned enterprises in a cooperative development of the region’s mining resources. n China ogles at Tibet mineral reserves worth 600 bin yuan Verified mineral deposits in theTibet Autonomous Region(TAR) have a total value esti- mated at over 600 billion yuan (72.6 billion US dollars), reported China’s official Xinhuanet news service Sep 12, citing the Tibet Autonomous Regional Department of Land and Resources. So far, 102 types of minerals have been found in the region, it said. The report also said that currently the TAR ranked among the top five in the PRCin verified reserves of 12 types of minerals, and ranked first in re- serves of chrome and copper.
The report cited Dorje, a leading of- ficial of the department, as saying that presently, nine key zones had been marked off for mining industrial devel- opment, including the Yulong copper production base in eastern Tibet (lo- cated in Chamdo) and Nyixong iron production base in southern central TAR. Besides, he had indicated that mining zones in Lhasa’s Maizhokunggar (Tibetan: Maldro- gungkar) County and around northern Tibet’s salt lakes were expected to be- come national bases for developing mineral resources.
Q Building of Sichuan-Tibet railway not yet scheduled China’s railway officials have denied the country’s official news reports Sep1 that the construction of the proposed Sichuan-Tibet railway would startin Sep’O9. The official Xinhua news agency Sep 2 cited officials in charge of the railway planning from the Ministry of Railways as saying the railway was an important project in the future planning of the country’s network, but work on the difficult project had not started, and there was no timetable for construction yet. On the other hand, the party mouth- piece People’s Daily Sep 3, citing Xinhua, said the project had only been delayed.
And the official chinadaily.com.cn Sep 2 cited a Ministry of Railway official as saying the Sichuan-Tibet railway project was only just added to China’s middle-and-long term railway con- struction plan last year, and so it was still in its planning stage. The People’s Daily report said the railway’s planners were still examining intricate and diffi- cult geological conditions along the proposed lines…
Lijiang-Shangrila Railway
On 10th June, Diqing plateau became an ocean of joy. People of ethnic Tibetan, Lisu, Naxi, Bai and Yi gathered at the cargo terminal construction site of Shangri-La Town to hold a meeting, celebrating the commencement of China’s second Tibet Railway —— Lijiang-Shangri-La railway.
The railway that will cover 23,870 square kilometers and serve 373,000 people (of which 83.56% are ethnic minorities) will extend from Diqing plateau. It will connect the Dali Railway and the Tibet Autonomous Region.
As an important part of “the western railway network” and Yunnan-Tibet Railway in China’s medium and long-term railway net work plan, Lijiang-Shangri-La railway starts from Lixiang station of Dali Railway, crossing the Jinsha River northward, passing Xiao Zhongdian, where it finally arrives in Shangri-La. Lijiang-Shangri-La railway not only traverses the richest and most unique regions in Yunnan Province containing biotechnology, mining, electricity and water resources, but also the habitat for ethnic minorities like Tibetan, Naxi, Yi, Lisu, Pumi and Bai.
Luo Zhengfu, vice governor of Yunnan province said at the meeting, “Construction of the Lijiang- Shangri-La railway will have a significant influence on promoting economic and social development in the northwest area: it can help to ease the backwardness of the transportation situation in northwest Yunnan, optimize the inter-regional allocation of resources, promote the deep exploration of tourism, hydropower and mineral resources and maintain stability in Tibet.”
Full use of electric traction along the entire railway line
Speeding up railway construction in Yunnan Province was an important measure to cope with the international financial crisis, to stimulate domestic demand and economic growth and to promote the long-term development of Yunnan province. Yunnan province will take Lijiang-Shangri-La railway as a new opportunity to further set off an upsurge of railway construction in the province. Projects like Kunming Hinge Expansion, Yu-Kun Railway Expansion, the South East Link Dianchi Lake, Yun-Gui Railway, Shanghai-Kunming Railway line will all be launched within the year as to ensure eight billion yuan railway construction investment.
According to the approval of National Development and Reform Commission, the 139-kilometer-long Lijiang-Shangri-La railway is a level 1 National Railway. Electric traction is employed the whole length of the line, and the designed speed of the line is 120 km per hour. Being a part of the Yunnan-Tibet Railway, Lijiang-Shangri-La railway connects cities like Dali and Kunming. After the completion of Lijiang-Shangri-La Railway, more than 600 kilometers of railway line will be linked.
Total investment of this project amounts to 9.2 billion yuan and the project capital is 4.6 billion yuan, accounting for 50% of the total investment. Among which, the Ministry of Railways arranges 3.22 billion yuan fund for railway construction, accounting for 70% of the capital, while the Yunnan Provincial Capital Budget arranges 1.38 billion yuan, accounting for 30% of the capital. The remaining 4.6 billion yuan is from bank loans. The whole project is scheduled to complete in 6 years.
Lhasa-Nyingtri railway building may begin in 2013.
A railway will be paved between Lhasa, capital of Tibet and Nyingchi, at the earliest in 2013.
Project of the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway is now at the feasibility study stage with two designs going southward and northward under discussion.
The experts prefer the southward scheme since it is relatively easier than the other in terms of difficulty of construction.
The southward scheme suggests building the railway down by the Lhasa River, going eastward through Gongga, passing by Nedong, Nang, Mailing , spanning the Nyang River and ending in Nyingchi County. The total lenght is estimated at 440 kilometers.
The other design with a total length of 330 kilometers proposes to pave the railway along the NO.318 national highway via the Maizhokunggar County, Milar Mountain and Gongbo Gyamda.
Deqin-Gongshan Road
Deqin-Gongshan Road(德贡公路 in Chinese) is the road from Deqin County to Gongshan County via Biluo Snow Mountain. Deqin County and Gongshan Dulong Nu Autonomous County are important parts of the Tibetan region in China. They are the frontier areas of the country and remote and border areas of Yunnan Province. They belong to multi-ethnic and multi-cultural areas. They are the key counties of poverty alleviation and development.
Nearby attractions of Deqin-Gongshan Road
- Di Ma Luo (迪麻洛)
“Dimalo” is a language of Nu ethnic minority，it means Jishuitangqing(积水塘箐). It is a village where Nu and Tibetans live together. It is situated in the ditch at the foot of Biluo Snow Mountain. The Dimalo River runs through the ditch. Because of the great drop, the waterstead is full of rocks, so the whole river is rolling with white waves and thundering. Dimalo has 13 natural villages. - Biluo Snow Mountain
Located in Lanping County and being one of the major mountain ranges in Hengduan Mountain in Yunnan, it faces Lan Cang River on the east, and stops at Nujiang River the west. Both sides of the Biluo Snow Mountain are vallies 3,000 meters above sea level. Originated from Tanggula Mountain in Tibet, the mountain strentches southward to Yunnan. It is the boundary mountain between Lanping county and Fugong county, Bijiang county and Lushui county. - Cizhong Church(茨中教堂)
Cizhong Catholic Church is located on the Bank of Lancang River in Yanmen Township, Deqin County, Yunnan Province, covering an area of about 10 kilometers, with a total construction area of 1386 square meters. Founded in 1867 and rebuilt in 1909, the church is a model of the perfect combination of Western architectural style and Tibetan, Han and Bai ethnic architectural styles in China. It has high historical and artistic value.
Meaning of Deqin-Gongshan Road
There are four tourist routes from Gongshan to Deqin, Fugong to Weixi, Lijiang to Lanping, Lushui to Tengchong in Northwest Yunnan, linking up the scenic spots of Dali-Lijiang-Diqing-Nujiang-Tengchong-Dehong. Chengdu is the most attractive and tourist value of the “three rivers parallel” golden route. Among them, the construction of Degong Highway can not only effectively promote the economic and social development of the two states and counties, but also facilitate the political and economic exchanges between the two places. This colorful belt road connecting Lancang River and Nujiang River will also become a parallel flow of the three rivers. The most beautiful tour route.
Location Map of Zhenkang County in Yunnan
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