I'm moving to Chengdu in a couple of weeks and so will be carting along a gigantic suitcase, smaller 'carry-on' size bag plus laptop.. if I were to get a soft-sleeper bunk in the train, would I be able to fit all these things in the carriage without crowding the other occupants, AND would my laptop, passport etc be safe? Am traveling with my partner so at least we can keep an eye out for each other but have heard the sleeper trains are notorious for thieves - even soft sleepers..

Originally wanted to take the plane but would be looking at about 900 rmb one way right now.. versus 350 rmb or so on the train. 怎么办！

I would suggest you get top bunk soft sleeper, you can have your suitcases in the storage area above the door and laptop and valuable on your bunk. The top bunks are much better for keeping stuff out of the way,,plus they are cheaper.

You also have the advantage of using the Soft sleeper waiting room which gives you a less crowded wait and normally you dont have to fight with the masses to get on the train, which is one way to get things stolen.

I use my laptop as a pillow and choose the top bunk. Top bunk as it is not used as a seat by others and you can turn in without breaking up someone's card game.

Hi lovesiwo, I might also be moving to Chengdu in a month or so. I was thinking the same thing as you; although I might still go for a plane since I am concerned about safety and until the fast train is completed between Kunming and Chengdu, the thought of having to be constantly on guard against theft for 19 hours (or however long it takes) is a bit nerve wracking. Also, I can easily justify the increased expense of one flight just to be assured that I probably won't be the victim of theft.

On the other hand, I have no experience of rail travel in China (except on the exceptional Shanghai Maglev) but riding on the Vietnamese train up to Lao Cai near the Chinese border a few times was always very safe in my opinion. I have heard they can be compared to the normal Chinese trains, except they don't have the crushing crowds in VN (be very careful when you board your train).

It's better to be safe than sorry. Train takes too long and theft is always a risk. Kunming to Chengdu should not cost Y900 if your date is flexible (i.e., on 2 Sept, it cost only Y490 on China Eastern)!

I have used "Ctrip" a few times before and found it to be reliable. They also have an English Customer Service that you can call toll-free and the agents actually speak "English" and are very helpful. Check out the English link below for the lowest airfares (Search & choose the date with the best fare):

flights.english.ctrip.com/[...]

Thanks for the tips guys - still a bit conflicted though! Like the tip about the laptop pillow though. Would definitely always keep my valuables on me, passport under my clothes etc but yeah, mostly just worried about the computer.. had my last MacBook stolen out of my apartment in Hangzhou.

Unfortunately date is not flexible.. needs to be in about two weeks from now.

If you can't be that flexible on date, try different days and time of day. Avoid the business travel times and fares can be lower. The problem at the moment is that the schools are still on holiday, and lots of holiday travellers fly now; but most return in two weeks time.

The soft sleepers are relatively safe with pseudo lockable doors. Also they're regularly patrolled by the train conductors and security. Seems you're carrying a LOT of luggage, so you're a PRIMARY target for pickpockets at BOTH stations, so keep your loose valuables close (front mounted fanny pack or similar). When you offload from the train - wait for the stampede to subside and try to exit between other train arrivals - that minimizes the number of people who should be within pickpocket distance to you - and remember - these jerks always work in teams of at least two or more.

Keep the important stuff in the BIG bags or suitcases with the locks - although they're easy to pick or brute force open - the thieves tend to go for fast loot - as foot traffic is heavy.

If you're REALLY paranoid - record some conversations (english works best) and play them back while you're gone for meals...or buy that fake electronic barking yippie dog.

This is of course assuming it's just you & your partner in the soft sleeper. Always buy locks - even the cheap suitcase/backpack/zipper locks that can show evidence of tampering.

have you considered rail freight? i wouldn't recommend it for the laptop, but sending the bulk of your stuff by freight might mean you're less encumbered and can travel a little more relaxed. CRE (China Rail Express) have an office near the train station.

Thanks for the tips guys

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