Alina Mcleod travels China’s rail network to test a business class ride from Shenzhen to Guilin. She explains that Chinese trains offer scale, speed and luxury, with perks like personalized check-in, a business class lounge, lay-flat seats and unlimited food and drink. She weighs whether the higher price compared to economy is worth it, noting the cost is about three times the economy fare. She shares practical tips such as using discount codes and mentions her filming gear. The video positions premium rail as a compelling option for luxury or solo travelers exploring China, while remaining mindful of value and overall experience.
Alina Mcleod takes China’s business class train from Shenzhen to Guilin, enjoying lay-flat seats and stunning karst mountain views for $120—a luxury worth the splurge.
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Alina Mcleod’s journey from Shenzhen to Guilin proves that China’s high-speed rail offers a luxury experience rivaling first-class air travel. For $120, she enjoyed a lay-flat seat, private lounge access, and personalized boarding assistance—all while cruising at 300 km/h. The real magic? Watching karst mountains appear as she reached Guilin, all from the comfort of a pod-like cabin. Her candid verdict: it’s worth the splurge, especially for solo travelers craving space and scenery. She also discovered a budget-friendly hotel in Guilin with stunning mountain views and rooftop tea, proving luxury doesn’t always mean expensive.
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24 min
2026
China Luxury Rail: Shenzhen to Guilin Business Class Review
There's not many countries in the world that can compete with the scale, speed and luxury amenities that Chinese trains have to offer! This was my first time traveling business class which comes with many perks like personalized check in, business class lounge, lay flat seats and unlimited food and...
Shenzhen to Guilin Business Class Train Review Luxury Rail China
Alina Mcleod dives into the world of China’s premium rail travel, focusing on a Shenzhen to Guilin business class ride. She explains that Chinese high-speed trains combine scale, speed, and luxury like few other transport systems. In her review, she highlights perks such as a dedicated business class check-in, access to a business lounge, and notably, lay-flat seating with abundant food and drink on board. The key question she weighs is whether the experience justifies the price, noting that business class costs roughly three times an economy fare. Throughout the video she balances enthusiasm for the comfort and convenience with practical considerations for travelers: price, value, and the overall experience of a long-distance train journey in China. She also drops practical details like using discount codes and mentions the gear she uses to film, suggesting a well-prepared traveler’s mindset. The video reads as an honest exploration of a luxury travel option within China’s vast rail网络
Attractions in this video: Karst Mountains, Yangshuo
More about the current video:(Published on 2026-04-29)
Alina Mcleod embarks on a three-hour business class train journey from Shenzhen to Guilin, testing China’s premium rail experience. She starts the morning chaotic—caught in rain without an umbrella, running late—but makes it to the lounge with 15 minutes to spare. The business class perks include a private lounge, a dedicated staff member who guides her to the platform, early boarding, and a spacious cabin with seats that fully recline into beds. The train hits average speeds of 300 km/h, and the ride is remarkably smooth. Complimentary snacks, a main meal, and surprisingly good coffee are served, though the hot meal could be better. Alina notes that while economy costs around $35–$40, business class at $120 feels worth it for the personal space, quiet environment, and the spectacular view of karst mountains as the train nears Guilin.
Arriving at Guilin North Station, she uses Alipay to order a DiDi ride—a seamless process—and reaches her hotel, the Wing Hotel, near a pedestrian street. She’s astounded by the view from her room: stunning karst peaks visible from the window, for about $40 USD per night. The room features tatami seating, a tea set, a mini-fridge, and a rooftop afternoon tea offer. She reflects on her journey from budget hostel stays to independently affording such experiences, emphasizing she prefers mixing splurges with budget-friendly finds to stay grounded. The video concludes with her enjoying afternoon tea, grateful for the opportunity to share these authentic travel moments.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
Q: How much does business class cost compared to economy?
A: Business class from Shenzhen to Guilin costs about $120, while economy is around $35 to $40.
Q: What perks come with business class on Chinese trains?
A: You get lounge access, a dedicated staff assistant, early boarding, a lay-flat seat, and complimentary food and drinks.
Q: How fast do Chinese high-speed trains go?
A: Average speed is about 300 km/h, with some routes like Shanghai's maglev reaching 400 km/h.
Q: Can foreigners use e-check lines at train stations?
A: No, foreigners must use the manual passport check line—only locals can use e-gates.
Q: Is the business class food good?
A: The main meal was just okay, but the coffee was surprisingly good. Snacks like chips and sweets are included.
Q: How do I order a DiDi in China?
A: Use Alipay to order a DiDi directly—it works like Uber and accepts English translations for locations.
