The train journey to the poetic land of Hangzhou.

The trip was more emotional than expected.

Hanh Hanh shared that she initially had no intention of taking a regular train. For a distance of over 170km, the high-speed train was the ideal option: it takes less than two hours, departs frequently, and tickets can be easily booked through apps like 12306 or Trip.com.

"Initially, I planned to take the high-speed train, as it only takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. But because I booked my tickets too close to the date, all the high-speed train tickets were sold out. I had to switch to the regular train, which takes a little over 4 hours," Hạnh Hạnh recounted.

It might sound regrettable, but for Hanh Hanh, every choice on the journey is part of the experience. Trains aren't usually fast, but in return, they're slow and leisurely – something that hurried trips sometimes can't offer.

The train departed early in the morning. The interior wasn't too crowded, everything was quiet, typical of a "regular train." Contrary to her initial expectations of a tiring or boring journey, Hạnh Hạnh used the time to rest, admire the scenery through the window, and even write a few lines in her diary.

More than just a means of transportation, that train ride was a much-needed moment of calm for Hanh Hanh to slow down amidst the hectic pace of tourist life. She said that if she had flexible time, regular trains were also a worthwhile option, especially during peak season when high-speed train or plane tickets sold out very quickly.

Another reason Hanh Hanh prefers traveling by train in China is the price and convenience. Train tickets are usually much cheaper, ranging from 145,000 to 500,000 VND for Business Class. For short distances like Suzhou - Hangzhou or Hangzhou - Shanghai, this is a cost-effective and reasonable option.

Besides, trains in China have a very simple boarding process, not requiring you to arrive early like on airplanes. "Just arriving 30-45 minutes beforehand is enough to check your ticket, scan your luggage, scan your passport, and find the right gate," Hanh Hanh shared.

However, she also reminded everyone to book tickets at least 2-3 days in advance, especially on weekends or during peak tourist season. Whether tourists or locals, the volume of people traveling between major cities is always very high.

Based on her experience, Hanh Hanh advises that if possible, people should choose high-speed trains for journeys between major cities, as their convenience and speed are undeniable. But if you find yourself with no other option, don't worry too much because regular trains aren't as bad as many people think.

For those visiting China for the first time, Hanh Hanh also suggests using the Amap (GaodeMap) app – a Chinese map application with integrated English directions, which is very useful when traveling by train, bus, or renting a bicycle.

When a train journey opens up new emotions.

After a train journey of over four hours, Hanh Hanh arrived in Hangzhou feeling completely relieved. She quickly immersed herself in the lush, romantic, and tranquil atmosphere of the city. During her exploration, the place that impressed her the most was Liu Lang Wen Ying, a scenic spot within the West Lake complex, notable for its crescent-shaped bridge and the reflection of trees in the water.

In addition, the bamboo-lined path in Yunqi, which appeared in the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," also left a strong impression on her. Although she had to walk quite a bit, the peaceful scenery made all her fatigue disappear.

What was special about this trip was that Hanh Hanh traveled alone. No companions, no noise. And that allowed her to truly enjoy the atmosphere of the places she visited. From Shaoxing Ancient Town, the birthplace of Lu Xun, to early morning walks around the lake, Hanh Hanh found joy in every little moment.

Beyond just sharing her feelings, Hạnh Hạnh also readily shared helpful tips for those who want to have a fulfilling trip like hers. When choosing hotels, Hạnh Hạnh always prioritizes carefully reading reviews, especially those from international travelers, and selects places near train stations for convenient transportation. With a schedule involving a lot of walking, she recommends wearing comfortable shoes, carrying bottled water, and taking breaks at cafes or convenience stores along the way. Within the city, Hạnh Hạnh's favorite mode of transportation is the bus because it's clean, punctual, and has a wide network covering most major attractions.

"Poetry - Green - Silence" are the three words Hanh Hanh uses to describe Hangzhou. It's the feeling that enveloped her from the moment she stepped off the train, walking through the ancient, tree-lined streets, to the moment she sat sipping coffee while gazing out at the tranquil river – a Hangzhou that was uniquely hers, so gentle in her heart.

And perhaps, the most beautiful moment, as Hanh Hanh said, is when: "I walk among the mesmerizingly beautiful green trees, or sit in the middle of the ancient town sipping a cup of coffee. That's when I see most clearly why I travel."

A slow train journey doesn't delay the trip. On the contrary, it opens up a different rhythm of life, where people have time to observe, feel, and truly experience the simple things. For Hanh Hanh, it wasn't just a journey from Suzhou to Hangzhou, but a journey to a slower, more profound version of herself.

Text: Hoang Anh - Photos: Hanh Hanh