Hi,
I would like to know is it difficult to buy tickets off ctrip? Do I need to camp online to buy the tickets once they are released and do the tickets sell out fast? Thanks!
Beijing to Pingyao v.v is extremely popular and tickets would be snap up the moment it's released. High speed train from Beijing to Xi'an, can buy a few days before but popular timings will be gone. Very likely to get seats for trains that arrive late at night.
Train travel is very busy in China. Don't underestimate the huge number of people travelling by train. I have been taking trains in China for years and I've never came across a 'not busy' train.
Not including high speed trains, I have taken, Beijing to Harbin return, Beijing to Datong, Datong to Hohhot, Hohhot to Erlian, Beijing to Taiyuan return (couldn't get the Beijing-Pingyao return even I tried weeks prior), Kunming to Dali, Lijiang to Kunming.
High speed trains usually can buy on the spot or a few days before (recommended). Have bought Tianjin to Beijing, Beijing to Xi'an, Shanghai to Beijing and Shanghai to Suzhou return.