Danxia from x'ian T269?

Hello all, I would absolutely love to visit danxia landscape but I'm a bit worried that the train I'm looking at on trip might not exist because I can't find any other mention of it on this forum. My overall route for this portion is x'ian -> danxia -> Beijing. I'm planning on taking a sleeper train from xian leaving at 22.00pm, arriving in zhangye at 11.31am the next day. Train is T269. Can anyone confirm this train exists? I'll then plan my day in area with daxia in evening and head out next day on the zhangye-> lanzhou train that departs at 10am and then fly to Beijing on a 3pm flight from lanzhou. Does that all sound doable and okay to you? It's maybe rushed but seems to be the only way I can squeeze in seeing something so amazing!

Yes, your plan to travel from Xi'an to Zhangye on train T269 and then from Zhangye to Lanzhou is feasible, though it will be a tight schedule. Let's break down the details:

Train T269: Xi'an to Zhangye

Train T269 departs from Xi'an at 22:00 and arrives in Zhangye at 11:31 the next day, covering a distance of approximately 1,500 kilometers in about 13.5 hours. This train is part of the "green train" category, offering hard and soft sleeper accommodations, which are suitable for overnight travel. Upon arrival at 11:31, you'll have the afternoon to explore the Zhangye Danxia Landform (Rainbow Mountains), which is about a 30-minute drive from the train station. Spending the evening there is a good idea to witness the landscape in different lighting conditions.

Train from Zhangye to Lanzhou

After your visit to Danxia, you plan to take a train from Zhangye to Lanzhou. The earliest available high-speed train from Zhangye to Lanzhou departs at 00:19, and the latest departs at 23:41, with travel times ranging from approximately 3 hours to over 6 hours, depending on the specific train chosen. Given your tight schedule, it's advisable to select an early morning departure to ensure timely arrival in Lanzhou. From Lanzhou, you can catch a flight to Beijing, which typically takes about 3 hours. Ensure that your flight departure time allows for sufficient transit time from the train station to the airport.

Considerations

  • Time Constraints: The schedule is tight, and any delays could affect your plans. It's crucial to monitor train schedules closely and have contingency plans in place.
  • Accommodation: Ensure you have accommodations booked in advance in both Zhangye and Lanzhou to avoid any last-minute issues.
  • Travel Insurance: Given the tight connections, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip delays and cancellations.
  • Local Transportation: Arrange for local transportation in Zhangye to and from the Danxia Landform to maximize your sightseeing time.

In summary, while your plan is ambitious, it is doable with careful planning and attention to timing. Ensure that all bookings are confirmed and that you have contingency plans for any unforeseen delays.


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