When planning your trip to China, consider exploring beyond the major cities on the country’s charming slowgreen trains (绿皮火车). These slow trains offer an authentic travel experience through rural landscapes at budget-friendly prices. This 14-day itinerary takes you through Eastern China’s countryside, featuring water towns, ancient villages, and unique architectural wonders away from the urban centers.

The Magic of Green Train Travel in Rural East China

Green trains, named for their distinctive green paint, were once the backbone of China’s railway. While largely replaced by high-speed trains on major routes, they still serve rural areas, offering an affordable and nostalgic way to travel. These trains feature openable windows, basic accommodations, and incredibly low fares that have remained unchanged for decades in some cases.

East China’s rural areas preserve traditional ways of life that have largely disappeared from the cities. From the serene water towns of Zhejiang to the ancient villages of Anhui and the remarkable tulou structures of Fujian, this region offers glimpses into China’s rich cultural heritage.

💡 Travel Tip: The best times for this journey are spring (April-May) when flowers bloom across the countryside, and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and landscapes are painted in golden hues.

Your 14-Day Rural East China Green Train Itinerary

Days 1-4: Zhejiang Province - Water Towns and Mountain Scenery

View from a Green train in Zhejiang countryside
A picturesque view of the scenic landscapes of rural Zhejiang.

Begin your journey in Shanghai, where you’ll board your first green train to the water towns of Zhejiang.

Day 1-2: Shanghai to Jiaxing to Xitang

  • Board train K1185 from Shanghai South Station to Jiaxing (approx. 1.5 hours, ¥15-25)
  • Transfer to local bus to Xitang water town (¥6)
  • Check into a traditional waterside guesthouse
  • Explore Xitang’s ancient bridges and lantern-lit canals at night
  • Enjoy boat rides through the waterways (¥100-150)

Day 3-4: Xitang to Wuyuan via Green Train

  • Return to Jiaxing station
  • Board train T381 from Jiaxing to Shangrao (approx. 5 hours, hard seat ¥46-55)
  • Transfer to local train to Wuyuan (approx. 1 hour, ¥10-15)
  • Explore Wuyuan’s ancient villages and iconic rainbow bridge

Green Train Experience: The T381 train from Jiaxing to Shangrao offers views of Zhejiang’s mountainous terrain and rural villages. This train is a classic green train with openable windows, perfect for photography.

Where to Stay:

  • Xitang: Traditional waterside guesthouses (¥150-300/night)
  • Wuyuan: Family-run inns in small villages (¥100-200/night)

💡 Cultural Tip: In water towns, try the local “Three Whites” dish: white fish, white shrimp, and silverfish, all caught fresh from the canals.

Days 5-9: Anhui Province - Ancient Huizhou Villages

Hongcun Ancient Village
The iconic Moon Pond in Hongcun Village, Anhui Province.

Continue westward into Anhui Province , home to some of China’s best-preserved ancient villages.

Day 5: Wuyuan to Huangshan

  • Board local bus from Wuyuan to Huangshan City (approx. 2 hours, ¥30)
  • Check into accommodation near Tunxi Old Street
  • Explore Tunxi’s ancient shopping street and sample local huangshan maofeng tea

Day 6-7: Hongcun Ancient Village

  • Take local bus to Hongcun Village (approx. 1.5 hours, ¥15)
  • Enter Hongcun (¥104 entrance fee, valid multiple days)
  • Explore the village’s unique ox-shaped layout with its moon pond
  • Visit the South Lake Academy and traditional Hui-style residences
  • Stay overnight in a converted ancient residence (¥120-250/night)

Day 8-9: Xidi and Surrounding Villages

Transport Note: While between major rail lines in this region, local buses connect the villages efficiently and inexpensively.

Where to Stay:

  • Hongcun: Traditional guesthouses within the village (¥120-250/night)
  • Xidi: Family-run homestays (¥80-150/night)

💡 Photography Tip: The best light for photography in these villages is usually early morning or late afternoon. Wake up early to capture the misty landscapes without the crowds!

Days 10-14: Fujian Province - Tulou Earthen Buildings

Fujian Tulou Buildings
The magnificent Fujian Tulou earthen buildings, UNESCO World Heritage site.

Journey south to Fujian Province to explore the remarkable tulou - traditional earthen buildings of the Hakka people.

Day 10: Huangshan to Xiamen

  • Return to Huangshan City
  • Board train K45 from Huangshan to Xiamen (approx. 12 hours, overnight, hard sleeper ¥230-260)
  • Experience the classic overnight green train journey

Day 11-12: Yongding Tulou Cluster

  • From Xiamen, take bus to Yongding County (approx. 3 hours, ¥50)
  • Explore the Hongkeng Tulou cluster, including the famous Zhencheng Lou
  • Visit the Chuxi Tulou cluster, more remote but equally impressive
  • Stay overnight in a tulou converted to guesthouse (¥80-150/night)

Day 13-14: Nanjing Tulou Cluster

  • Travel to Nanjing County (local bus, approx. 2 hours, ¥20)

  • Visit the Tianluokeng Tulou cluster (“Four Dishes and One Soup”)

  • Explore the Yunshuiyao ancient village and its beautiful stone paths

  • Experience traditional Hakka tea ceremonies

  • Return to Xiamen for departure

  • Explore Yongding with:

  • Explore Nanjing County with:

Green Train Experience: The K45 overnight train from Huangshan to Xiamen offers a classic Chinese rail experience. Hard sleeper compartments accommodate six people with bunk beds, providing opportunities to interact with local travelers.

Where to Stay:

  • Yongding: Tulou guesthouses (¥80-150/night)
  • Nanjing: Village homestays (¥60-120/night)

💡 Cultural Insight: Tulou buildings were designed for communal living and defense. Each tulou could house an entire clan of up to 800 people! The circular design promoted equality among families and provided defensive advantages.

Budget Breakdown for 14-Day Green Train Journey

Expense CategoryEstimated Cost (¥)Notes
Train Tickets400-600Based on hard seat/sleeper fares
Local Transport200-300Buses, taxis between villages
Accommodation900-1400Budget guesthouses/homestays
Meals700-900Local restaurants, street food
Attraction Fees300-400Village entry tickets
Total2500-3600(~$350-500 USD)

Essential Green Train Travel Tips

  1. Ticket Purchase: Buy train tickets in advance at railway stations or use the China Rail app. For green trains, same-day purchase is often possible.
  2. Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, water, toilet paper, and a power bank for your journeys.
  3. Comfort Items: A neck pillow and eye mask can greatly improve overnight hard sleeper experiences.
  4. Food on Trains: Train attendants regularly push carts selling instant noodles, snacks, and drinks. You can also bring your own food.
  5. Language: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or have your destinations written in Chinese characters to show staff.

📝 Final Tips for Rural China Explorers

  1. Embrace Slow Travel: Green trains travel at leisurely paces (often 40-60 km/h), allowing you to appreciate the changing landscapes.
  2. Cash is King: Many rural areas and small vendors don’t accept digital payments.
  3. Stay Connected: Buy a local SIM card for reliable internet access). While WiFi may be limited in rural areas, mobile data coverage is generally good.
  4. Pack Smart: Bring comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
  5. Open Mindset: Facilities in rural areas may be basic. Embrace this as part of the authentic experience.

This 14-day green train itinerary through rural East China offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of traditional Chinese culture. By traveling slowly on these nostalgic railways, you’ll not only save money but also gain deeper connections with the landscapes and people of China’s countryside.