Tour plan for Easter in the desert & Jingpeng 1

China: 9.4. - 22.4.2003

It's quite amazing that in 2002 there are still steam railways to be discovered in China. One of these is the GuDa Railway, explored (by FarRail) in November 2002, and exclusively part of this tour. The other miracle is the survival of steam on China National Railway's track at Wuhai Xi. Both railways offer what these days is the very rare opportunity of steam in the desert. Zhungeer is probably the newest steam line on the map. Opened on December 16th, 2000, the line passes interesting mountain scenery. Last but least: JiTong, the world's last great steam show. In April, we can expect fresh mornings and reasonable temperatures in the afternoon. Sand storms can happen but are more common in May. In the sparsely populated desert areas we can expect mainly clear skies and good visibility.

Itinerary

Line descriptions

The GuDa Railway (map included) is a newly built railway south of Yinchuan. The line is bout 70 km long and uses exclusively QJs. The line serves a power plant near Daba. The coal comes from mines around Guyaozi. Besides some mineral oil, other products are transported in special containers. Beyond Daba, the line crosses over the Yellow River on a long bridge, passing flat areas beside the river and finally reaches a long and steady gradient. On this climb the landscape becomes desert-like and hills are close to the line.

The depot is in Guyaozi, from where trains to the mine will be banked over the steep gradient. The line offers about four trains per day.

To reach the best positions you have to walk about one or two kilometres.

It's almost miraculous that the desert line Wuhai Xi - Jilantai (map included) is still 100 % steam in the winter season 2002/2003. This is the last known China National Railway steam line. Between Jilantai and Benjing the line leads through sand dunes, so it is the last steam railway in the desert too (beside Mirpur Khas in Pakistan with only one train per week).

Several steep gradients give good photographic potential in surroundings which would be an extraordinary photo position even without a train (although some spots are spoiled by electric wires) . The line traffic is worked by QJs, shunting duties in Jilantai and Wuhai Xi are done by JSs.

Beside the relatively punctual mixed train in the morning there are 3 pairs of freight trains in the schedule. These freight trains can be seriously delayed. Normally you will get three to four lineside shots per day, if you not chase the train. The latter choice will produce about three shots of the same train.

To reach the best photo positions it is hard to avoid walking some distance. However, you'll rewarded with extraordinary photos.

A new destination for steam enthusiasts was opened at Zhungeer (map included) on December 16th, 2000. The line heads through the loess mountains. To build this line, two summit tunnels, 29 bridges and many embankments and deep cuttings were created. This gives much photographic potential. Once again, road access is limited so you should be prepared for some walks of about two to three kilometres.

The topography of the line causes first that incoming (electric hauled) trains are divided into three parts and second that these short trains require two QJ engines. There is nothing to add to describe the scenery...

The loco depot, has beside the usual equipment like a steam crane, a photogenic turntable.

Jingpeng features 2,300 tons heavy freights, hauled by two mighty QJs, working hard to climb up to the pass at Shangdian. Large viaducts, several tunnels, fantastic mountain scenery, this altogether is a spectacle on its own.

Daban is where all QJs for the pass are maintained. Sometimes you can find more than 20 locos here in steam at the same time. Where else in the world you can experience such enormous steam power? The shed visit is a must here.

Miscellaneous

The tour is planned with the dedicated photographer and video filmmaker in mind. The itinerary is designed for those who think it more important to get the perfect shot in the morning sun than a substantial breakfast.

Charter buses and trains represent the standard of our host countries, which may deviate form European expectations. While we will try to avoid long walks, some photo positions may require a bit of an extra effort.

Full board is included, but lunches will be sometimes simple, not to say "basic", especially during train rides, while dinners are usually sumptuous. While taking pictures of trains, lunch will mostly be a packed lunch. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price.

The hotels used will be mainly middle class, in remote areas sometimes basic. The train rides are soft sleeper if available, else hard sleeper. Day-trains are booked hard seater. China is often not as clean as you may like it, so please be prepared. Carrying a bar of soap in your photo bag is not a bad idea.

Prices

Please let us know in advance whether or not you would be interested to participate in small groups of 5 to 9 participants. Minimum number of participants is 5. The maximum number of participants is capped at 25.

The price includes:

• Flight from Frankfurt/Main probably with Swiss (many other ports of departure are available at the same price, please enquire)
• All transfers in China
• All hotels and guesthouses
• Full board without drinks and, sometimes, without meals on train rides (instant noodle soup will be our usual meal there)
• Chinese and European guide
• European airport taxes
• Visa (German residents only)

Not included are:

• Personal expenses like telephone, bar services, laundry service)
• Tips for locals (bus driver, guides, please expect between 40 and 90 Euro for this)
• Visa (non-German resident)

Above prices are based on specific bookings with the respective airlines, which have to be confirmed well in advance. Your early booking is hence appreciated.

Don't say you were born too late, just join us now!