Thought that I would go to Beijing by Sleeper Train - 10 hours right to downtown!  BUT they were all booked up for tonight and tomorrow night (which is what I expected but I knew that I couldn't book ahead due to work).

Here's what the line looked like for the travel to Beijing and around by sleeper cars.  There were three different buildings for getting tickets!  Laughing, I needed my Chinese JUST to find the right building and line to get in!

 

Of course I am in the English Speaking Counter, I may try to speak Chinese but I want to sleep on a bed not in a soft chair!!!  "All booked up, OK - no worries, I don't want the ticket.  Thank you!"

Instead, I have now booked a 1220 yuan flight at 7 pm to arrive at 9:30 pm from Pudong airport (divide by 7 or 6.83 if you want for the dollar price).  That's a today booking!  Return was 650 yuan back to Hongqiao airport (the other domestic airport). 

OH - I also booked a Red Lantern Hostel room - costs 140 yuan for a private room, no bath - 180 with.  No brainer, eh?!!?  YES, you do the can backpacker thing (el cheapo 6 to a room or four).  Here's the website, they are downtown:  http://www.redlanternhouse.com/3_direction.htm that is the directions.  Other pages, just click.