Train tickets from Beijing to Hongkong
I would like to buy deluxe soft sleepers on my one day train journey to Hongkong. I do read about agents who can help book them but this agent requires me to pay upfront before they can help purchase them. They would only refund if they are not able to buy them.
I am skeptical about this approach. What would happen if I pay the tickets but they did not buy for me? I am on a tight schedule and do not have the time to go on a roundabout to chase the agent should something like this happens. The other option is for me to buy them to Hongkong from Beijing West Station as soon as I touched down in Beijing. It would be about 4 days before my departure to Hongkong. Is this a better approach? However, I read that the Beijing to Hongkong train is very popular and I might not be able to get them 4 days in advance.
The last alternative is for me to buy a plane ticket to go to Hongkong. The journey is 3.5 hours but I would like to experience cross border train ride. What is your recommendation?
Thanks.