Scenario Matrix
| Scenario | Rail Pass 5-Day | Rail Pass Flexi | Individual Tickets | Mixed Rail + Flight | |---|---|---|---|---| | 3 HSR legs in 10 days | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Best | ⚠️ Possible | | 5 HSR legs in 10 days | ⚠️ Check math | ❌ No | ✅ Check math | ⚠️ Possible | | 7 HSR legs in 14 days | ✅ Best | ⚠️ Good | ⚠️ Check math | ⚠️ Mixed | | Zigzag routing (no direct) | ✅ Best | ✅ Best | ⚠️ Expensive | ❌ No | | Beijing-Shanghai round trip only | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Best | ❌ Overkill | | Peak season (Oct Golden Week) | ⚠️ Seat guarantee issue | ⚠️ Same | ⚠️ Book early | ⚠️ Flight backup | | Itinerary flexibility needed | ❌ Inflexible | ✅ Best | ⚠️ Change fees | ✅ Best | | Budget under $300 total transport | ⚠️ Pass = $200+ | ⚠️ Pass = $300+ | ✅ Usually cheaper | ⚠️ Mixed |