China Train Travel - A Beginner’s Guide
For a first-time traveler to China, a train ride should also be on their travel list. Below are guides for beginners to have a smooth and memorable train trip in China.
What are China trains like?
Generally, there are two kinds of trains running in China:
2. Traditional style trains are numbered as Z/T/K/Y/L or just digits. The fastest Z trains only have a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph), so they are not as popular as the high speed ones. But those running overnight are popular among budget travelers. Most are equipped with sleepers.
What China trains are available for my trip?
You can easily check the real-time train schedule by entering the departure city, destination and date even if you are a beginner. The search results are in English; carefully pick one meeting your China train travel demands.
If taking an overnight train, sleepers are recommended. You can choose from compartments with 6, 4 and 2 berths based on your budget. The fewer the berths in the compartment, the more expensive the tickets are.
|
|

- Select seats for free
- Reschedule for Free
- One-to-one service in English
- 24/7 customer support
- 3,000+ 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor
There are several ways to buy a China train ticket: buy from the railway stations or ticket outlets, book on the official website of China Railway Corporation, or call the hotline… However, considering the language barrier, the most convenient way for a beginner is to purchase it from a reliable agency like TravelChinaGuide.
4 Tips on Buying China Train Tickets as A Beginner
1. China Railway adopts real-time policy, and your ID certificate, like the passport, is needed for ticket purchase.
2. If booking China train tickets online, one will get an e-ticket and there is no need to collect the paper ticket. Passengers can enter the station and get onboard with the passport used for booking.
3. If purchasing at railway stations or ticket outlets on your own, learn some Chinese phrases for train travel. Not all railway staff speak English.
|
|
Preparation Work before Boarding
1. Pack the Luggage
a. Do not forget your passport, which is essential for China train travel.
b. Take some food and drinks; or buy them onboard at a higher price. See Food on China Trains


2. Learn the Hotel – Railway Station Transportation
Including that from your hotel to the departure station and from arrival station to the next hotel. Calculate the time needed on the way, especially that from your hotel to the departure station.
3. Get Some Basic Guides on China Train Stations
This will help you find the entrance, waiting hall, platform and exit more easily.
1. Arrive at the correct railway station 1.5 hours earlier than your departure time;
2. Go through passport check and security check at the entrance;
4. Boarding check;
6. Find your carriage and get onboard;
8. Enjoy the trip;
9. Upon arrival, follow the signs to the exit.
Where to Put Luggage on the Train
In seat class carriages, luggage racks are usually set above the seats on each side of coaches. For large items, you can put them on the closets at the connection of two carriages. In sleeper coaches, luggage racks can be found above the corridor or the door in each compartment. See detailed Luggage Space
FAQs
Q: Do I need to pick up the paper ticket?
A: No. E-tickets are extensively used at all railway stations in China. Just bring your passport to go through the manual lane for getting into the station and check-in as well as check-out. If not confident about your memory, just write down or print out the ticket information in advance.
Q: What if I cannot make the trip after buying the ticket?
A: You can refund the ticket or change the ticket to another departure day. A service fee may be charged. Usually, the earlier you submit the refund/ change, the less you lose.
Q: What to do if I miss my train?
A: If you get late and miss your train by accident, change your ticket at the ticket window to catch another one departing later. If you go directly to the boarding gate of another train without changing ticket, you will be blocked.
Q: What if I miss my stop on the train?
A: Get off at the next station and explain the situation to the staff. Show your passport, and then you will be arranged for the closest train to return to your original stop free of charge.
Q: What if I lost my luggage when taking the train?
A: If you find your luggage is lost when you are still at the railway station, find the inquiry center, show your ID documents to the staff, and tell them when and where it was lost.
If you have already left the train station, call the station as soon as possible. The staff will contact you when your luggage is found.
Q: Is there any special service for those disabled or traveling with infants?
A: For people in need including the disabled, the elderly, those traveling with children and more, a special service is provided at major railway stations, by which they can get tools to aid action such as wheelchairs and crutches and take the train with the help of dedicated staff. If needed, contact the railway station to reserve the service in advance.