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China Train Travel - A Beginner’s Guide

In China, train has been the top choice for more and more passengers traveling from one city to another, benefiting from the dense railway network, high running speed, reasonable ticket price, and modern facilities. For a first-time traveler to China, a train ride should also be on their travel list. But for a beginner, the Chinese train system may not be too friendly. 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:

1. High speed trains, also called bullet trains at a highest speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). They are white or grey with bullet locomotives, titled G/D/C. They are mostly running in daytime with business class seats, first class seats and second class seats. A few also run overnight with sleepers. They are the first choice for most travelers.

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.

Guides on How to Choose China Train Ticket Types

More Bullet Train Pictures(35)

More Normal Train Pictures(62)

More China Train Pictures

What China trains are available for my trip?

You can easily check the 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.

How to Buy China Train Tickets

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There are several ways to buy a China train ticket: book on the official website of China Railway Corporation, buy from the railway stations or ticket outlets, 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.

3 Tips on Buying China Train Tickets as A Beginner

1. 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.

2. If purchasing at railway stations or ticket outlets on your own, learn some Chinese phrases for train travel. Not all railway staff speak English.

3. To guarantee a smooth a trip, you are strongly advised to book the ticket in advance, especially when traveling by China train during holidays. The tickets are available 15 days prior.

Preparation Work before Boarding

1. Pack the Luggage

a. Do not forget your passport and paper ticket if it is already in hand.

b. Take some food and drinks; or buy them onboard at a higher price. See Food on China Trains

c. Take some toilet paper; it's available only on high speed trains but runs out quickly.

Check facilities on China trains to see if you need to pack more.

d. If traveling with kids, bring their favorite toys.

Travel light and do not take too much luggage. There are restrictions on luggage weight in China. Each adult is allowed to take a maximum of 20 kg (44 pounds) of luggage.

See more China Train Baggage Allowance

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.

Book China Train Station Transfer Service for an easy trip

3. Get Some Basic Guides on China Train Stations

This will help you find the entrance, waiting hall, platform and exit more easily.

Video of How to Take China Train

How to Take China Trains

1. Passport and ticket check, and security check at the entrance;

2. Go to the right waiting room and wait for boarding;

3. Boarding check;

4. Follow fellow passengers to your platform;

5. Find your carriage and get onboard;

6. Find your seat/ sleeper and store your luggage; See Luggage Space

7. Enjoy the trip;

8. Upon arrival, follow the signs to the exit.

8 Steps to Take China Trains

What if I cannot make the trip after buying the ticket?

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.

What if I lost my China train ticket?

You can still take the train with your passport used for purchasing the ticket. However, the paper ticket cannot be reclaimed for reimbursement or other purposes.

- Last updated on Aug. 05, 2024 by Catherine He -

Questions & Answers on China Train Travel - A Beginner’s Guide

Asked by k n shastry from INDIAKNSHASTRY5

GMAIL.COM | Aug. 02, 2024 22:31

Can we book for a lower berth in the night trains

Answers (1)

Answered by Joshua | Aug. 05, 2024 01:17

Yes, but you need to book as early as possible as the lower berths are always in demand.

Asked by Jay from SINGAPORE | Aug. 01, 2024 04:15

Best route from Hong Kong to Nan Chang

Hi, I have plans to go Nan Chang (China) from Hong Kong/Shen Zhen in December via train. I have difficulty finding information to navigate my way to my destination. Are you able to advise me. Thank you so much in advance! :)

Answers (1)

Answered by Keith | Aug. 01, 2024 20:34

There is one direct train from HK West Kowloon Station to Nan Chang, G100 departing at 11:38.
And you can book the train ticket on this page:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/

Asked by Aled from UNITED KINGDOM | Jul. 22, 2024 02:09

Xi'an to Zhangjiaje - changing in Wuhan, how long should we allow to change trains?

We are planning our travels for November and want to go from Xi’an to Zhangjiaje. It appears the best way to do this is through trains changing in Wuhan (unless you can suggest an improvement !). There are trains from Xi’an arriving in Wuhan at 11:17 or 14:45. The onward train to Zhangjiaje departs at 15:28. Would arriving at 14:45 to Wuhan give us enough time to change trains or should we get the earlier one to be safe?
Thanks so much for your help!

Answers (1)

Answered by Keith | Jul. 22, 2024 19:49

You give it enough time for the transfer. Normally half an hour is enough for the transfer at the same station.

Asked by Steve Gold from USA | Jun. 29, 2024 17:44

Where to stand to wait for the train

We are taking the high speed train D2259 from Wuhan to Chengdu on Tuesday, July 2. Our seats are on carriage 7. When we go down to the track to wait for the train to arrive, how can we know where carriage 7 will stop along the track, so that we are ready to board as soon as the train stops?

Answers (1)

Answered by Lori | Jul. 01, 2024 01:15

There are numbers on each carriage which help you easily find your carriage. Usually, the railway staff will help you find the waiting line of your carriage. And at some railway stations, there are digits on the ground of the platform indicating the location of the carriage. Even if there isn't, don't worry. Usually you just need to walk for 100m at most to the carriage. You will have enough time to board.