train travel china

The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in china.

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China has one of the biggest and busiest rail networks in the world, and trains link almost every town & city.  Chinese trains are a safe, comfortable, punctual & cheap way to travel around China, and a Chinese train journey is an experience in itself, in contrast with less reliable and environmentally-unfriendly internal flights.  This page will help you understand & plan train travel in China, & arrange your train tickets.

UPDATE 2024 :  Travel to China is open again post-pandemic.  China-Vietnam and China-Russia trains are still suspended, a limited China-Mongolia and a new China-Laos train service are operating.

Train times & fares for popular routes

International trains & ferries.

Beijing to Ulan Bator & Moscow by Trans-Siberian railway & onwards to Paris & London

Beijing, Xian & Ürümqi to Almaty & Astana (Kazakhstan)

Beijing to Hanoi (Vietnam) by train , onwards to Saigon , on to Phnom Penh & Bangkok

Beijing to Japan by ferry

Beijing to South Korea by ferry

Beijing to North Korea by train

Beijing to Taiwan by ferry

Hong Kong to Hanoi (Vietnam)

Kunming to Hanoi (Vietnam) by train

Lhasa to Kathmandu by bus & onwards to Delhi

Other information

Tours of China by train - organised for you

Recommended guidebooks for China

Travel insurance

Hotels in Beijing   Hotels in Shanghai   Hotels in Xian

Hotel suggestions in Beijing & Shanghai

Get a VPN to access Twitter, Facebook, Google and so on whilst in China

Useful country information

How to check train times & fares.

For online train timetables in English between any two major Chinese cities, use the journey planner at one of these sites:

- www.chinahighlights.com (also gives fares, in US$)

- www.trip.com

Be aware that some online journey planners aren't connected directly to the Chinese Railways system, they take periodic downloads.  One site may therefore be more up to date than others.

The official Chinese Railways website is www.12306.cn , previously Chinese-only, it now has an English version.

Beijing Metro:    For a map, see www.johomaps.com/as/china/beijing/beijingmetro , showing Beijing Main (Zhan), Beijing West (Xi) & Beijing South (Nan) mainline stations.  Metro website www.bjsubway.com .  Another simpler metro map is at  www.explorebj.com/subway .

Shanghai metro:   service.shmetro.com/en/ .

Maps of the Chinese train network

cnrail.geogv.org/enus - interactive map, you can search for a station or enter a train number to see the route taken by that train.  High-speed lines shown in red, classic lines in green.

www.chinahighlights.com/image/map/china-railway-map-big.jpg

www.cnvol.com/images/chinarailwaymap.gif ,

www.johomaps.com/as/china/chinarail.html

A neat little site that will map the calling points of any train number you enter:  cn.freepublicinfo.org .

Map of Beijing:  Click for street map of Beijing showing stations & main sights .

How to buy tickets

When do reservations open .

Reservations usually open 30 days before departure for online bookings and 28 days before departure for sale at stations, for most long-distance trains.  You cannot buy tickets before reservations open.

Some D-category sleeper trains only open 20 days ahead.  Some C-category trains only 10 days ahead.

The booking horizon used to be 12 days (10 days at stations), but was increased to 20 days in January 2013, then to 60 days in December 2014.  However, a temporary shortening to 30 days in early 2017 has become permanent.

Do tickets sell out?

Yes they do.   Most long-distance trains get fully-booked days ahead.  So book as many days ahead as you can or pre-arrange tickets online as explained below .  Although as China's new G-category high-speed trains are expensive by Chinese standards you'll sometimes find Beijing-Shanghai or Beijing-Xian high-speed train tickets available on the day of travel or the day before, assuming you are flexible as to the class or exact departure time.  But in all other cases, long-distance train tickets often sell out days before departure.  Train tickets are best booked at least 3-4 days in advance, preferably more, apart from peak holiday periods when they should be booked as soon as reservations open or secured through a train ticketing agency who knows the ropes, as trains get very fully-booked weeks ahead.

Peak holiday periods means on and around the Spring Festival, May Day on 1st May and National Day on 1st October.  It's also busy throughout the summer, and the beginning or end of university terms.  At other times, trains can still sell out but it's usually possible to secure seats or sleepers a few days ahead.

But why not see for yourself?   If you run an enquiry on www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains or www.trip.com for today, tomorrow or a few days time, you'll see which trains are sold out, which are still available, an d which have only a few seats left.  As I write this, most Beijing-Shanghai trains are sold out for the day after tomorrow, but a few trains still have seats left the day after that.  It's a similar story between Beijing and Xian.

How to buy tickets online

Chinese Railways launched online booking in 2011 at www.12306.cn , but until 2020 it was only in Chinese.  It now has an English version, but unless that has changed too, it only accepts Chinese bank cards.  So visitors to China should buy tickets through one of the following reliable recommended agencies, who charge a small fee.

Option 1, b uy at Chinahighlights.com

www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains is a reliable and helpful train ticketing agency which has been around since 1998.  They have developed a clear & easy-to-use English-language train booking website linked to the Chinese Railways ticketing system to show train times, fares & availability for any train journey within China.  They can book Chinese domestic trains and now also international trains to or from Hong Kong and from China to Hanoi, Ulan Bator & Moscow. 

Prices are shown in US Dollars, they add a service fee of around $6 per ticket.

You can book months ahead if you like , they will take your booking request before reservations open and will make the actual booking with Chinese Railways the maximum 30 days before departure, as soon as reservations open.  Booking with them more than 30 days ahead therefore gives you a 99% chance of getting the exact date, train & class you want, at least outside peak periods when half of China is trying to do the same thing!

After making a booking at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains you'll be sent a payment link, and staff will contact you when the booking has been confirmed with Chinese Railways.  A s with all Chinese train ticket agencies, the actual booking is made by staff behind the scenes (not 'live' online) so is only confirmed when you get their confirmation email.

Travel is now ticketless, you scan your passport at the automatic gates at the entrance to the platform, the system recognises your passport number, knows you have a reservation and lets you through, see the section below about finding & boarding your train .

Tip:  If you find a self service ticket machine of the latest type which recognises passports as well as Chinese ID cards, you can use it to print out a reminder of your itinerary with car & seat numbers, and/or after your journey use one to print an old-style ticket (now merely a reimbursement slip) as a souvenir, see the self-service ticket machine section below .

If you have feedback from using www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains , do please e-mail me .  So far they have been reported as providing a prompt and efficient service.

Option 2, buy at Trip.com

www.trip.com (formerly Ctrip.com) also offers live online train times, fares & tickets, it's a well-known long-established site with a great reputation which is also useful for hotels & flights.

Trip.com can book any Chinese domestic train, also high-speed trains to/from Hong Kong, but not other international trains or the sleeper trains to/from Hong Kong.

You can select a range of currencies including RMB, $, €, $ & Au$. 

You need names & passport numbers for each passenger.  You can order online before Chinese Railways opens bookings, www.trip.com will book tickets for you as soon as booking opens.

Trip.com charges the official Chinese Railways price plus an RMB 30 ($5) fee per ticket, which they call a Hotel Promotion Code.

Tip:   If you find a self service ticket machine of the latest type which recognises passports as well as Chinese ID cards, you can use it to print out a reminder of your itinerary with car & seat numbers, and/or after your journey use one to print an old-style ticket (now merely a reimbursement slip) as a souvenir, see the self-service ticket machine section below .

If you have feedback from using www.trip.com , do please e-mail me .

Option 3, buying tickets for departures from Hong Kong

You can easily look up train times and buy tickets between Hong Kong and Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou in either direction at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .  Tickets can be sent to a hotel or private address anywhere in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau.  They get good feedback for their service and charge in US$ and add a service fee of around $20.  On www.chinahighlights.com , Hong Kong's Hung Hom station is listed as 'HongKong'.

Alternatively, if you're willing to make a bit more effort to save on the booking fee, you can book departures from Hong Kong to Beijing and Shanghai by email at the official ticket office price through KCRC (Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation) Customer Services.  Visit their website at www.mtr.com.hk (click 'customer site' then 'intercity passenger services' then 'more information'.  Note that the online booking system on their intercity trains home page is only for the HK to Guangzhou intercity trains, for the Beijing & Shanghai through trains you'll need to email their customer services department.  When looking up times and fares on their website, remember that Hong Kong is shown as 'Hung Hom').  You will be given a reference number and can then pick up and pay for tickets at Hong Kong's 'Hung Hom' station in Kowloon.  Note that Hong Kong ticket office does not accept credit cards, only cash.  However, there is an ATM just round the corner from the station.

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How to buy tickets at the station

It's fairly easy to buy tickets yourself at the station even if you don't speak Chinese, although trains are busy so book as many days ahead as you can and be prepared to take a second choice of train, class or date.  Expect an X-ray bag check to enter the ticket office.

Take your passport!

Remember to take your own passport and the passports of all other passengers.  Rules introduced in 2011 make it essential for foreigners to show a passport to buy tickets for any long-distance train.  You'll also need your passport to board the train.  A Chinese citizen's ID card, foreigner's temporary residence permit, exit-entry permit or diplomatic certificate can be used to buy tickets instead of a passport.

Check the train availability board!

At major stations you'll see a colourful LED display showing how many seats are left in each class on each main train departure today and for the next week or so.  Don't waste time queuing to ask for a ticket today if the board above your head is clearly showing zero seats left on that train!  See what these look like and how to read them below .

Which ticket window for which trains?

Ticket windows are only signed in Chinese, apart from a few labelled as for cancellations & refunds.  However, don't worry, in a major station ticket hall, all ticket windows can generally sell tickets for all trains and routes.  Chinese Railways have a central computer reservation system so you can buy tickets for any route at any station.  But when picking a train, remember that it's usually easier to get tickets for a train which starts at the station you're at, rather than one starting somewhere else and picking up passengers at your station en route.

English-speaking ticket windows

There is a special English-speaking ticket window for foreigners at Beijing main station, usually window 16 in the separate ticket office to the right of the main building accessed off the forecourt, see the photos below .  You may also find English-speaking windows at Xian and Shanghai.

Language problems?  Use these useful booking forms!

You won't always find an English-speaking window.  Use these handy forms designed by Chinese rail expert Duncan Peattie and updated by Eliot Zhang, which not only help you ask for what you want, they will help you understand the booking clerk's reply if your first choice isn't available.  Your hotel can help you write down the place names.

Download booking form for C, D, G  category high-speed trains

Download booking form for Z, T, K category trains, including sleepers .

Travel is now ticketless

You won't be given a ticket as travel is now ticketless and all you need is your passport to board the train, see the section below about finding & boarding your train .  However, when you book travel in person at a ticket office, you'll be given a printout confirming your journey details.  This is not a ticket!

At Beijing station (= Beijing or Beijing Railway station)

T he ticket office is a separate block to the right of the main building as you stand on the forecourt, clearly marked 'Ticket Office'.  Expect a baggage X-ray check at the door.  Only domestic Chinese tickets are sold, not international tickets.  One or two of the many ticket windows are designated for foreigners, a red LED display may tell you which one.  It's often window 16, but not necessarily.  Allow plenty of time to buy your ticket, as you may have to queue.

At Beijing West station (= Beijing Xi or Xizhan)

There are various ticket offices including offices on both the north and south sides of the station, directly accessed from outside the station.  At Beijing West you need a ticket to enter the departures area.  As Beijing West is a mile or two outside central Beijing, you may find it easier to buy tickets at Beijing station.

At Beijing South station (= Beijing Nan or Beijingnan)

There are various ticket offices inside the main departures hall.  Go through the X-ray and metal detector security checks into the main departure hall and look for one of the offices around the sides.  As Beijing Nan is a few miles outside central Beijing, you may find it easier to buy tickets at Beijing station.

To buy Trans-Siberian tickets in Beijing from Beijing to Ulan Bator or Moscow, see the Trans-Siberian page .  To buy tickets from Beijing to Hanoi , see the Vietnam page .

At Shanghai station

The English speaking ticket window at the main station was window 43 though this has now been reported as changed to window 10 on the ground floor of the main ticket office to the southeast of the main station.

At Shanghai Hongqiao

There are several ticket offices inside the main departure hall.  Go through the X-ray and metal detector security checks into the main departure hall and look for one of the offices around the sides.

Alternatively, buy from a local train ticket agency

In major cities, it can be more convenient to buy tickets at one of the numerous 'hole in the wall' ticketing agencies located all over the city.  These local offices charge an RMB 5 (50p or $1) extra fee, just ask your hotel if there is one nearby or use the 'Train Ticket Office Search' at www.cnvol.com .  Don't expect these local agencies to speak English, so ask your hotel to write down your destination, date, time and class in Chinese to show the staff.

Train availability displays in ticket offices

You'll find these train availability boards at all main station ticket offices and they're not hard to read, even though they're in Chinese.  The photo below was taken at Beijing West on 1 August, and as you can see, there's zero availability in any class for today's train G625 leaving at 18:56, so don't waste time asking.  But there's plenty of availability in all classes tomorrow (2nd August) including 13 seats in business class and 36 seats in 1st class and 617 in 2nd class.

At Beijing Railway Station & Beijing West the class columns run left to right as soft sleeper, hard sleeper, soft seat, hard seat then standing places.   The soft seat & hard seat columns are used for 1st class & 2nd class on C, D & G-trains and the soft sleeper column is used for premium or business class on those trains. 

At Beijing South the sequence from left to right is Business class, 1st class, 2nd class .

Self-service ticket machines

Most stations have self-service ticket machines.  Until recently, these were of no use to foreign visitors as they only recognised Chinese ID cards.  The latest type now recognises foreign passports, although they don't normally have an English language facility (although an English version may be in the pipeline).  That means most visitors will find using them for tickets too difficult, but you can easily use them to print your itinerary, or print a reimbursement slip as a souvenir or to claim expenses.

How to print your itinerary, or a reimbursement slip as a souvenir

If you have already booked online, you can print out a Trip information reminder with your train times, car & seat/berth numbers.  You can do this any time before you travel.  After your journey you can print out an old-school blue ticket, although this is now only a Reimbursement slip good if you want to claim the journey on expenses or just want a souvenir, it's not valid for travel.  You can do this immediately after you travel, or for up to 30 days afterwards.  Follow the steps shown below.  Photos below courtesy of David Feng.

Finding & boarding your train

Allow time for security checks at the station.

Arrive at the station in plenty of time before the departure of your train, perhaps 30-40 minutes before departure.

At stations where the ticket office is separate, for example Beijing Railway Station or Beijing West, there are queues at the entrance to the station for a ticket & ID check, as only ticket-holders are allowed into the departures hall.  Join any queue at any kiosk, have your ticket and 1'wand'.

At stations where the ticket office is inside the main hall, for example Beijing South or Shanghai Hongqiao, there will be short queues just inside the entrance to the station hall for a security check.  You put your bags through an X-ray scanner then security staff check you over with an electronic 'wand'.

Scan your passport to access the platform

Once inside the station, look for the departure indicators.  At major stations such as Beijing South or Shanghai Hongqiao, the departure boards alternate between Chinese & English.  At smaller stations they are only in Chinese, but you can easily make out your train number and departure time, and the platform or gate number to go to, as the photos in this section show.  Finding your train is unlikely to be a problem.

There are automatic gates at the entrance to each platform or group of platforms.  The gates can read Chinese ID cards & Chinese Green Cards for expats settled in China.

At some stations, each gate has a passport scanner as well as a Chinese ID card scanner.  This latest type of gate is shown in the photo below.  You place your passport data page face-down on the passport scanner, it reads your passport, knows you have a reservation and lets you through.  Your passport needs to be machine-readable, although it doesn't need to be biometric.

At other stations, the gates only have Chinese ID card scanners.  Foreign passport holders must use a separate passport reader, located at one end of the gateline, after which you are let through a manual gate.  You place your passport data page face-down on the scanner, it reads your passport, knows you have a reservation and lets you through.

A few small stations have no passport readers at all, so you need to ask staff to let you through.  Showing a printout of your journey helps with this, if you buy at a ticket office you'll be given a printout, if you have booked online you can get a printout by showing your reservation number at a ticket office window.  These printouts are labelled Trip information reminder in English.

Tip:  Expenses to claim or you just want a souvenir?   You can still get the traditional blue ticket if you like, but this now a Reimbursement slip and not valid for travel.  You can collect it either immediately after your journey or for up to 30 days afterwards, from a staffed ticket window or from the latest type of self-service machine which can recognise foreign passports.  Watch the video guide .

Boarding a train at Beijing Station

1.  Beijing station is in central Beijing, 3 km from Tiananmen Square.  It has it's own station on the Beijing Subway, called simply Beijing Railway Station - see Beijing subway map .

2.  Beijing main station dates from 1959 and whilst Beijing's South & West stations are modern and airport-like, negotiating Beijing's original station is a more chaotic old-style Asian experience.  So arrive in plenty of time, at least 40 minutes before your train leaves.

3.  Whether you arrive by subway or taxi, you end up on the station forecourt seen in the photo below left.  You then enter the station through any of the 30-odd red-canopied ticket-check kiosks seen in the photo below right in front of the main entrance.  There will be a queue in front of each kiosk.

4.  Immediately after the ticket check, there's a luggage X-ray check as you enter the building itself.

5.  You can then check the departure display to see which waiting room to go to for your train.  Boarding usually starts around 20-30 minutes before departure.

Boarding a train at Beijing South:  See the Beijing to Shanghai page

Boarding a train at beijing west.

7.  You may also find departure boards showing the status of each train.  Most trains will be shown as 'on time' with the most immediate departures shown as 'waiting', which means you can enter that train's specific waiting room.  Once a train is ready for boarding, usually about 30 minutes before departure, it's shown as 'check in', meaning you can proceed through to the platform.  Barriers close 5 minutes before departure, and the train is then shown as 'check out'.  Photos in this section are courtesy of Sunil Mehta .

What are Chinese trains like ?

Chinese trains link virtually all main cities and towns in China, and are a safe, comfortable & civilised way to travel, even for families or women travelling alone.

Classes of seat & sleeper on classic trains

Chinese trains generally have four classes, although you won't find every class on every train:

Soft sleeper = comfortable 4-berth compartments.  Most western travellers travel soft sleeper, a comfortable, civilised & affordable way to travel.  Soft sleepers are spacious 4-berth compartments with two upper & two lower berths by night, converting to two sofas for daytime use.  All necessary bedding is provided.  There's a table with tablecloth, and usually a vacuum flask of hot water for making tea (or drinking chocolate or cuppas soups if you've brought some).  The compartment door locks securely, and a smartly-dressed attendant looks after each car.  The best trains even feature individual TV screens and power sockets for laptops & mobiles.  Passengers share with other passengers, but this is no problem, and a good way to meet people. 

Can you book a 4-berth soft sleeper for sole or dual occupancy?   My advice is to do what the Chinese do, buy one ticket for one berth for one person and share.  It's not a problem, and you meet people this way.

Hard sleeper = open-plan bunks in bays of 6.  If you're on a tight budget or if the soft sleepers are full, there's no reason why you shouldn't go hard sleeper, as many western backpackers do.  Hard sleeper consists of open-plan carriages with a broad aisle on one side of the car, bays of 6 bunks (upper, middle & lower) on the other side.  In spite of the name, hard sleeper bunks are reasonably well padded, and bedding is supplied.  Newer trains even have power sockets for laptops & mobiles.

Soft seat & hard seat:   Equivalent to first & second class seats on a European train.  Short distance daytime trains often only have hard class seats, though some inter-city trains have both soft & hard class.  'Hard' seats are usually padded and reasonable comfortable, in spite of the name.

Deluxe soft sleeper = 2-berth compartment with toilet.  In addition to the normal classes, a handful of trains have deluxe soft sleepers, also known as Superior soft sleepers, include Beijing-Hong Kong, Beijing-Shanghai & Beijing-Xian.  These are 2-berth compartments with private toilet.  There are only limited numbers of these 2-berth compartments are available, often booked by government officials, so by all means ask for one but don't bang your head against a brick wall trying to get one, be prepared to travel in normal 4-berth soft class if necessary.  Sharing a 4-berth really isn't a problem, it's the norm in China, and you might even meet some real Chinese people this way.

Classes of seat on high-speed trains

1st & 2nd class:   Just to confuse you, the new high-speed C, D & G category trains are described as having 1st class & 2nd class seats.  The Chinese officially classify these trains as 1st class soft seat and 2nd class soft seat , as this allows the Ministry of Railways to get around government regulations that limit the price of normal hard & soft class ticket train fares.  2nd class has very compact seats usually arranged 2+3 across the car width.  1st class has much larger seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.

Business class .  G-category high-speed trains have a premium first class called Business class.  This has individual electrically-reclining leather seats arranged 2+1 across the car width.  There is complimentary green tea and juice and a tray meal may be included in the fare, served at your seat.  Business class is spacious, carpeted, and the egg-like business class seats recline to a flat bed at the touch of a button.  Business class is expensive even by western standards, but it's a real treat, very civilised and relaxed.

Premium, premier or superior class.   Now it gets a bit confusing, so listen up!  All the G-category high-speed trains have a small compartment immediately behind the driving cab at each end of the train, originally called 'sightseeing' because you could look through a glass bulkhead through the driving cab to get a view of the line ahead or behind.  However, this glass sightseeing window is now permanently kept electrically frosted up, and on some newer trains it's a solid bulkhead in any case, so the term 'sightseeing' is no longer used.

On some trains , the end compartment is fitted with five business class seats, arranged in one 1+1 row across the car width and one 1+2 row.  They all rotate to face the direction of travel, and are sold as normal business class.

On other trains there are two business class seats immediately behind the cab, arranged 1+1 across the car width, followed by three more red leather seats arranged 2+1 across the car width.  As these three seats are narrower and don't recline or rotate, they are sold as first class.

On a few trains , the end compartment is fitted with 6 seats arranged in two rows 2+1 across the car width.  These seats are the same style of seat found in first class, but they are sold at a higher price than first but less than business.  The Chinese term for this class is usually translated as premium or premier or superior or occasionally deluxe , depending which website you're using.  On a few trains you'll also find these superior class seats in a small 6-seat compartment mid-train.  Although you'll never find superior class on a train which has business class!

Restaurant cars, toilets, smoking...

Toilets:   Chinese trains generally have both western & squat toilets, but it's always a good idea to take your own supply of toilet paper.  The toilets on the modern D & Z category trains are immaculate, so no worries there!

Restaurant cars:   Most long-distance trains have a restaurant car, with waiter service of drinks, snacks & meals.  The best trains on key routes such as Beijing-Shanghai have menus in both Chinese and English.

Smoking:   Smoking is not permitted in the sleeping-car compartments or corridors on any Chinese train, or anywhere at all on board high-speed trains or the pressurised trains to Tibet.  But smoking is allowed (or at least, condoned) in the vestibules between carriages and in some restaurant cars on the regular T & K category long-distance trains.

Categories of train

Chinese train numbers usually start with a letter, which indicates the category of train.  The better the category of train, the faster it is likely to be, and the more modern & comfortable the carriages are likely to be.  Slightly higher fares are charged for the better train categories.

C (Chengji), D (Dongche) & G (Gaotie) trains are China's top-quality high-speed trains with modern air-conditioned coaches and streamlined power-cars at each end.  Most are 200-300km/h daytime electric trains, with 'G' category trains the fastest, 'D' category the next fastest.  A few overnight D-trains are equipped as high-quality 200km/h sleeper trains.  Photos of G-category train .  Photos of D category sleeper train .

Z trains (= Zhida, high-quality express sleeper trains):  The previous top-quality sleeper train, the Z-trains are now the second best, but still with very modern air-conditioned coaches.  Photos of Z category sleeper train

T trains (= Tekuai, extra fast):  Trains with a T in the train number are the next best category, see the photos below.

K trains (= Kuaisu, fast):  Trains with a K in the train number are 'fast'.  Slightly higher fares are charged for better categories of train.

A typical T or K category Chinese train

T & K category trains may not be as glamorous as the front-rank D or Z category trains, but even these T or K trains are usually very comfortable, often modern & air-conditioned.

Luggage on Chinese trains

You take your bags with you onto the train, and put them on the racks in your sleeper compartment.  At major stations, bags may be X-rayed before boarding.

In theory, the luggage limit on Chinese trains is 20 Kg for adults, 10 Kg for children, and the maximum dimension of any item should not exceed 160 cm (this is reduced to 130cm on all C, D & G category high-speed trains). 

However, in reality no-one weighs or measure your bags, so as long as they will fit through the security X-ray machines and as long as you can carry them all onto the train yourself, you'll be fine.  If you really want to transport vast quantities of luggage you can pay for a baggage ticket for bags in excess of the official limits.

Taking a bike

You can't take a bike with you onto Chinese trains as carry-on luggage, bikes have to be sent as cargo on a passenger train with a luggage van, which of course means a classic train, not a high-speed train.  There are two options:

Option 1 , you can take it to the luggage office at your starting station and check it in, then collect it again from the luggage office at your destination station.  This option is described in Matt Glaspole's report below.  Your bike will travel on whatever train has the necessary luggage van with space available, whatever train you choose to use yourself.

Option 2 , you can use a faster door-to-door collect-&-deliver service offered by Chinese Railways between major cities.  You may need an agency to help you arrange this.

Traveller Matt Glaspole reports on taking a bicycle on Chinese trains :  "Not every train has a luggage van, but if you mention in the ticket office that you have a bicycle, the ticket staff can book you onto a train that has one.  If you do have to take a train without a luggage van, the luggage staff will send your bicycle on the next train that does have one.  Once you have your ticket, you need to find the luggage office, which is often hidden around the back of the station somewhere. You might not find any English spoken here, but your train tickets should give the staff all the information they need.  The luggage service is a bit old fashioned, and the charges can involve a few RMB in 'tips' to the officials involved.  The luggage rates are calculated per kilometre like a passenger ticket, but are not as expensive. If you take the pedals or anything else off to prevent joyriding, point this out to the staff so they can make a note of this on the luggage ticket.  This indemnifies them from the potential that you or someone else at the other end will accuse them of having lost or stolen the missing bits. Once, I didn't mention to the staff that the pedals were missing, and they starting combing the town near the station to find me, so they could amend the ticket. Accusations of theft must be very serious!  My bicycle was never damaged in the luggage vans, although other cyclists have found themselves missing a bungee strap or two from time to time."

Luggage storage at stations

There are left luggage offices at most main Chinese stations, often privatised so markings and signage vary.  Look for the suitcase in a square pictogram or the words Left Luggage.

Stations with a left luggage office include Beijing railway station (which has at least two, both accessed from outside in the forecourt), Beijing South (inside the ticket hall), Beijing West (accessed from outside), Xian, Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai, Shenzhen.

The left luggage office at Beijing South inside the departures hall is open 06:00-23:00, a medium locker costs RMB 10 (£1, $1.50) for 0 to 7 hours, RMB 15 (£1.50, $2.50) for up to 12 hours, RMB 25 for up to 24 hours.  A large locker costs RMB 15, RMB 25 & RMB 40 respectively for the same time periods.  Other left luggage offices are likely to charge similar prices.

Beijing to Shanghai

The best way to travel this route is by train.  Not only is the train ride an experience in itself, the trains are generally very punctual and reliable than flying, avoiding the many delays affecting flights on this crowded air corridor. 

Beijing to Xian

Beijing to Xian by time-effective sleeper or by high-speed train.  The best way to travel between Beijing & Xian is by train, either on a time-effective overnight sleeper train which also saves a hotel bill, or on one of the new 300km/h (186 mph) high-speed trains.   The high-speed line opened on 26 December 2012 allowing trains to link Beijing West and Xian North in as little as 4h17, with a dozen high-speed departures a day.

Xian North , also known as XianBei , is 10 km north of the city centre on Xian metro line 2.

Xian main station is in the city centre, so significantly more convenient.

G-category high-speed trains have Business class, 1st class, 2nd class and a buffet car.  1st class seats are 2+2 across the car width, 2nd class seats are 2+3 across the car width.  Business class consists of leather power-reclining seats arranged 1+2 across the car width in a carpeted car.

D-category highsleeper trains are high-speed sleeper trains with air-conditioned soft sleepers, hard class sleepers & hard class seats.

T-category sleeper trains are classic sleeper trains with 4-berth soft sleepers, hard sleepers & restaurant car.

Distances:   Beijing to Xian by sleeper train on the classic route is 1,283 km (801 miles), via the new high-speed route it's 1,198km  (749 miles).

The Terracotta warriors are 40-45 minutes from Xian main station by bus 306 or 307, fare about RMB 7.  Minibuses & taxis are also available.  There are luggage storage facilities (left luggage office) at Xian main station, price RMB 5 per person.

All trains shown here run every day.    Finding & boarding your train     Luggage arrangements

Beijing metro map .    Street map of Beijing showing stations .    Hotels in Beijing .    Hotels in Xian .

$1 = approx RMB 7.0, £1 = approx RMB 8.9.

As of 1 January 2023, children under 6 travel free (just one per adult goes free), all other children under 14 travel for half fare. Those 14 & over pay full fare.  Child discounts only apply to the 'base' part of a sleeper fare, so in sleepers it's closer to a 25% reduction on the total fare.

The sleeper fares shown here are for lower berths.  Upper berths (and middle berths in hard sleeper) are a fraction cheaper.

You can easily tickets online at www.chinahighlights.com or www.trip.com once booking has opened .

For full details of how to buy tickets online or at stations, see the How to buy tickets section above .

What are the high-speed G-trains like ?

Second class is fine if you're on a budget, although it's fairly cramped as seats are arranged 2+3 across the car width.  A middle seat in the row of three isn't much fun!  First class seats are arranged 2+2 across the car width, so are far more spacious and well worth the extra cost.  Superior class seats (also known as Deluxe or Premium) are identical to first class seats, but arranged 2+1 across the car width in the sightseeing area immediately behind the cab at each end of the train, 6 seats in each of the two sightseeing areas.  The glass to the cab is often kept frosted, defeating the object of the sightseeing area, so I'd stick with regular first class.  Some trains have Business class instead of Superior class, and although expensive even by western standards, it's carpeted, spacious and relaxed, with electrically-reclining flat-bed seats and complimentary tray meal.  Wonderful if you can afford it.  See the photos of the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed trains here , as the Beijing-Xian G-trains are similar.

Beijing to Badaling & Great Wall

You can visit the Great Wall at Badaling by train from Beijing, no need for a restrictive tour.  See the Great Wall of China page .

Beijing to Tianjin

High-speed 350 km/h C-category trains (sometimes known as Hexie trains) link Beijing South Station & Tianjin every 10-20 minutes, taking just 30 minutes for the 120 km (75 miles) journey.  Simply use www.chinahighlights.com or www.trip.com to find specific train times.  The fare is around RMB 58 (£6 or $9) for a 2nd class seat, RMB 69 (£7 or $10) in a first class seat.  It's easy enough to buy tickets at the station on the day of travel.

Beijing to Guilin & Nanning

As well as the classic T and Z category sleeper trains from Beijing to Guilin and Nanning, since 2014 there are two Beijing-Guilin-Nanning high-speed trains which do the run in a single day.  So you can choose between a high-speed journey done in a single day or a cheaper classic overnight sleeper train ride, both are genuine Chinese experiences.  The choice is yours.

G421/G422/G529/G530 are G-category high-speed trains using the new high-speed lines, with 2nd, 1st & business class plus buffet car, see the photos of similar Beijing to Shanghai high-speed trains here .

The T & Z trains are classic trains using the classic route, with 4-berth soft sleepers, hard sleepers & restaurant car. 

Train T289/T290 has 2-berth deluxe soft sleepers as well as 4-berth soft sleepers, hard sleepers & restaurant car.

You can check times for this & other routes at www.chinahighlights.com or www.trip.com .  Map of Beijing showing stations

Beijing to Guilin is 2,135km (1,334 miles), Beijing to Nanning is 2,566km (1,603 miles) via the classic route.  Beijing metro map .  .

You can easily tickets online at www.chinahighlights.com or www.trip.com once booking has opened .  For full details of how to buy tickets online or at stations, see the How to buy tickets section above .

Beijing to Kunming

Beijing to Kunming by high-speed train or classic sleeper.  You can travel between Beijing & Kunming either on a classic Z-category sleeper train night-day-night, or on one of the G-category 300km/h (186 mph) high-speed trains which do the entire journey in a single day.  Before you go for the new single-day high-speed option as a knee-jerk reaction, bear in mind that the Z53 classic train still only takes one daytime day out of your schedule, a soft sleeper on the Z53 costs less than a cramped 2nd class seat on a G-train, it gives you more room to spread out, make yourself at home and enjoy the journey across China, and it saves two hotel bills!

G-category high-speed trains have 1st & 2nd class seats, business class seats and a buffet car.  1st class seats are 2+2 across the car width, 2nd class seats are 2+3 across the car width.  Business class seats are arranged 2+1 across the car width and go fully flat.  See the photos in the Beijing-Xian section .

Z-category sleeper trains are classic air-conditioned sleeper trains with 4-berth soft class sleepers, hard sleepers, restaurant car with menu in Chinese and English.  See the photos in the Beijing-Xian section , although there's no deluxe soft sleeper on this route.

Distances:  Beijing to Kunming by sleeper train on the classic route is 3,104 km (1,929 miles), via the new high-speed route it's xxxx km  (xxx miles).

Finding & boarding your train     Luggage arrangements

Beijing metro map .    Map of Beijing showing stations .    Hotels in Beijing .

Beijing to Guangzhou & Shenzhen

By new high-speed train, new high-speed sleeper or classic sleeper.  A new high-speed line opened in December 2012, and 300km/h (186mph) trains now link Beijing West and Guangzhou South in as little as 7h38, on the world's longest high-speed line.  Introduced in January 2015, bullet-nosed high-speed sleeper trains run on Friday to Monday nights, taking a single night to do what the classic trains take a day and night to do.

G-category trains run at 300 km/h (186 mph) with business class, 1st class & 2nd class seats and a buffet car.  1st class seats are 2+2 across the car width, 2nd class seats are 2+3 across the car width.  Business class consists of leather power-reclining seats arranged 1+2 across the car width in a carpeted car.  See the photos of the Beijing to Shanghai G-category high-speed trains here as the Beijing-Guangzhou-Shenzhen G-trains are similar.  You'll also find advice on which class to choose on that page.

D-category trains are high-speed sleeper trains , with 4-berth soft sleepers, 2nd class seats & buffet car, see the photos of the Beijing to Shanghai D-category high-speed sleeper trains here as the Beijing-Guangzhou-Shenzhen G-trains are similar.

Z-category trains are classic sleeper trains with 4-berth soft sleepers, hard class sleepers & restaurant car.

How to buy tickets    Finding & boarding your train     Luggage arrangements    Map of Beijing showing stations

Beijing to Guangzhou via the new high-speed line is 2,298km (1,436 miles).  Beijing to Shenzhen is 2,400km (1,500 miles).

Beijing to Hong Kong

Hong kong to shanghai : , hong kong to guangzhou : , macau : , shanghai to xian.

Option 1, Shanghai to Xian by high-speed train

High-speed trains running at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) link Shanghai Honquiao station with Xian North station, fastest journey 5h40, with some trains taking 7-8 hours. Check times at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains or www.trip.com .  For sample prices see below.

The trains have business class, 1st class & 2nd class seats and a buffet car.  1st class seats are 2+2 across the car width, 2nd class seats are 2+3 across the car width.  Business class consists of leather power-reclining seats arranged 1+2 across the car width in a carpeted car.  See the photos of the Beijing to Shanghai G-category high-speed trains here as these trains are similar.

Xian North, also known as XianBei , is 10 km north of the city centre on Xian metro line 2.  Shanghai Honqiao station 18 km from central Shanghai near the old airport

Option 2, Shanghai to Xian by time-effective sleeper train

Classic Z-category sleeper trains and high-speed D-category sleeper trains also link Shanghai & Xian.  A sleeper is not only more time-effective, it saves a hotel bill and as these trains use the main stations in the city centres, it can be more convenient, saving taxi costs too.

The high-quality Z-category trains have air-conditioned 4-berth soft sleepers, hard sleepers & restaurant car.

The high-speed D-category sleeper trains have 4-berth soft sleepers, 2nd class seats & restaurant car, see the photos here .

You can check times & fares & availability in English at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains or www.trip.com .

Shanghai to Guangzhou

Choose between a daytime high-speed train taking as little as 6h48 at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) or a time-effective overnight train.  The sleepers have an additional advantage, the use a main station in the city centre at least at one end of their journey.

G-category high-speed trains use the new high-speed lines, with business class, 1st class, 2nd class & buffet car, see photos of similar Beijing-Shanghai trains here .

Z99 & Z100 are high-quality sleeper trains with soft sleepers, hard sleepers, hard class seats & restaurant car.

T169 & T170 have soft & hard sleepers, hard class seats & restaurant car.

You can easily tickets online at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains or www.trip.com once booking has opened .  For full details of how to buy tickets online or at stations, see the How to buy tickets section above .

Shanghai to Guilin & Nanning

Choose between a daytime high-speed G-train taking around 11 hours, or a sleeper.

All trains run every day all year round.

The T-category trains have 4-berth soft sleepers, hard sleepers, hard class seats & restaurant car. 

The G-category train is a high-speed train using the new high-speed route opened in 2014.  Business class, 1st & 2nd.  See the photos here .

Trains to Lhasa & Tibet

The first regular passenger trains started running over the new railway to Lhasa in Tibet on 1 July 2006.  The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world, climbing from 2,829m above sea level at Golmud (Geermu) to 3,641m at Lhasa, much of it built on permafrost.  Its highest point is in the Tanggula Pass, at 16,640 feet (just over 5,000m) above sea level.  Because of the lack of oxygen at that altitude, all passenger coaches have extra oxygen pumped into them, and oxygen is available to passengers through tubes if they have problems.  Before the railway was built into Tibet, travellers had to take a train as far as Golmud (which the railway reached in 1984) followed by a gruelling 48 hour bus journey to Lhasa.  Now there are direct air-conditioned trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou & Xian to Lhasa.

Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou to Lhasa by train

Getting a permit for tibet, the journey to lhasa by train, traveller's report s.

Traveller Brett Ackroyd reports:   "I took the train from Lhasa to Beijing. It departed absolutely on time from Lhasa and arrived at Beijing’s West Station on time two nights later. During the first 36 hours or so the buffet car (where I spent most of time) served only buffet for lunch and dinner and a set breakfast menu. It seemed that once the train cleared Tibet in to China things changed and a food menu was provided.  Smoking rules also appeared to relax once the train entered China, a fact backed up by the Lonely Planet’s entry regarding the train.  As far as I could tell oxygen wasn’t pumped in to the carriages, and although there were ports at all seats and beds for an oxygen mask to be attached I never saw a mask itself. I and all other passengers had to sign a health declaration form that before boarding that confirmed we hadn't any heart conditions and related problems!"

Traveller Frances Partridge reports:    "Just completed the 48 hour Lhasa to Beijing train ride. Lhasa station is awesome; very modern, very beautiful; maybe a bit of a showcase? No one seemed to mind my photographing anywhere. We left dead on time. The attendant came to my compartment and gave me the oxygen tube to attach to the outlet in case of need.  Having been in Tibet for a week already, I was fine, just coughing a lot like most Tibetans were.  There were about eight other Westerners on the train, a handful of Tibetans and lots of Chinese people. To be honest, not the most spectacular scenery, compared to crossing Tibet, but what an engineering achievement! The highest railway in the world, much of it constructed on permafrost.  At night the inside of the carriage doors froze hard but the carriages themselves were very warm and comfortable.  Outside we were above the tree line but under the yak line.  Endless moss, frozen rivulets of old ice, yak herds and what I thought were eagles but a Tibetan told me were 'eagle's nephews'.  I booked soft class (for a nice change) but the hard sleeper was almost as good according to my companions down the train.  I had the cabin of four beds to myself all day until late in the evening when an elegant Chinese lady appeared at my door.  She looked appalled to be sharing with a foreign backpacker, especially one who had spread out all over the adjoining bunk, but soon settled in and was civil (in Chinese).  The car attendants were pleasant; the waitresses in the restaurant car were surly with a habit of whipping away the ashtray after one cigarette.  Trying to make them smile was a good, if fruitless, way to spend time.  One morning we arrived for breakfast at 9.30 am to be told that for us, breakfast was over.  Annoying when the car is full of train personnel eating their heads off.  Travel, eh?  The train stopped at stations twice a day so we could stretch our legs and have an unhindered smoke and buy snacks.  I was tempted to jump off at Xian to go see the terracotta warriors but restrained myself, as there's always next year.  We stopped at one station late at night, where it seemed that half the Chinese Army were saying goodbye to the other half.  From the hugging and sobs and photography I assumed they had finished their posting in the Tibet Autonomous Region and were heading home to Beijing.  They were very young boys and girls. On the second day trees appeared outside and farms and cows.  Suddenly I stopped coughing and could breathe much more easily.  Then into the chaos and noise of Beijing.  I am so very glad I took this train - if you get the chance, go for it!"

Traveller Keith Crane reports:    "We had great trouble finding somebody who could book me a ticket independently (we were in Guangdong province - and tried calling Beijing) as all the agents wanted to offer a fully inclusive tour for between 5,000-7,000 Yuan.  Finally we found an agent in Chengdu, www.dreams-travel.com , who could book the ticket and our Tibet pass very efficiently.  They also run the very good Wen Jun Mansion Hotel, a recommendable, cheap place to stay.  Chengdu is also the home of China's Panda research and breeding base so you can see the cuddly black and white creatures close while you wait for your train!  Chinatripadvisor was pretty slow off the mark, not knowing much more than anyone else before bookings opened.  Anyway our combined ticket (soft sleeper and Tibet pass) came to about 1,700 Yuan each in the end and off we went.  Despite reading stories of altitude sickness we suffered none - and if the train was pressurised, we found the toilet windows open throughout the journey.  The soft class accommodation is comfortable - there are western-style toilets - but the catering facilities are limited - a 44 seat dining car for a 15 carriage train! And not enough refrigeration for cold beer!"

International train, bus & ferries

Beijing ► ulan bator (mongolia) ► moscow (russia) ► western europe.

Two weekly trains link Beijing with Moscow, one via Mongolia, one direct into Russia, see the Trans-Siberian page .  From Moscow, daily trains run to Cologne & Amsterdam, with connections for London, see the London to Russia page .

Beijing ► Japan

Ferries link Shanghai several times a week with Kobe and Osaka in Japan.  For ferry connections between China & Japan, see below .

Beijing ► Taiwan

You can travel between China and Taiwan by ferry.  For details see the Taiwan page .

Beijing ► North Korea

For the direct train between Beijing & Pyongyang in North Korea, see the North Korea page .

Beijing ► South Korea

For ferry connections between Beijing & South Korea, see the South Korea page .

Beijing ► Hanoi, Saigon (Vietnam)

There's a comfortable train service from Beijing to Hanoi taking 2 nights and 1 day.  You can also travel from Kunming or Nanning to Hanoi by train.  For train times & fares, for details see the Train travel in Vietnam page .

Hong Kong ► Hanoi, Saigon (Vietnam)

You can travel overland by train & bus from Hong Kong to Hanoi in Vietnam, quite cheaply and comfortably.  You take an intercity train from HK to Guangzhou, the overnight sleeper train from Guangzhou to Nanning, a connecting train to Pinxiang then a bus to the border and on the Hanoi.  For details of how to do this, see the Train travel in Vietnam page .

Beijing ► Lhasa (Tibet) ► Kathmandu  (Nepal)

There's no railway from Tibet through the Himalayas to Nepal, at least not yet, but the Lhasa to Kathmandu journey can be done using various 7-day organised bus tours. 

Weekly Lhasa-Kathmandu bus service?   The internet is full of reports of a Lhasa to Kathmandu bus service starting, then being withdrawn, then starting again.  However, the most reliable information suggests that there is currently NO such bus, as all attempts to keep it going have so far failed.  So if you want to travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu, you'll need to sign up to one of the organised tours, see below.

Organised tours between Tibet & Nepal:   Currently, the only way foreigners are legally permitted to travel between Lhasa & Kathmandu is with an organised tour.  The cheapest tours take 8 days (7 nights) for the 955 km journey and cost about $400.  Try www.heiantreks.com , who normally run Lhasa-Kathmandu overland tours twice a week, www.trekkingtibet.com (recommended by one seat61 correspondent), www.visitnepal.com/getaway  (weekly, $450) or www.richatours.com or do a Google search for other agencies.  In 2005, there were reports of a new twice-weekly bus service from Kathmandu to Lhasa but apparently this service folded soon after it started.  If you have any feedback or recommendations, please email me ! 

For onward travel from Kathmandu to Delhi or Varanasi in India by a combination of bus & train, see the Nepal page .

Beijing ► India

The direct route from China to India is not particularly practical.  Most if not all border crossings are officially closed to foreigners, and you need some serious permits to be in those border regions.  You can, however, go from Beijing to Lhasa in Tibet by train ( see here ), then take regular organised tours from Lhasa to Kathmandu, see the Nepal page .  You can then get by regular scheduled bus and train to Delhi or Varanasi in India, also see the Nepal page .

Beijing ► Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Singapore

Start by taking the twice-weekly Beijing to Hanoi train, details on the Vietnam page .  You can then either go to Saigon and across Cambodia to Bangkok, then by train to Malaysia and Singapore, or take a 24 hour bus ride from Hanoi to Vientiane in Laos, then by overnight train to Bangkok.  See this interactive route map and click each part of the route you want for details.

Ferries from China to Japan

There were two ferry companies each sailing weekly year-round from Shanghai to either Kobe or Osaka in Japan.  However, in 2021 the Shanghai Ferry Co. ceased trading and sold its vessel to its competitor, www.shinganjin.com .  Feedback if you use this ferry is appreciated!

Japan-China International Ferry Company

The Japan-China International Ferry Company, www.shinganjin.com , sails weekly from Shanghai to Japan, going alternately to Kobe or Osaka.

Important update 2024 :  This ferry has been suspended since the pandemic, but they hope to resume in June 2024 with a new ship.

* Ship sails to Osaka & Kobe alternately, see www.shinganjin.com for fares & schedules, for English, change JP to EN top right.

Fares start at 20,000 Japanese Yen or RMB 1,300 (£140 or $195) one way for a berth in a shared Japanese-style room accommodating 8-15 passengers or 25,000 Yen / RMB 1,600 for a berth in a western-style 4-berth cabin.  There's a 10% discount for students, children 6-11 half fare.  A range of cabins is available on board, with restaurants, cafe, etc.

You can book via their online application form less than 2 months but no less than 7 days before departure at www.shinganjin.com .

Alternatively, for sailings from China, the telephone number for the Shanghai branch is +86 2165 957 988.  There is someone who can speak English and the only information you need to give is your name, date of birth, class of travel and passport number.  They will then make a reservation and you can buy the ticket at the port.  The telephone number for people travelling from Japan to China is +81 3 5489 4800. This is their Tokyo branch, as unfortunately nobody can speak English at their Osaka office.

The following photos show the former Shanghai Ferry Co vessel, now sold to the Japan-China International Ferry Co.

Traveller's reports

Traveller Mark Cundall used the Japan-China International Ferry Company:   "The ship was first class, clean and absolutely no problem.  If anyone wants to get from China to Japan, I'd recommend this company.  One key point is that when you get dropped in Osaka you need a bus to get to the metro, costing 300 yen, although there are no money exchange facilities at the port.  Also, all vending machines on the ship use Japanese yen, although Chinese RMB are accepted in the gift shop, cafe and so on.  So change some money into yen before you board the ship!"

Train travel within Japan

For information about train travel in Japan, see the Japan page .  To check Japanese train times online, see www.hyperdia.com (English button upper left).

Hotels in China

The Beijing Hotel Nuo Forbidden City is one of the oldest hotels in Beijing, built in 1917.  It's location is perfect, it's just a few minutes walk along the main road to Tiananmen Square and the entrance to the Forbidden City, 3 minutes walk from Wanfujing Metro Station.  Service is excellent and the colonial-style rooms spacious.  An excellent and extensive breakfast buffet is served in the modern extension behind the main building.  The hotel was originally Block B of the Beijing Hotel, Block C next door dating from 1954 is now the Beijing Grand Hotel and Block D dating from 1974 retains the name Beijing Hotel and is a state-run hotel.  There's more on the history of this hotel at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_Hotel .  Tip:  The hotel's rooms are both in the original 1917 block and the modern block behind, ask for a room in the original 1917 building.

A cheaper option , still with good reviews and location, try the Pentahotel Beijing .  It's informal, comfortable, and walking distance from Beijing Railway station - although a taxi is better if you've luggage.  There's a bar and noodle bar downstairs.

In Shanghai

The Fairmont Peace Hotel is the place if you want 5-star comfort as well as history & grandeur, it starts at around €190 for a double.  It's right in the centre of the Bund in a building dating from 1929.  As the Cathay Hotel, pre-1949 it was regarded as Shanghai's most prestigious hotel, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Hotel .

Tours of China by train

Train travel specialists Railbookers offer several tours of China by train, with hotels, tours, train tickets organised for you as a package.  They can also arrange flights if you need them.  Check out their Beijing to Shanghai and China's History & Panda Trail itineraries .

Flights to China

Overland travel around China by train is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But if a long-haul flight is unavoidable to reach China in the first place, try Virgin Atlantic who fly direct from London to Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong , a sound choice for both price and service.

1)  Check flight prices at Opodo, www.opodo.com

2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines..

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think, see www.loungepass.com

Buy at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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5 epic train journeys to take in China

Oct 24, 2021 • 4 min read

China's trains offer a highlight reel of the nation's best sights – soaring Himalayan peaks, bamboo forests, ancient temples and remote deserts © linlypu/Shutterstock

A nation of vast distances and ever-changing landscapes, China is a destination that’s simply made for train travel. While you’ll encounter the classic imagery of the country’s mist-shrouded jagged peaks and pine-clad temples, you may be surprised by what else is on offer.

From the snow-capped Himalayas and Silk Road oasis towns to grassy Inner Mongolian steppes and bamboo forests, China’s expansive rail network gets you right in amongst it – reaching speeds in excess of 300km/h, the arrival of the fast-train network has been a game changer. Not only has it halved the time required to travel across the country, but it’s infinitely more comfortable and reliable, and offers a much greener alternative to flying . And with the unveiling of the Maglev bullet trains , clocking in around 600km/h, rail travel is about to get even faster.

Here are our picks for the best train journeys running through China, to see beautiful landscapes, epic World Heritage sites and beyond.

Beijing to Lhasa (3757km)

One of China’s most epic train journeys is this spectacular two-day trip along the highest railway line in the world. Running from the nation’s capital all the way to Tibet , it covers some 3757km across eight provinces. 

Departing Beijing in the evening, you’ll awake to the flat rural landscapes of the North China Plain, but it’s not until reaching Qinghai (2275m) that the highlights reel clicks into gear. Here you’ll pass through the Tibetan Plateau as you make your ascent to the Roof of the World . The remaining 1110km to Lhasa features 86% of the line above 4000m; the highest point is at Tanggu-la Pass (5072m), the highlight, where you’ll be treated to the sharp-contoured snowy mountains overlooking stunning grasslands home to Tibetan nomads and yaks.

And for those wanting to make the trip in luxury, the Golden Eagle Shangri-La Express does the journey too.

Trans-Mongolian (7621km)

No discussion on China train travel is complete without mention of the Trans-Mongolian route . One of the world’s great rail journeys, this seven-day, six-night bucket-list adventure travels 7621km from Beijing into the wilds of the Gobi desert, the Mongolia steppe and the endless birch forests of Siberia before pulling into Moscow.

Departing from Beijing , the Chinese leg takes you through the dramatic forest mountain scenery of Northern China's Hebei and Shandong provinces before entering the grass steppes of Inner Mongolia. Reaching the Mongolia border, you’ll encounter the remarkable process of the changing of the bogies, in which each carriage is painstakingly hoisted up to change the gauge from the Chinese to Russian line before continuing on its way.

Another option from Beijing is the Trans-Manchurian (8986km). This less-traveled journey takes you through China’s northeast provinces before arriving at Harbin , from where it shoots through Inner Mongolia to reach the Russian border and on to Moscow .

Hefei to Fuzhou (850km)

Unquestionably one of China’s most scenic high-speed railways, this route passes not one, but three World Heritage sites. Beginning in Hefei in Anhui  province, this bullet train races through China’s southeast to arrive at Fuzhou in Fujian  province. It’s a four-hour journey through mountainous scenery of mist-cloaked pine forest, canyons, rivers, tea plantations and well-preserved villages. Highlights include Huangshan , Sanqingshan National Park and Mt Wuyi, all featuring idyllic trails leading to summits with astonishing lookouts.

Xian to Urumuqi (2344km)

Linking China to the West, the ancient trade route of the Silk Road has long evoked a sense of romance for travelers far and wide. And though the days of camel-drawn caravans are long gone, the Lanzhou–Xinjiang High Speed Train enables you to retrace their steps in quicker and more comfortable means. 

Boarding the train at the Silk Road’s historical starting point in Xi'an , you’ll shoot through the plains of Shaanxi province to arrive at Lanzhou in Gansu. Here you’ll transfer to another bullet train to Xinjiang province, from where you’ll pass through China’s northwest wilderness, admiring the Gobi Desert, grasslands and snow-capped mountains among the rapid-fire development of new cities. Arriving at the provincial capital of Ürümqi , you’ll notice a distinct exotic flavor that feels more Central Asia than mainland China.

Guiyang to Guangzhou (856km)

If ever there was an example of just how much China’s fast-train network has made a difference, then the route between Guangzhou and Guiyang is it. Back in 2014, it took 20 hours; today it takes little more than four. 

Beginning in Guiyang, the train travels southeast through Guangxi’s attractive verdant valleys to reach Guilin and Yangshuo , with its famous karst limestone peaks. Jutting out like sharp mossy teeth that span the horizon, it’s as spectacular as it is surreal; so otherworldly, in fact, it was used as the backdrop to the Wookiee planet Kashyyyk in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith . You’ll pass among its rice fields and the scenic Li River before crossing into the Cantonese province of Guangdong to arrive at Guangzhou –  one of China’s biggest and most dynamic cities.

You may also like: The most epic overnight train journeys in the world Great Wall: get to know China's most iconic structure How to plan your dream trip to the Himalayas

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Travel China Cheaper

Travel China the smart way! Expert tips and travel advice for China tourists and expats.

PLANNING A TRIP TO CHINA? Start Here

China Train Guide 2024 | Tips & Travel Advice

February 6, 2024 By Josh Summers

Welcome to the Ultimate China Train Guide , updated for 2024! I’ve been taking trains in China for more than 10 years now and it is one of the most comfortable and fun ways to explore China. These are all the things you need to know in order to search for the right train, buy train tickets, navigate the China train station and more. Enjoy!

It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a high speed train from Beijing to Shanghai or the slow train from Lanzhou to Urumqi…

…in this guide we’re going to attempt to cover all aspects of train travel in China.

How, you say?

I’m not going to teach you how to buy train tickets in China…you’re going to learn how to buy train tickets in China without standing in a line .

I’m not going to just explain the different types of trains that are operating in China…you’re going to learn which trains have power plugs, what to expect with the toilets and what you need to make sure to bring with you .

But most of all, my goal by the time you finish reading this guide to trains in 2024 is to take away any fear or reservations you have about doing it.

Trust me: it’s easy;

It’s cheap;

And best of all it’s fun.

How do I know? Well…I happen to be writing this while on a high-speed train from Qingdao to Shanghai 🙂

Are you ready? Great! Let’s get started .

Because I’ve worked hard to make this such a comprehensive guide (over 4,000 words!), I’m including a table of contents to help you navigate easily.

Table of Contents

• Pros/Cons of Trains in China
• Understanding China Train Numbers (and why it matters)

A Peek Inside a Chinese Train

• Navigating a China Train Station

How to Buy China Train Tickets Online

• How to buy China Train Tickets at the Station

Understanding Your China Train Ticket

• Frequently Asked Quesitons about China Trains
• Train Tips from a Seasoned China Traveler

Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use one of the services listed. I only recommend what I’ve personally used, and I appreciate your support!

If you don’t have time to read it all, just follow the instructions below and I’ll email you a free PDF copy!

Pros and Cons of Taking a Train in China

There are plenty of great reasons to take a train in China – and a few reasons you might want to avoid them.

In general, it is my opinion that the pros far outweigh the cons . Often, however, the choice between a train, bus or flight in China must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

So let’s start this China train guide by looking at the reasons that trains in China are such a popular form of transportation for travelers.

This is true even more so now in 2024.

The Benefits of Taking a Train in China

• Trains Save Money : Taking a train in China is in many instances the cheapest form of transportation. Cases where this might not be true is when taking a high-speed train over long distances. If you’re seriously looking to save money, buying a hard seat or standing ticket is dirt-cheap (albeit incredibly uncomfortable).
• Train Ticket Prices are Set: The best part about buying train tickets is that unlike fluctuating flight prices that make finding cheap China flights difficult , the prices of train tickets don’t fluctuate. They’re set, so you know exactly how much you’ll have to pay.
• Trains Save Time : Taking a train in China can often save time over flying or taking a bus. Train stations are often conveniently located in the middle of a Chinese city, as opposed to most airports which are far outside. In addition, you don’t have to arrive at a train station hours in advance of your departure like you do with flights. I usually arrive about 30-45 minutes ahead of my departure time. China trains are very punctual, unlike flights in China which experience delays or buses which are subject to traffic conditions.
• China Trains are Comfortable : Contrary to what you might imagine, trains in China can be quite comfortable. As a general rule, you get more leg room in a train, better opportunity to walk around, and there’s usually even a restaurant car. Sleeper car beds aren’t bad and the seats in the new high speed trains are much better than airplanes.
• China Trains Offer Beautiful Scenery : Trains offer a unique view of the varied China terrain that rolls by your window. You don’t get this beautiful view when taking a bus or airplane.
• China Trains Offer Cultural Experience : Trains offer a fun cultural experience that is hard to beat. Spending hours with your fellow Chinese passengers, most of whom will be happy to meet you and curious to chat, will provide a window into Chinese culture that you would never have in a bus or airplane. Taking a train in China is even a good opportunity to practice your Mandarin Chinese.

The Drawbacks of Taking a Train in China

As much as I like to talk up the advantages of taking a train during your trip through China, there are a few things you should be warned about before taking a train:

• China Trains Can Get Crowded : This is especially true over major holidays like Chinese New Year. Trains sell standing tickets that can make the cheaper, lower class seats uncomfortable when they’re full of people standing everywhere.
• China Trains Aren’t Always Cheaper : Always do your homework. There are many times where flights have been discounted so heavily that it has been cheaper for me to fly than take a train.

Did You Know…

In 2019, Chinese trains transported a total of 3.57 billion passengers. That’s BILLION with a “B”.

• Train Tickets Regularly Sell Out : Because train tickets are put on sale 30 days prior to departure date and prices don’t fluctuate, buying a “last minute” train ticket can be difficult. As a general rule, I try to buy my China train tickets at least 5 days prior to departure (much earlier for the China holiday season). Anything sooner than that and I risk having to buy either a super-expensive business class or an uncomfortable standing ticket.
• Train Stations Don’t Always Cater to Foreigners : At least not as much as airports do. Many of the older train stations can be confusing for somebody who doesn’t speak a bit of Mandarin. Never fear, though! This is something I hope to help you with in the section on Navigating a Train Chinese Station .

Back to Top

Understanding the China Train “Code”

What most travelers don’t know is that you can tell a lot about your China train by looking at the train route number (i.e. “D2847” vs “K1128”).

Not only can you determine the speed of your train, it’s also usually a good indicator of comfort. In other words…

… it’s good information to have!

Chinese trains are broken down into different categories, which I’m listing in this China train guide starting from the fastest/most comfortable down to the slowest/least comfortable:

China’s High Speed Trains (“G” and “D”)

Over the past decade, China has invested heavily in its network of high speed railways, and has plans to continue this investment for the next decade .

The high speed rail is divided into two categories – “G” and “D” .

Aside from the speed and an extra class, they’re more similar than they are different. Both categories usually have western (i.e. seated) toilets (if you’re curious, here’s what to expect with China’ s toilets as a whole) as well as power plugs on *most* 1st class seats and all business class and premium seats.

• G – The “G” train, short for “Gaotie” which means “high speed train,” is the newest, fastest and usually the most comfortable China train. It’s also the most expensive. These trains usually run at speeds of up to 300km/hr and are quickly becoming the future of train travel in China. You can purchase 2nd class, 1st class and Business class tickets on this train.
• D – The “D” train, short for “Dongche”, is often identical to the G train with one exception: speed. These trains don’t exceed 250 km/hr. Still, they’re comfortable and along certain routes don’t add that much more time than the G train. You can purchase 1st class and 2nd class tickets on this train.

A new addition to China’s high speed system is the sleeper train. These trains run overnight and are still listed under the “G” and “D” designations.

China’s Standard Trains

Standard trains are the older version of China’s rail system and rarely exceed 140 km/hr.

Although less common than they used to be before the high speed train came into existence, you’ll still find these standard trains going to smaller cities or throughout less-developed regions of China.

Usually, these trains are divided internally into “Soft Sleeper” , “Hard Sleeper” , “Hard Seat” and sometimes a “Soft Seat” .

They don’t always have a western toilet or air conditioning, but they are cheaper. There are different designations which include:

• Z – The “Z” train is an overnight express train that only runs select routes based on demand. They aren’t common, but it’s usually the fastest of the “standard” China trains – up to 160km/hr.
• T – The “T” train is short for “Tekuai” which means Express Train. These trains are usually special routes between two major cities that run faster than other standard trains because they don’t have many stops in between. The T trains are also less likely to have sleeper options and are more often divided into 1st and 2nd class sections similar to the D train. High speed of 140 km/hr.

• K – The “K” train is short for “Kuaiche” which simply means Fast Train . These used to be the most common – and fastest – trains in China before the era of the high speed train took over. They travel all throughout China between the different provinces.
• Only Numbers – These number trains don’t have a letter before them and are considered “ordinary” trains. If the train begins with 1, 2, 4 or 5, it will be slightly faster than a train whose number begins with 6, 7, 8 or 9. The highest speed of these trains is 100-120 km/hr.
• Other – You may also happen to run across an “L” (temporary train during peak season), a “Y” (tourism) and an “S” (train connecting a city with its suburbs) train, but these are much less common.

As we continue with this ultimate China train guide, let’s take a quick look inside both the high speed and standard China trains.

In this way, you’ll hopefully get a better idea of what to expect on your journey.

Inside China’s High Speed Trains

The two most common ticket classes you can purchase on a high speed train are a 1st class seat or a 2nd class seat.

The difference between the two usually has to do with the size of the seat as well as the personal space allowed.

The 1st Class cars are arranged with two seats on either side of a center aisle. Leg room is plentiful and there are often electrical outlets to plug in your electronic device (although this isn’t always the case).

The 2nd Class cars have a tighter seating arrangement with three seats on one side of the aisle and two on the other.

Leg room feels more like an airplane but the seats are still relatively comfortable. I’ve seen some 2nd class seats that have electrical outlets but as a whole it seems that this isn’t common.

Beyond the 1st and 2nd class cars, you might also find a Business Class in high speed trains.

These comfortable, fully-reclining leather chairs are a treat for any traveler. Beware, though: it’s almost guaranteed to be more expensive than the cost of flying to your destination! Amenities here are similar to what you’d find on an airline business class.

Although somewhat less-common, there are a few high-speed China trains have a super-luxurious class that goes by different names: VIP, Deluxe, Premium, Superior , etc.

These tickets are extremely expensive and usually offer private accommodation on the train, sometimes with your own private bathroom.

China’s high speed overnight trains offer the added luxury of a bed. The most common is lined on both sides with private bunks in two layers. Each compartment has its own light, window, and electrical plug.

My Personal Recommendation

In my opinion, 2nd class seats on a high speed train are comfortable enough for most people and are a great way to save money. However, I find that 1st class is the perfect blend of price and comfort. Plus, I like to work while traveling so I prefer having elbow room and a plug at my seat 😉

Inside China’s Standard Train

China’s standard trains can be arranged to include (or sometimes exclude) the following classes.

First you have the Hard Seat cars (Yinzuo or 银座) that have, as you would expect, hard bench seats set at a 90 degree angle with a table in between.

For short rides, these hard seats might not be a bad option. However, it can become incredibly uncomfortable for rides longer than a few hours. There are no electrical outlets and little room for luggage.

A limited number of trains include a Soft Seat car (Ruanzuo or 软座) whose seats would more resemble an airplane economy class, albeit a bit less comfortable. You have more personal space and the ability to slightly recline if you like.

The next step up the average China train is the Hard Sleeper cars (Yingwo or 硬卧) , which have berths of six beds – three on each side – with a small table between and no door. These are the tickets which sell out fastest because they are the best mix of price and comfort.

Beds aren’t overly comfortable but at least you can lay down!

These seats are designated as:

• “Shangpu” 上铺 (Top bunk, cheapest)
• “Zhongpu” 中铺 (Middle-bunk)
• “Xiapu” 下铺 (lower bunk, most expensive).

Finally, the best tickets you can buy on the average China train (T, K, P, L) are known as Soft Sleepers (Ruanwo or 软卧) , whose berths are comprised of 4 comfortable beds with a door that closes.

In the newer trains, these berths even include a small TV and electrical outlets for your computer and phone (although in my experience the electrical outlets rarely have electricity!).

Beds here are good but the price can sometimes rival that of an airline ticket. These tickets are designated as “Shangpu” (Top bunk, cheaper) and “Xiapu” (Bottom bunk, slightly more expensive).

Bathrooms on most regular-speed China trains are squatty toilets and often are not that clean. The only exception is in the soft sleeper car, where there is usually one western-style toilet.

Additional Train Cars

On most trains you’re also likely to find a restaurant car where you can sit down for a meal that can be good but is likely a bit pricey. Feel free to walk around and ask for a menu here.

They won’t let you sit at the tables unless you order, however, so unfortunately you can’t use this as a free place to get away. Trust me…I’ve tried.

Navigating a Chinese Train Station

When talking to most China travelers, they tell me that the Chinese train stations scare them.

They do seem intimidating with their massive labyrinths of halls, stalls and waiting areas. It’s not as impossible as it seems, though, and I intend to direct you clearly in this China train guide.

Every train station in China is different and the newer stations are likely to have more signs in English for you.

Still, there is a basic process to a China train station you should understand:

• Step 1: Get Your Ticket – I’ll go into more detail below on how to buy China train tickets , but for now you should know that every train station has what they call a “Ticket Hall” or 售票大厅 in Chinese. Usually this ticket hall is outside the main entrance to the station and requires you to pass through its own security check to enter.
• Step 2: Show Your Ticket : As you enter the main station, one of the first lines you’ll stand in will be the ticket check, where you will need to present both your ticket and your passport. The agent checks to make sure that your identity on the two match.

• Step 3: Security Checkpoint : Your next step is to scan your luggage. This is usually the choke point for any train station but thankfully it’s not as bad as airport security. You should keep your shoes and belt on and put your luggage through the scanner. Once you walk through a metal detector, prepare for a quick but harmless pat down by the security guard.
• Step 4: Find Your Waiting Hall/Gate : Don’t be afraid to find somebody who looks like they work there, show them your ticket and give a questioning look. Almost 90% of the time they’ll point you in the right direction. If you can read Chinese , there should be a board that will display your train number (which you can find on your train ticket) followed by the number of the waiting hall or gate from which you’ll depart. Around the waiting area there are usually small stores or fast food restaurants where you can stock up for the trip (although it’s often more expensive than buying outside).

• Step 5: Board Your Train : Somewhere between 15-20 minutes before the departure time of your train, the doors will open and stewards will check your ticket one last time as you head to the train platform. Just follow everybody else and if you’re still confused, find somebody and show them your ticket.
• Step 6: Enjoy the Ride! You’ll be asked to show your ticket while on the train and sometimes even after you depart, so keep it handy.

Train Station Tips

Here are a few pro tips about train stations that I’ve picked up.

• Stock Up Outside : Purchase all your drinks and food at the stores outside the train station. Everything inside the station will be marked up considerably.
• What Makes it Through Security : It’s worth noting that things like drinks and oversized luggage are permitted through security, so don’t forget to stock up on plenty of water!
• What DOESN’T Make it Through Security : Fuel canisters, lighters, knives and other related items.
• Electrical Outlets and Internet : While some Chinese train stations offer free internet, it’s usually slow. It’s also hard to find electrical outlets so make sure you’re charged up before you arrive.

The best part about modern-day China train travel is that most of the ticketing has moved online.

For now, you MUST have a paper ticket in hand to board your train (that might change in the near future). Thankfully though, you can book it from the comfort of your home country and pick it up once you arrive in China.

Let me show you how as part of this China train guide. There are three main ways to book online:

• 12306 Website : The website 12306.cn is the official China railway website and is the best way to purchase train tickets on your computer. Unfortunately, it’s not the easiest. Aside from the website being all in Chinese, it also requires a Chinese phone number and a Chinese bank account. They don’t accept foreign credit cards right now. Still, for those who will be spending a lot of time in China, it’s a good option.
• Phone Apps : I’ve recently fallen in love with the 12306 phone app, available on both Android (direct download link) and Apple iOS . Like the website, it’s only offered in Chinese and requires a Chinese bank card to use. However, I find it useful for the purpose of checking up-to-date availability (all other apps will have a lag). It’s also possible to purchase tickets on the WeChat and Alipay platforms.
• 3rd Party Providers : For most traveler’s, this will be your only option but thankfully it’s not a bad one. 3rd party providers like China Highlights not only allow you to purchase tickets in English and use your foreign credit card, they’ll also arrange to have the tickets delivered to your hotel for you! In every case, these companies charge a fee, but usually it’s only a few dollars per ticket. Check pricing and availability of your China train here below.

Let me stress this – I highly, HIGHLY recommend you purchase tickets online prior to your departure.

Buying tickets in the station ticket hall is time consuming and difficult, particularly if you don’t have a command of the Chinese language.

It is possible to purchase China train tickets up to 30 days in advance of your departure . This and other rules about buying China train tickets have made this mode of transportation very appealing.

How To Pick Up Your Purchased Tickets

Purchasing the China train tickets is only half the battle – now you need to pick them up.

In order to reduce stress, I like to pick up my tickets prior to arriving at the station so I don’t have to stand in line.

I pick up my tickets at an official train ticket office (火车票代售点 or “Huo Che piao dai shou dian”) which are located throughout every city in China. It usually costs about 5 RMB for them to print your ticket but it is completely worth skipping the hassle at the train station.

With only one exception during a holiday season, I have never stood in line at a train ticket office to pick up my tickets.

Make sure you bring your passport and the reference code you were given when the tickets were purchased. It’s a 10-digit code that begins with one letter and ends in 9 numbers (i.e. “E123456789”).

How to Buy China Train Tickets at the Station

Every train station has a ticket hall, and you can stand in line to buy your tickets here.

Now before we return to the train station, let me say that even if you don’t buy China train tickets online , it’s possible to use the official train ticket office I just mentioned in the section above to purchase tickets in person. There’s a 5 RMB surcharge but there usually isn’t any line.

For those that, for one reason or another, must purchase their tickets at the train station, make sure you arrive with your passport and cash.

If you’re purchasing for multiple people, you’ll need to have their passports on you as well.

It’s always best to approach the agent with a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C in case you don’t get what you want. I would even recommend you have it written down for convenience.

For instance, let’s say you want to go from Beijing to Shanghai on Friday. Your plan of action might be:

• Plan A : Buy 1st class tickets on Friday; in case that’s sold out…
• Plan B: Buy 1st class tickets on Saturday; if even that’s not available…
• Plan C: Buy 2nd class tickets on either day;

This “Plan A, B, C” method is important because there’s nothing worse than waiting in line only to have your plans foiled and with no backup.

You have to leave the window, regroup with your fellow travelers and stand in line again. I’ve done that before and it’s frustrating.

Once you have your ticket in hand, here’s a quick China train guide ticket reference to help you understand what your ticket is telling you.

• Departure station : This should be written in both Chinese and English.
• Train Number : This number is specific to your train and tells you the class of the train.
• Arrival Station : Again, this should be written in both Chinese and English.
• Date of Departure : This is written as year/month/day.
• Time of Departure : This is when the train departs. Boarding usually happens 15-20 minutes prior to departure.
• Seat Assignment : The first number is the train car (车) followed by your seat number (号). Below that you’ll see exactly what kind of seat it is (i.e. 1st class, 2nd class, hard seat, soft sleeper, etc.).
• ID Information : The first few digits of your passport and your last name will be toward the bottom, which means that your tickets can’t be transferred to anybody else.

China Train Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the most common questions I hear about train travel in China. If there are any questions you think I’ve missed, add them in the comments below!

Officially there are luggage weight and size limits on a China train but they’re never enforced. If you can carry it on your person and it fits through a scanning machine, it will be permitted. The only thing to consider is that there’s no such thing as “checking baggage” on a Chinese train. You have to carry and store it by your seat and often there’s not a lot of room to do so.

Train tickets can be purchased 30 days in advance of the scheduled departure date. Note that many train ticket companies will accept reservation requests much earlier than this, but they can’t physically purchase the ticket until they go on sale 30 days prior to departure.

No, you can’t transfer your ticket because it is attached to your passport number. What you can do is return the tickets for a refund or have them changed at the ticket counter, although it’s not the easiest process.

Getting off the train during stops used to be common but is now highly discouraged. More than likely the train stewardess won’t let you leave unless it’s your stop.

After getting on the train, a steward/stewardess will come and check your ticket, making note of where you’re getting off. At each stop, he or she will (usually) come down the aisles calling out the name of the station and in the case of most foreign travelers will come and tell you that it is your stop.

Yes, you can! In fact, I highly recommend bringing food since the food on the Chinese train isn’t that good and is overpriced. Both food and drink are welcome.

Train Tips from Seasoned Travelers | China Train Guide

As somebody who has taken every type of China train to every size of China train station over the past 10 years, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make the best of the experience.

Hopefully I can pass along some of this wisdom to you.

The following are a few of the “pro tips” I’ve picked up over the years.

• Download the Baidu Maps app on your phone (available for Apple iOS and Android phones).
• Wherever you are in a city, type in “火车票代售点” – or copy and paste it from here – to search for the nearest train ticket office where you can buy or pick up your tickets.
• If you don’t know a lick of Mandarin, download China Highlight’s China Train Booking app (available on Apple iOS and Android ). It’s possible to purchase tickets through the app but I find it equally useful for planning, letting you know what trains run on what days and approximately how many tickets are available. Note : If you read Mandarin, the 12306 app does the same thing, but is more accurate.
• When picking your tickets, I recommend the middle bunk (中铺 or “Zhongpu”) of a hard sleeper train or the top bunk (上铺 or “Shangpu”) of the soft sleeper train. The bottom bunks always have people sitting on them during the day and the top bunk of the hard sleeper has too little room between the bed and the train car ceiling.
• Bring hand sanitizer, particularly for longer trips. Bring a small book light if you like to read. Once the lights go out at night during an overnight train, you’re on your own.
• If you’re not sure you’ll have a plug to charge your phone on a long journey, buy a cheap external battery pack on Amazon before you leave or you can find plenty to purchase in China. They’re cheap and they’ll give you an extra full battery or two.
• Noise cancelling headphones are great on airplanes. They’re priceless on a China train – I never leave home without mine! Here is a look at my favorite noise-cancelling headphones for travelers .
• When you get off the train and out of the station, you’re probably going to be mobbed by people yelling “taxi”! Ignore them (I just put headphones on and keep walking). Every train station has a place for official taxis to wait and if you can’t find that just walk to the nearest major street and wait for one. The hawkers you meet will always charge you far more than you should pay and usually aren’t even legal.
• Bring your own entertainment – download movies, take along a card deck or whatever else you like. You’re probably not going to like any movie that might be shown on the train – if there even is one.

Final Thoughts | Enjoy the Journey!

We’ve come to the end of my ultimate China train guide for 2024!

Phew…you made it!

I trust you now feel confident to purchase your own tickets and jump on your train. Enjoy the China train experience during your travels here!

Do you have any other questions you’d like to ask? Feel free to leave a message in the comment section below.

Further Reading & Resources

Traveling or Moving to China Soon?

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About Josh Summers

Josh is the founder of TravelChinaCheaper.com who has been living in China with his family since 2006. Over that period of time he has traveled by plane, train, car, motorcycle and even camel to explore almost every corner of the country.

Reader Interactions

September 14, 2016 at 7:03 pm

Great guide! Thanks for the tips about the best sleeper bunk – but how can I choose my seat/bunk? Is there an option on the app or do I have to go to the station? What about fast trains? I want a window seat! Haha 🙂

September 15, 2016 at 10:14 am

thank you. very good summary. i will read this again before i take next trip to china.

September 20, 2016 at 4:08 am

Thanks, Curtis…I’m glad you found it useful!

September 18, 2016 at 10:08 pm

In answer to my own question up there, you can’t book your seat using an English app (eg Ctrip) or the official Chinese app. The only way is to go to a ticket window or to the train station. I went to a ticket window with everything I wanted written in Chinese – and I got everything! A window seat on a G train and middle and lower bunks on sleepers. The prices for lower and middle bunks were cheaper than the quoted Ctrip price, but the G train was the same price, so no idea how that works!

September 20, 2016 at 4:06 am

Sorry for the late reply here, Justine, and thanks for the question (and answer!).

You’re right, using the apps, you can only specify which class of ticket you want to purchase, not the exact bunk or seat position (window, aisle). The good news, though, is that you don’t *have to* do this at the train station. You can also go to the train ticket offices I mentioned in the guide.

September 21, 2016 at 9:36 pm

Oh no worries Josh! I thought I would ask you as you’d just written this guide, and I haven’t been able to find info about choosing a seat or bunk anywhere else!

Yes, I did go to a train ticket office, not the station! The one on my street is tiny, just a window and space for 2 people inside, so I always call it a ticket window! Hahaha.

Thanks again for the guide and help!

September 26, 2016 at 9:17 am

My pleasure! Hope it all goes well.

November 1, 2016 at 11:50 am

wonderful experience for me after being aware from china train service which was much advance.also there are luxery and medium and economy class as well.

December 14, 2016 at 1:35 pm

Great! I’m glad you had a good experience 🙂

December 12, 2016 at 3:00 am

HI josh, is there a way to know on which side the door is going to open a a high-speed train? Tnx Alan

December 14, 2016 at 1:33 pm

Usually, the train attendants will stand in front of the door that will open. Prior to arrival at the station, though, I’m not sure if there’s any indication where the door will open.

October 11, 2017 at 4:27 am

Hi- this is great, very helpful! Quick question about baggage on the train. You mentioned that there is not much storage. If I have a bag that would have to be checked on a plane, will I have issues on a train?

October 11, 2017 at 10:17 am

Thanks, Tiffany! To answer your question…maybe and maybe not. You should be fine but baggage space is first-come, first-serve. If you don’t have room for it you’ll just have to find a place somewhere. That’s the hassle.

July 22, 2018 at 7:14 pm

Josh I am told not expect that the fast train conductors to speak english. If there is an emergency or other significant issue are there written instructions or an app that can be of help?

July 23, 2018 at 2:48 pm

Hey Gary, even if they did speak English, passengers don’t have access to speak with the train conductors at any time. If you have trouble, you’ll talk with the train attendants (again, most of whom don’t speak fluent English). In that case, here are my tips for getting around China without speaking Chinese .

October 13, 2018 at 5:36 pm

thank you for your China train guide and helpful. However, I have searched all over the web, including reading different new paper articles and cannot find, specifically how many pieces of luggage is one adult allowed to carry onto a China High Speed train. I know the weight allowance is 2o KG and the allowed measurement is 130 cm…..but will I be allowed to carry on 2 or 3 suitcases, each measuring 130 cm and each weighing less than 20KG?

October 14, 2018 at 12:15 pm

There are limits, but I’ve never heard anybody enforce them. Worst case scenario, they will ask you to “check” your bags, which is essentially putting it in the freight car for the cost of shipping.

October 19, 2018 at 8:49 am

Josh thanks for the above information. I need clarity if g trains allow off season and group discount on station ticket purchase. I have seen as a general information but not sure if it is applicable on all categories of trains.

October 19, 2018 at 9:51 am

I’ve never seen any type of discount on train tickets. The prices are what they are.

October 24, 2018 at 4:41 pm

Hi Josh, thanks for your veRy useful guide. I’m planning to take a G train from Shaghai to shenzhen, partly so i can see a range of china scEnery for at least the first half oF the journey. However, i’m wondering if you can really see anything at the speed of a g train? Many thanks.

October 25, 2018 at 8:13 am

Absolutely! I love checking out the scenery from the comfort of the high speed train. Everything close to the train goes by quickly, but the landscape just rolls along at a nice pace.

November 9, 2018 at 8:06 am

Hi Josh, thanks for the detailed guide. This is very helpful as we are planning to take a train for the coming visit to China.

Can you help to clarify if it is still true that all first time passengers need to have their personal information verified at the train station before they are able to purchase tickets online? I was told by a local 3rd party provider that this is part of the standard practice in the Chinese railway system. Thanks for your advice.

November 9, 2018 at 12:51 pm

Hi Lee, I’m not exactly sure what this 3rd party provider is referring to. China uses a real-name system for their ticketing, which means that when buying, picking up or using train tickets, you must have your passport with you to prove your identity. That remains true whether you’re buying at the station or online.

December 28, 2018 at 2:09 am

trip.com and the app work well too. Thx for the priceless 火车票代售点 info. Will be using that for sure. I came here trying to find out if i can take my electric unicycle with me. Theyre banned on shenzhen subway 🙁

January 5, 2019 at 9:57 pm

Thanks a million for the tips, its going to help me.

Azhar amin Penang-malaysia

January 8, 2019 at 9:23 am

My pleasure! Glad it was helpful for you.

January 30, 2019 at 10:23 am

hello, thank you for the guide really helpful 🙂

January 30, 2019 at 1:15 pm

My pleasure! I’m glad you found it useful, Nihed 🙂

May 30, 2019 at 3:06 am

Thanks for a great guide.

However there is one i cannot find. Kan you have the train tickets electronically on your cell phone/tablet?

Best regards Tore

May 30, 2019 at 7:39 am

No, not yet. Right now, you must have a physical ticket to get on a train. When that changes, I’ll immediately update this guide.

July 12, 2019 at 1:26 am

hELLO jOSH,

We’re going to buy train tickets (Beijing -> Shanghai) but we don’t know which class to choose, could you help us? We are tall people (2m) and looking for comfort so we choose between 1st class and business class. I found some pictures of 1st class seat where seat width is 47 cm so I’m a little scared of that seat i too narrow for us, what do you think? Business class is very nice but price is also very high.

July 12, 2019 at 9:27 am

I’m 1.88 meters and I found 1st class to be more than comfortable. Business class is, in my opinion, a bit over the top.

August 1, 2019 at 2:41 am

Hi Josh, We used trip.com to purchase train and air tickets and just showed the confirmation numbers to pick up our tickets at the train stations. You don’t mention trip.com. This is an english version of ctrip.com.

October 21, 2019 at 8:46 am

Hello. tks for your piece.

I have plans to do a trip from Datong to Pingyao. I am traveling in two people only. Do you believe we can buy the four tickets of the soft sleeper Cabin and avoid to travel with somebody that i do not know?

kind regards

October 21, 2019 at 8:29 pm

I don’t believe they’ll allow you to buy two tickets on the same passport. You could purchase a ticket using the passport of a friend or family member that isn’t in China. They’ll be considered a “no show”, though, and sometimes those seats get sold to other passengers. You can’t be guaranteed to have your own cabin.

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With the rapid development of high-speed railways, China has one of the world's largest railway networks nowadays. However, due to the changeable epidemic prevention measures , it is a little complicated to take a train on the mainland now. Therefore, that’s why our team exists. We’re here to offer reasonable advice before booking and continuing assistance after sales to make your train travel go successfully.

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Tips for China Train Travel

The best way to get around China is by train. Chinese trains are safe, punctual, and comfortable. On the pages below, you will find introductions to train travel in China and guides that can help you have a smooth China train trip.

China Train Beginner Guide

The top 8 tips for China train How long does it take to purchase your tickets E-tickets have been fully implemented

How to Book China Train Tickets

Book online with a travel agency Buy tickets at a train station

Luggage Allowance

Weight and Size Limits. Things You Can't Bring on a China Train  

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China Railway Stations

• Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
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• High Speed Trains
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• Baggage Allowance
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• Beijing - Shanghai
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How to Take the Train in China

Step 1: Arrive at the railway station 1-1.5 hours in advance;

Step 2: Pass ID-ticket check and security check at the station entrance;

Step 3: Find the right waiting room and wait for boarding;

Step 4: Check in at the right boarding gate;

Step 5: Go to the platform for boarding;

Step 6: Settle the luggage and sit down to enjoy the trip;

Step 7: Upon arrival, get off and find the way out.  Now let’s look into the steps in very detail.  

Preparations Beforehand

Get to Station 1-1.5H Earlier

Pass id & security check, find the right waiting room, go to platform & onboard, settle luggage & enjoy trip, get off & find the way out, transfer to another train, china train travel tips.

China Train Travel: A How-To Guide

T rain travel in China is best summed up in three words: comfy, convenient, and at times, confusing . At least, that's compared to the country's budget airlines and buses, both of which offer a rickety, hair-rising adventure in itself. If you're happy to fork out a little extra cash and get the China train experience, here's some tips to make the process a little bit smoother!

Train Types

There are a few classes of trains in China, each ranging in seat type, services offered, speed, and overall cleanliness.  Here's a quick run-down of your options:

High-speed Rail

• Modern & clean
• Cover large distances
• Are fast (up to 300km/hr!)
• Non-smoking in entire train (enforced)
• Assigned seating (enforced)

“Regular” trains

• Cheaper than high-speed (often the older version of current high-speed trains)
• Fairly clean
• Non-smoking except between cars

Overnight/ Sleeper Trains

• Provides a “free” night of accommodation
• Fairly comfortable & affordable

China is well serviced by trains, with connections between major cities and even remote locations including Mongolia. Simply search your Point A to B via sites like C-Trip (more on that below), and you'll very likely find a number of trains servicing that route.

How to Buy China Train Tickets

C-Trip  is another user-friendly option that we mostly used throughout our travels in China. The website's English is decent, it has competitive pricing, plus a rewards program that earned us ~$40 USD back which we used on accommodation. Tickets can be bought with credit or Paypal, then pick up at the train station ticket office

You can buy tickets at the train station ticket counters. Take note, the self-service “English” machines won't accept non-Chinese cards, and often aren't fully English anyway, so just approach any of the ticket counters.  It's helpful to have the name of your destination in Chinese in case of potential language barriers. As always in China,  bring your passport . 

You could also buy train tickets from a travel agency (they are abundant in China), simply ask your hotel or Tourist Information Centre.

Train Classes

Once you look to buy tickets, you'll notice there's several classes to choose from, indicated by letters. Here's what those letters mean:

• C, D & G trains : China's best high-speed trains. They're modern, air-conditioned, and most run at 200-300km/hr. Most overnight D-trains are older versions of the high-speed train.
• Z trains : now second best, these were previously China's greatest quality high-speed sleeper trains. Fairly modern with air conditioning.
• T trains : these are the next best after Z trains. Much older models but still functional.
• K trains : these aren't as quick as high-speed trains but are still “fast”, and as such are higher-priced.

Overnight Sleeper Train Types: A Comparison

Upon booking an overnight train, you'll notice  there are several seat options. Here's a quick breakdown of what each entails.

Hard Sleeper

• Cheapest ticket type (and despite the name, isn't actually hard)
• Has thinner sleeping mattresses than the “soft” ones
• Shared compartment/room without doors
• 6 bunks per compartment

Soft Sleeper

• Cheaper ticket type
• Thicker sleeping mattresses
• Shared  compartment/room without doors
• 4 bunks per compartment

Private Rooms

• Priciest ticket type
• 2 bunk compartment
• Some have a private toilet (which sells out FAST)

We've taken all of China's train types – overnight, regular, and high-speed. We were pleasantly surprised by the overnight train experience in the “hard” sleeper class (see above photo). It was quieter and cleaner than expected, and felt like sleeping in a hostel dorm. Some points worth noting:

• There are no seats  (besides your bed), except for 2 tiny hard seats per aisle for the 6 bunks (see photo at end of article). If you're lucky enough to have the bottom bunk (which is the only one tall enough to sit upright in), it also has its own mini table.
• There isn't anywhere to lock your belongings but there is a shelf where everyone puts their bags. Theft seems to not be a concern, but we did sleep with our valuables (phone etc) in our beds to be safe.
• There are no doors to the compartments,  but there are curtains on the windows.
• Lights are turned off automatically at 10PM & people generally are quiet after this time
• The bottom bunk has the most space (you can actually sit up in it), whereas the top two above it you cannot sit upright

China's trains mostly have squat toilets, but are fairly clean with a washing station outside the bathroom. Be sure to bring toilet paper & soap or sanitizer (as you should everywhere in China!).

Some overnight trains have a restaurant car, it depends on the class. Snack carts regularly go by with overpriced food, snacks and bottled drinks. No coffee though except instant on high-speed trains, at a hefty 40 RMB/cup (~$6 USD!).

Nearly all Chinese trains have free water dispensers  that dispense hot water only . So if instant coffee, tea, or instant noodles are your thing, bring 'em along!

Note : free bottles of mineral water  are offered at train stations for certain train classes. Simply show your ticket and see if you’re eligible (or if you speak Chinese, just ask!).

Reading Your Train Ticket

Seat61  has made this great translation picture to help you decipher your ticket. That being said, even without this you'll still be able to ask staff to help you figure your seat and platform out.

Avoiding Headaches & Mishaps

• Give lots of buffer time for train ticket pick-up/boarding – Chinese train stations are HUGE .
• Always bring your passport.
• Check ticket availability online in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets can sell out in high season (July/Aug).
• All train stations in China involve a security check . Yep, even public subway stations, too. Give yourself LOTS of buffer time to put your bags through x-ray machines, possibly be patted down and maybe have your bags pried through – much like airport security. If you're carrying bottled drinks, you'll be asked to drink them to prove they don't contain harmful contents.
• Eat before boarding & pack snacks. Food is quite inflated on Chinese trains, so it pays to pack food if you can. Convenience/grocery stores have pre-made sandwiches, noodle boxes, or salads. Most train stations have noodle restaurants inside if you want to eat pre-boarding.
• Pack headphones and/or ear plugs . You'll likely need it to block out the movies people watch without headphones and general noisy conversation (though our overnight experience was surprisingly tranquil).
• Bring layers of clothing . You never know if a train will be overly air-conditioned or stiflingly hot. I always wear loose layers for long rides, with easy options to add on if I’m too cold.

And there you have it, (just about) everything you need to know for train travel in China. Having done China's long-distance buses and budget airlines, I'd definitely say train travel is our preference. If you've got a long trip, have the extra pocket cash, or are low on travel sanity, the trains are absolutely worth it.

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Why Travel by Train in China?

Fast & affordable.

China high speed train runs from 200km/hr to 350km/hr at reasonable price. It takes only 4.5 hours by the fastest train from Beijing to Shanghai for the 1318 km journey.

Punctuate and Reliable

Chinese trains are punctuate. They are less affected by weather and environment comparing to internal flights and buses.

Safe & Comfortable

Chinese trains are a safe, comfortable way to travel around China. Each train has its own police. People are traveling under real-name policy.

Cheap Price and Hassle-free Service

We offer the hassle-free service to book china train ticket online. you can search the time table and ticket availability at our website and book online. we accept visa, mastercard and paypal. the e-ticket will be sent to you by email and then you can redeem at railway station's counter., search train.

search time table and ticket availability online

we accept VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and PayPal

Receive E-ticket

Receive E-ticket by email and check in with passport

How to book China Train Ticket Online?

Frequently asked questions.

Yes, of course you can. We accept booking request from all over the world. Thanks to the internet technology, our customers grows rapidly.

We accept online booking at least 24 hours in advance.  The trains in China mainland open for sale 15 days before the earliest. You are advised to pre-book the tickets as early as you can and we will proceed to purchase the tickets as soon as the trains open for sale.

The e-ticket is booked under your full name and passport number. You need to provide your name in full which exactly identical to your passport.

The valid names accepted by the ticketing system is Last Name + First Name + Middle Name as appeared in the MRZ (machine reading zone) at the bottom of your passport identity page.

We accept VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and PayPal online. For customers who do not have credit card or PayPal. we accept bank transfer upon your request.

Once your tickets are issued, the e-tickets will be sent to you by email. You can use your passport to check in at the railway station without any paper ticket. China Railway does not provide paper tickets anymore.

Not really. Once we have received your payment, we will proceed to do real-name verification and purchase the tickets as soon as the train opens for sale. In case the tickets are not available, we will inform you by email and you can change to another train or cancel and get a refund. Based on our statistics, approximately 95% of paid booking have been able to get the tickets successfully.

Besides the ticket fare, we charge the service fee and transaction fee. The service fee varies depending on different ticket price. You can see the fee during the booking process.

The e-ticket will be sent by email and no shipment required.

No, sorry. Tickets are not reserved before payment.

China Railway has adopted the e-ticketing system and do not provide paper tickets at all.

Please request cancellation online at our My Bookings or contact us by email. For urgent cancellation, please call us. Please read Terms and Conditions before initiating a cancellation request.

15 days before the earliest. Sometimes it is 3 to 5 days before in the event of railway timetable adjustment.

The seats are assigned by computer and no human intervene is allowed. Generally the seats are next to each other, but they might be separated if there are not many seats left.

From January 1, 2023, For children boarding with adults, child discount tickets shall be booked for those over 6 years old and under 14 years old; full-price tickets shall be booked for those over 14 years old. Each adult passenger with a paid ticket, may board together with a child under the age of 6 bearing a free child ticket with no reserved seat. Only one child may board with a free child ticket together with each adult passenger, other children shall board with a discount child ticket.

We can try for you but it is not 100% guaranteed as the seats are assigned by computer and based on seat availability.

Popular Train Tickets

• Beijing to Shanghai
• Beijing to Xian
• Beijing to Pingyao
• Beijing to Datong
• Beijing to Qingdao
• Beijing to Jinan
• Xian to Zhangjiajie
• Changsha to Guilin
• Changsha to Zhangjiajie
• Shanghai to Beijing
• Shanghai to Hangzhou
• Shanghai to Nanjing
• Shanghai to Hefei
• Shanghai to Yiwu
• Shanghai to Huangshan
• Xian to Beijing
• Xian to Shanghai
• Xian to Pingyao
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• Xian to Luoyang
• Xian to Huashan
• Hong Kong to Guangzhou S.
• Hong Kong to Humen
• Hong Kong to Chaoshan
• Hong Kong to Xiamen
• Hong Kong to Shenzhen
• Guangzhou S to Hong Kong
• Guangzhou to Guilin
• Guangzhou to Shenzhen
• Guangzhou to Shanghai

Trains & tickets

• Train types
• Child ticket
• Real-name policy

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• How to read a train ticket?
• Cancel train ticket at railway station
• Terms & conditions

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China’s Trains: A Comprehensive Guide

Linking vibrant cities, enchanting landscapes, and cultural marvels, China’s trains redefine the way you experience the rich tapestry of this vast and vibrant nation.

With the complex network comes a slightly more nuanced system of train classes and seat classes. Each train type and seating class offers unique amenities and comforts, catering to different budgets and preferences.  

Seat classes 

Seat classes, frequently asked questions.

Here’s a breakdown of the different train types in China to help you choose the one for your adventures. 

Train Types 

High-speed trains (g-series, d-series, and c-series).

China’s high-speed rail system or Fuxing Hao (meaning “rejuvenation”) is renowned worldwide for its speed, reliability, and modern amenities.  

G ( Gaosu ) trains are the fastest high-speed trains you can book in China and with top speeds of 400kmph, they are the second fastest commercial trains in the world. The “fastest train in the world” honor goes to the Shanghai maglev train with a top speed of 431 kmh (268mph), but unlike G trains, the maglev only travels between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road station. G trains usually run on middle-to-long distance routes, such as Beijing-Shanghai and Beijing-Guangzhou, and are like airplanes in comfort and luxury, with Wi-Fi available. Put simply, where a conventional train would take more than 24 hours, the G trains will take 7-8 hours depending on the stops. They are daytime trains, i.e., no sleeper compartments here.  

D ( Dongche ) trains are the second fastest train type in China, with an average speed of 250kmph (155mph). D trains are also available as overnight sleeper trains. *Note that these are not as widely available as G trains. 

C ( Chenji Dongche ) trains are intercity trains that run between neighboring cities. Their average speed is 200kmph (124 mph). 

G trains offer three seat classes (business, first and second), while the rest of the train types (D and C) offer two primary seat classes (first and second): 

First Class ( Yidengzuo )* : The first-class cabins on high-speed trains offer spacious, adjustable seats with more elbow room than second-class seats, dedicated power outlets, and fewer seats in a row. * WildChina’s recommended seat class if business class is not available 

Second Class ( Erdengzuo ) : Second-class seats are the most common and most affordable seat class on high-speed trains, with shared power outlets, and smaller elbow and leg room. This is the most popular choice for local travelers, providing a perfect balance between affordability and convenience.  

Business Class: For extra luxury and comfort, G trains offer Business Class seats (business class is higher than 1 st class on Chinese trains). The amenities are similar to what you expect from business class seats on planes: fully reclining seats that turn into beds, more privacy, fewer passengers in the car, free snacks and soft drinks, and a dedicated TV.   (This is WildChina’s recommended seat class.)

Most major train stations feature VIP lounges for business class travelers to relax before boarding, offering complimentary beverages and snacks, access to newspapers and magazines, free Wi-Fi, and more. Additionally, these lounges may provide complimentary porter services for passengers with large luggage and wheelchair assistance for those with special needs during boarding.

On key routes like Beijing-Shanghai, the business class seats have undergone an exceptional upgrade, now offering an extra layer of privacy, luxury, and comfort.

Conventional Trains (Z, T, K, and 4-digit trains) 

China’s conventional (slow) trains offer several seat classes, catering to diverse travel modes. 

Z trains are non-stop express trains, making only the odd stops along the way. The top speed is 160kmph (100mph). They run between major cities like Beijing and Shanghai 

T trains (express trains), K trains (fast trains), and 4-digit trains run at an average speed range of 120 – 140kmph (75-87mph). These conventional trains have been around since the middle of the 20 th century and are an excellent choice if you want to explore the cities at a slower pace, as they stop along most major stops.  

Hard Seat ( Yingzuo ): The most economical choice, hard seats provide a budget-friendly option for short journeys. These seats are, as the name suggests, hard and not the most comfortable. 

Soft Seat ( Ruanzuo ): Soft seats offer a more comfortable experience with cushioned seating, making them suitable for medium-distance travel. 

Hard Sleeper ( Yingwo ): These budget-friendly sleeper options offer three-tiered bunk beds and are suitable for overnight journeys where comfort is a consideration. Hard sleeper cars are open-compartment/ cars, which means less privacy.  

Soft Sleeper ( Ruanwo ): Soft sleeper compartments provide a higher level of comfort with two-tiered bunk beds, bedding, and more privacy. They are perfect for extended overnight travel and provide more privacy as the four-bed cabins have closing doors.  

Refer to the below handy table that summarizes the different train classes, seat types, and amenities available on China’s trains.

Do they speak English at stations / on trains?  

Train staff speak little English, but railway station announcements, including boarding calls, may be provided with English translations.  

Is food included?  

Ticket prices do not include food.  

Is food available on trains ? 

Food is available in dining cars: Car 9 on conventional trains, and usually Car 5 on high-speed trains. Trolley selling snacks and beverages often goes back and forth between cars. You may consider bringing your food, as the choices are limited to few Chinese dishes. For sleeper trains your WildChina guide will take you shopping to get everything you need for dinner, breakfast and lunch prior to your journey.  

What are the recommended baggage types to bring?

Consider bringing baggage with wheels, as most stations have long flights of stairs, but have wheel ramps available.   

Are there porter services to help with luggage?  

Most major city train stations have a porter service which WildChina can book for you. The porter will help carry your baggage on and off the train and through the station. Note that this service is limited to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi’an. Get in touch with us to see the availability of your arrival station. 

What are the toilet facilities like?

Toilets and washbasins are public and available at the end of every car. High-speed trains are equipped with a few Western-style toilets across the train. Conventional trains usually only have squat toilets. *As with all Chinese public toilets, you need to bring your own hand soap, toilet paper, and other sanitary supplies. On high-speed trains, Car 5 has an accessible WC with a Western-style toilet and a changing table. Regular trains don’t have accessible WCs.  

What are the most popular routes to take and how much are they?

Here’s a table showing the popular train routes and how much they cost:

Looking for a train to Tibet? Here’s an article on the Qinghai-Tibet railway.  

Already planning a trip with WildChina? Get in touch with your travel designer to add a rail journey to your itinerary. They’ll be happy to advise you on where in your itinerary the best rail connection can be made! 

Interested in planning a new trip with WildChina? Get in touch to begin.

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www.12306.cn - China Railway Official Website

Latest China Train News (Updated on October 31, 2023) :

Foreign passengers can book China train tickets on their own on the China Railway official website https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html. At present, www.12306.cn is the ONLY China Railway official website for China train tickets booking. No matter you want to book high speed train tickets ( G train, D train or C train), or purchase normal train tickets (like T, Z or K train), you can check latest train routes & schedules, seat classes and prices and as well as buy tickets on this website.

In November 2020, China Railway officially launched an English version of its ticketing website, 12306, allowing foreign passengers who don't understand Chinese to register and purchase train tickets themselves. On the 12306 website, there are options to choose between "English" and "Simplified Chinese" in the top right corner of the page, and by clicking on "English", users can enter the English version. China Discovery is here giving you a handy guide to book train tickets on www.12306.cn as well as use other service provided by the official website. Go step by step with us!

At present, www.12306.cn is the ONLY China Railway official website for China train tickets booking . No matter you want to book high speed train tickets ( G train , D train or C train ), or purchase normal train tickets (like T, Z or K train), travelers can check latest train routes & schedules, seat classes and prices and as well as buy tickets on this website.

Popular China High Speed Bullet Train Tours

• 6 Days Classic Beijing Xian High Speed Train Tour
• 6 Days Beijing Shanghai Tour by High Speed Train
• 9 Days Pandas Terracotta Warriors Great Wall Encounter
• 9 Days East China & Mt. Huang Tour

Hot China Normal Train Tours

• 8 Days Tibet Train Tour from Beijing
• 6 Days Nature Tour to Yangtze River & Zhangjiajie

www.12306.cn Main Service, Navigation & Function

Compared to the Chinese version, the English version of the 12306 website has simplified functions, offering registration, login, one-way ticket purchase, changes to arrival station, ticket refunds, and order inquiries, but it does not provide other services such as points, catering, or tourism information. The ticket purchasing process is similar to the Chinese website, and the station names are provided in both Chinese and English, with reminders given when ticket availability is low.

Pre-Sale Period on www.12306.cn & When Can you Buy Tickets Ahead

Pre-sale period about train tickets refers to the days prior to the train departure. It is subject to change. On June 1, 2022, the train tickets pre-sale (include high speed train tickets) period in China was changed to 30 days from previous 30 days. More trains will be arranged during the major Chinese festivals. China Discovery suggests you buy your train tickets in advance to guarantee yourselves a booked ticket and a smooth trip along the way. After booking successfully online, you can collect the train tickets any time you like.

Useful Links: How to Book China High Speed Train Ticket | How to Collect Train Ticket | How to Read Train Ticket

What Kinds of Documents Can Book Train Tickets on www.12306.cn?

When booking train tickets on www.12306.cn, it can generally accept several kinds of documents for different passengers no matter in mainland China, in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, or from other countries.

● Passport of foreign nationality

● Chinese citizen 2nd-generation ID Card

● Permit of Inland Entry and Exit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents

● Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents

● Home-return Permit

● Permit for Mainland Residents to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan

● Other valid documents

Valid Documents to Buy China Train Tickets

How to Sign Up for www.12306.cn English Version?

It is important to note that currently, the English version only supports the registration of valid foreign passports. When registering an account and adding passengers, the English version only requires an email address and does not require a Chinese phone number, which is likely designed to be convenient for foreign passengers who are visiting for a short period of time and do not have a Chinese phone number.

Go to https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html, find “Register” button in the header bar of the page and click. Then fill in the registeration form based on the following instructions to sign up for your account.

● Nationality: Click the dropdown and select your nationality.

● Name: Fill in your name exactly as the name on your passport. Maximum of 30 characters allowed for passenger's name(Length of name includes spaces). If a name contains more than the maximum number of characters allowed, please enter only the first 30 characters in the same order as they appear on the passenger's passport: Surname, Given Name and Middle Name.

● Passport Number: Fill your passport number.

● Passport Expiration Date: select the date when your passport will expire.

● Date of Birth: Choose your date of birth on the calendar.

● Gender: Click “Male” or “Female”.

● Username: Username will be used to log in to 12306.cn. It must be in the range of six to thirty characters. Letter, numbers, hyphens and a few other special characters are permitted. You can use anything like email address as your username. It will remind you whether your username is ok or not.

● Password: It is limited to six to twenty characters including letters, numbers or hyphens or other symbols.

● Confirm your Password: Input the same passwords here again.

● Email Address: Input your most-frequently used email. Related notifications will be sent to you via email.

After filling out all your personal info for registration, reading and agreeing with the "Terms of Service and Privacy Policy of 12306.cn”, click the "Next step". A email will be sent to your mail box to request activating your account. Your 12306 account registration completes.

Log into your Account

You should input “Username/Email Address”, enter your password and input the identifying code to log in. You are now on your "Personal Center"(My 12306). Here you can not only find access to “train booking”, but also can manage your order, such as canceling order, changing trains, etc., and manager your passengers (which means you can book train tickets for others).

How to book train tickets for others?

To book tickets for your relatives or friends, you need to add them to your Passengers list. If you are your account owner, you don't have to add your own passenger information as it will be generated automatically based on your registration data. To add other passengers, find the "My Passengers" in the left sidebar to fill in the form. Required information includes nationality, passport, name, date of birth, gender, email and passenger type. Please note one account are limited to buy 9 tickets in one time.

Passport Verification

Starting from November 28, 2023, the China Railway Department has launched an online identity verification service for foreign passports. Previously, foreign passengers who purchased tickets on the 12306 website needed to present their original passport at the railway station window to verify their identity information.

After the launch of the foreign passport online identity verification service, passengers can log in to the 12306 website and follow the system prompts to fill in information such as name, nationality, and ID number, then upload photo of the passport information page and another photo of yourself holding your passport(Verifying other passengers only require passport information page). The system will automatically complete the identity verification. The verfication time could be as short as a few minutes, or as long as a week. If you fail to verify your passport, you can try to upload passport photos again and request another verification. In addition to online verification, passengers can still go to the railway station window to verify.

The railway department reminds that foreign passengers can only purchase tickets and take the train after their identity verification is passed. Please hold a foreign passport Passengers timely check the identity verification status and complete the identity information verification as soon as possible to avoid affecting ticket purchase and travel.

How to Check Train Route, Schedules and Classes of Seats on 12306.cn?

You can begin to search the train route and schedules after input the departure city/arrival city/departure date. You can filter by train types, duration, railway stations and so on. Every schedule on the day will be shown on a page with detailed departure railway station and arrival railway station, departure time and arrival time, duration, classes of seats (availability or not). If you want to change your route for in-depth searching, just do as above procedures. You can also check the classes of seat price and availability. Select your favored time with available seats and then click the button “book” and move to next step.

Learn More about China High Speed Train Seat Types:

Business Class Seat | First Class Seat | Second Class Seat | First Class Seat VS Second Class Seat

After choosing the seat type and clicking "book", you will be turned to the booking info page which is listed with your favored train schedules, train number, departure station/arrival station, departure time, classes of seats with detailed prices. Choose the passenger who will take the train under the "Passenger Information" tab, then submit the order!!!

Check the Confirmation Page & Make the Payment

After choosing your seat and filling your personal info, you should confirm your info and make the payment within 30 minutes. The website supports multiple payment methods, including existing payment methods available on the Chinese version (major banks, Alipay, WeChat, etc.) as well as four major international card organizations (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, and Diners). Ticket display and transactions are all processed in Chinese yuan and international card payments are completed through the Bank of China.

Please note: You are only permitted to change your selection three times in any 24-hour, if you exceed that, your account will be blocked for 24 hours.)

Receive Message & Collect your Train Tickets

You are on the last step. After the payment, wait for the system to process your booking. You can check your booking status on the website, or receive comfirmation message from your email or phone.

Currently China Railway electronic ticketing system supports foreign passports in most train stations, which means you can directly use your passports to enter train station to board your train, no needing to collect your paper ticket. But please notice in some stations especially small stations, you still need to collect your paper ticket because they may have no passport-reading machine.

Other Info about China Train Tickets:

How to Collect China Train Tickets? | How to Alter China Train Tickets? | How to Cancel China Train Tickets? | How to Read a China Train Ticket?

How to Plan Your High Speed Train Travel in China

Since there are so many tourist cities connected by high speed rail network, tourist have lots of choices and routes to experience the super fast, comfortable and fashionable high speed trains. China Discovery offers you featured high speed train tours in different routes, length, themes and landscape.

If it’s your first time to visit China, Beijing, Shanghai and Xian are the top recommended destinations to enjoy the newest Gaotie and most representative attractions in China. It takes about 4.5-6 hours from Beijing to Shanghai or Xian by high speed train, and Shanghai Xian express needs about 6-7 hours. You can experience the top standard seat - Business Class Seats to enjoy the half day train travel. Here is our 6 Days Beijing Shanghai High Speed Train Tour and 8 Days Best of China Tour . If you want to an in-depth train trip to discover more interesting cities, you can have a new Hong Kong Guilin Train Tour , an Ancient Silk Road Tour ( 15 Days Classic Ancient China Silk Road Tour with Bullet Train Experience ) and ethnic culture tour in Yunnan. Check updated train schedules and route to get inspired for you China train tour!

Book Train Tickets with China Discovery

If you have more questions about booking train tickets on China Railway official website (www.12306.cn), you can feel free to ask our professional ticket booking team . Or, you can tell your favorite train routes, schedules and seat type, China Discovery can handle all the trouble and help you book the China train tickets! Wish you a nice, smooth and enjoyable train journey in China!!!

Other Routes to Experience D High Speed Trains

As high speed train travel are becoming much popular and recommended by large portion of visitors in China, here we also list some top high speed train routes chosen by most people during their China tour. See the routes at below and pick one to experience the great advantages of travelling by high speed train. Also, you could check all high speed train routes to select which section to experience.

More Articles about China Bullet Train Tickets

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Recommended Tours

Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

6 Days Classic Beijing Xian High-speed Train Tour (Most Valuable)

Beijing / Xian

9 Days East China & Mt. Huang Tour by High Speed Train

Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan

7 Days Shanghai Suzhou Beijing Contrast Tour by High Speed Train

Shanghai / Tongli / Suzhou / Beijing

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China Train Tours

China's convenient railway network brings on a whole new experience. The improvement in both speed and comfort makes train travel in China a very viable option to flying.

The following China train tours are carefully designed catering to different needs and interests, covering popular destinations conveniently reached by train. All of them are flexible and can be customized to suit your budget and interests.

Our Best Selling Train Tours

China's new trains make it easy and comfortable to experience the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Entombed Warriors and skuscrapers in Shanghai within your budget.

A few hours by bullet train will get you to some of the best sceneries, magnificent temples and ancient Chinese cultures.

Go beyond China's golden triangle cities and add Pingyao ancient town into your list for an in-depth view.

Visit Tibet's iconic landmarks on roof of the world. Ride on the world's longest and highest plateau railway from Xining to Lhasa.

See the notable Terracotta Army and some other treasured ancient sites of Xi'an, and combine an experience of riding a train in China.

Feel China's imperial glory in Beijing, ancient culture in Xi'an and finally relax amongst the breathtaking natural scenery in Guilin.

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News about China Train Journey

• Guilin–Lijiang High-Speed Railway to Open in July 2019 Published on 2020-05-13 10:52:09 Following the opening of the Guilin–Dali High-Speed Railway in July 2018, an extension of this new high-speed rail route connecting Guilin and Lijiang will open with the new train timetable on July 10, 2019. The train numbers will be D3941 and D3942. This direct bullet train starts from Guilin, passes through Liuzhou, Nanning, Baise, Kunming, Guangtong, Chuxiong, and Dali, and terminates at Lijiang, with a travel time of 11 hours and 13 minutes.
• Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by Train: Just 2 Hours! Published on 2023-10-31 11:03:32 On September 14, 2023, test train 55912/55913 marked the start of operational testing for the Chuanqing Railway. It's one step closer to full operation. The railway features 13 stations, reducing travel time from Chengdu to western Sichuan destinations like Huanglong Jiuzhai and Songpan to around 2 hours.

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Plan Your Travel with China Railway Lines: China Train Map, China Bullet Train Map

April 18, 2024

About China Train Map

Source: Wikipedia

China railway network is extremely extensive and reaches all parts of the country, including remote and mountainous regions. As of 2020, the total operational length of China's railway network is approximately 146,300 kilometers , making it the second-longest railway network in the world, surpassed only by the United States.

China has also developed one of the world's most extensive high-speed rail (HSR) networks. As of 2020, the total length of China's high-speed railway lines is about 37,900 kilometers , accounting for about two-thirds of the world's total high-speed rail tracks. The high-speed rail system has significantly reduced travel times between major cities in China, with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour.

Moreover, China aims to increase the total length of the high-speed railway to 70,000 kilometers by 2035, covering more than 90% of the population.

Visitors can check the above China train map for more accurate information.

Top China High Speed Train Routes

Popular china railway routes: china train map.

China boasts one of the most extensive and advanced railway networks in the world, with high-speed trains (known as Gāotiě) connecting major cities across the vast country. Here are some of the most popular China railway routes, destinations, and related China train maps:

1. Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway(京沪高速铁路)

Connecting the capital city of Beijing with Shanghai, China's largest city, this high-speed rail line is one of the most frequented routes in the country. The journey covers a distance of about 1,433 kilometers and can be completed in as little as 4.5 hours, reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h. Along the way, passengers can stop at major cities such as Tianjin, Jinan, and Nanjing.

Source: from Wikipedia

2. Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway(京广高速铁路)

Spanning over 2,230 kilometers, this route links the northern capital of Beijing with the southern city of Guangzhou. It is one of the longest high-speed rail lines in the world and passes through several important cities, including Shijiazhuang, Wuhan, and Changsha. The journey can take around 8 hours, which is a significant reduction from the 20+ hours it would take by conventional train.

3. Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway(沪昆高速铁路)

This route connects Shanghai on the east coast with Kunming in the southwest, traversing a distance of over 2,258 kilometers. The line passes through several provinces and offers access to scenic destinations such as Hangzhou, Nanchang, Changsha, Guiyang, and the beautiful landscapes of Yunnan province. The entire trip takes approximately 11 hours.

4. Beijing-Harbin High-Speed Railway(京哈高速铁路)

Linking Beijing with Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province in northeastern China, this high-speed rail line extends for about 1,700 kilometers. Known for its ice festivals, Harbin is a popular winter destination. The train passes through cities like Chengde, famous for its summer resort and imperial gardens, and Shenyang, an important industrial center.

5. Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link(广深港高速铁路)

This relatively short but very important route connects the major cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen with Hong Kong, facilitating easy cross-border travel. The entire journey from Guangzhou to Hong Kong can be completed in under an hour. This line provides a crucial link for business and tourism between mainland China and Hong Kong.

6. Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway(成渝高速铁路)

This route serves the economic corridor between Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, and Chongqing, a major city in Southwest China. The journey covers around 307 kilometers and can be completed in just over an hour, making it an excellent option for business travelers and tourists exploring the region's spicy cuisine and stunning landscapes.

7. Xi'an-Chengdu High-Speed Railway(西成高速铁路)

This line connects Xi'an, home to the famous Terracotta Army, with Chengdu, known for its panda sanctuaries and Sichuan cuisine. The journey covers about 510 kilometers and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, passing through the Qinling Mountains, which offer a picturesque backdrop for travelers.

8. Hangzhou-Huangshan High-Speed Railway(杭黄高速铁路)

For those interested in natural beauty and ancient villages, the Hangzhou-Huangshan route is a must. It connects the city of Hangzhou, renowned for its historic West Lake, with Huangshan, where the Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) are located. The trip takes about 3 hours and provides access to some of China's most breathtaking landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

China Train Lines

Conventional China Train Lines

China high speed train lines.

• Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway (Jinghu High-Speed Railway)
• Beijing–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway (Jingguang High-Speed Railway)
• Shanghai–Kunming High-Speed Railway (Hukun High-Speed Railway)
• Hangzhou–Fuzhou–Shenzhen High-Speed Railway
• Harbin–Dalian High-Speed Railway
• Beijing–Harbin High-Speed Railway (Jingha High-Speed Railway)
• Beijing–Hong Kong (Taipei) High-Speed Railway
• Hefei–Fuzhou High-Speed Railway
• Xiamen–Shenzhen High-Speed Railway
• Guiyang–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway
• Zhengzhou–Xi'an High-Speed Railway
• Xi'an–Chengdu High-Speed Railway
• Nanjing–Hangzhou High-Speed Railway
• Shanghai–Nanjing High-Speed Railway
• Tianjin–Qinhuangdao High-Speed Railway
• Shijiazhuang–Jinan High-Speed Railway
• Changsha–Kunming High-Speed Railway
• Lanzhou–Xinjiang High-Speed Railway

International China Railway Lines

Source: from Wikipedia/China–Pakistan railway map

• China–Nepal railway
• China–Pakistan railway
• China–Laos railway
• China–North Korea railway
• Yiwu–London railway line
• Chongqing–Xinjiang–Europe Railway
• Yiwu–Madrid railway line
• Trans–Mongolian Railway

Plan your China Railway Travel with Trip.com Now!

Faqs about china train map, can i purchase china train tickets online, how can i use the china train map to plan my trip, does the china train map include high-speed rail lines, are all train stations shown on the china train map.

China Train Map Guide

• 1. About China Train Map
• 2. Top China High Speed Train Routes
• 3. Popular China Railway Routes: China Train Map
• 4. China Train Lines
• 5. Plan your China Railway Travel with Trip.com Now!

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Hi everyone.

Does anyone know which is the most cost effective website to pre book train tickets for travel within China?

Thanks in advance!

2 replies to this topic

Trip.com or the official 12306 China Railway website.

Trip.com charges commission, so 12306 is the most cost effective. Trip.com's a bit more user friendly, though.

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China is trying to connect Southeast Asia by high-speed rail. Here’s how that’s going

I magine jumping on a train in southwestern China, traveling some 2,000 miles and arriving in Singapore – less than 30 hours later.

That’s the scenario China is envisioning for Southeast Asia as part of its  Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a vast overseas infrastructure development program that launched more than a decade ago.

In 2021, the semi-high-speed Laos-China Railway opened to passengers, connecting the southwestern Chinese commercial hub of Kunming to the Laotian capital of Vientiane – a roughly 10-hour journey spanning some 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) that officials claim has boosted numbers of overland Chinese travelers while greatly benefiting local vendors and businesses in the tiny land-locked country.

Also with China’s help, Southeast Asia’s first bullet train began operating in Indonesia in October 2023 following years of setbacks and delays, connecting the capital Jakarta with Bandung in West Java, one of the country’s biggest cities and a significant arts and cultural hub.

Meanwhile, a second high-speed rail project is underway in Thailand, which aims to connect the Laos-China Railway with Bangkok – but is now facing further delays and mounting construction costs. Launching in phases, the Thai government currently expects the full line to be operational by 2028. The Chinese government has not detailed a timeline.

The project, seen by some analysts as a ‘ fiscal trap ’, has been a source of heated debate and scrutiny in Thailand, with the government agreeing to shoulder the full construction cost of $5 billion (179 billion baht) for the first building phase, reported Reuters. The Chinese side will be responsible for installing systems, design, and procurement of trains.

And when that line is finally complete, the plan is to expand into northern Malaysia , where it will connect to the capital Kuala Lumpur before finally ending 350 kilometers (218 miles) down south in Singapore .

In January, bids by local and international consortiums were submitted for the lucrative project. But Japanese firms, including the East Japan Railway Co, reportedly pulled out after deciding that it would be too risky without official financial support from the Malaysian government.

“China already boasts the world’s largest high-speed railway network and Chinese firms have long been looking to sell and export their infrastructure technology to other countries,” says travel and consumer trends analyst Gary Bowerman, founder of Check-in Asia, a tourism-focused research and marketing company.

Southeast Asia is the “obvious” choice because of its “proximity to China,” Bowerman adds.

“Connecting mainland cities by train directly into Laos and other Southeast Asian countries (down the line) will make it easy, and advantageous, for Chinese travelers – many who aren’t looking to travel long distances, for long periods of time.”

Southeast Asia’s appeal

Offering everything from ancient temples in Laos and pristine beaches in Thailand to lush rainforests and eco-tours in Malaysia, Southeast Asia has long been a big draw for Chinese travelers, experts note.

“Many countries share borders and long histories with China,” says political economist Pon Souvannaseng, assistant professor of global studies at Bentley University in the US.

“China of course, sees Southeast Asia as a key market for export as well as a key area for security and I think, ultimately wants to see Southeast Asian countries within its sphere of geopolitical influence.”

Interestingly, the region’s large Chinese diaspora is another big draw, experts add.

“Cities like Penang and Malacca in Malaysia and Phuket Old Town, with temples and architecture, were built by Chinese immigrants and are very popular with Chinese tourists because of their historical and cultural links,” says Bowerman.

Adding to this is the rise in popularity of rail travel – especially among younger Chinese tourists, many whom are committed to sustainable travel and looking for a new sense of adventure, Bowerman adds.

Pan Wenbo, a 30-year-old security practitioner from Beijing, tells CNN that taking an epic train journey across Southeast Asia from his country, as opposed to flying, would have to be cheap and offer plenty of scenic views along the way. Pan has visited Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines in the past five years and says he is keen to explore other countries in the region.

Others like university student Mei Wei have taken travel tips and inspiration from popular influencers on Chinese social media apps like Douyin – China’s version of TikTok – and Youku, the Chinese YouTube.

Thanks to several travel videos she has seen in recent months, Wei says she is now planning a summer trip to Laos, Cambodia and possibly Thailand, to visit “unique attractions” like the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap.

She told CNN that she is particularly excited about traveling by train.

“I’m not a big fan of flying. In China, I love taking trains because you get to see more on the ground (as compared to being on a plane from above) and travel more directly into the heart of cities.”

“It also helps that prices are usually consistent and cheaper than booking flights when you are at the mercy of airlines,” she adds.

Challenges and controversies

China’s  Belt and Road Initiative was launched at the beginning of Xi Jinping’s presidency.

In addition to high-speed railways, multi-billion dollar  sea bridges  and  highways , ports, airports,  power plants  and  telecommunication networks  are all playing a fundamental part in creating the new “Silk Road” that the ruling Chinese Communist Party desires.

A lot of these projects, like the China-Laos Railway, were designed with economic interests in mind, experts say. According to Chinese state media , the China-Laos Railway cumulatively transported 4.22 million tons of freight in 2023, an increase of 94.91% year-on-year.

Political economist Souvannaseng, who rode the train months after passenger services launched in April 2023, said it was “very clearly, even near the full construction and inauguration” a project for cargo transfer, with China and Thailand being the main nodes for trade and Laos being left footing the bill for the massive project.

“It reminds me a lot of the Orient Express and the way it benefitted the Hapsburg and Ottoman empires while the hinterland Balkan territories were saddled with that debt and it hampered their economies well over a century later.”

Chinese-funded and supported infrastructure projects are also widely viewed with suspicion and have been lambasted as attempts by Beijing to boost influence and gain control over smaller neighboring countries while having massive financial consequences for struggling countries.

“Beijing, I think, ultimately wants to see Southeast Asian countries within its sphere of geopolitical influence. These projects have always been in Beijing’s strategic and geopolitical interests,” says Souvannaseng, who highlights the financial burden placed on Laos following its multi-billion dollar Chinese-funded railway project.

“Money that was loaned to the Lao government through Chinese sovereign lending, has to be re-paid and soon. The immediate impact of that external debt for Laos is evident in the recurrent stress and fiscal crisis, and consequences for Lao society at large is pretty evident.”

In Malaysia, where planning for a high-speed railway with neighboring Singapore is taking place, many experts have continually voiced strong opposition and exercised caution about sovereignty. Some have drawn parallels with the West Kowloon rail station in Hong Kong that opened to much fanfare as well as controversy in 2018.

The $10.75 billion infrastructure investment connects Hong Kong to 44 mainland Chinese destinations, including major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. But it also allows mainland Chinese law to be applied on a section of the Hong Kong terminal station, a contentious arrangement that drew heated public criticism for undermining the city’s autonomy.

Officials, on both sides, defended the station and high-speed railway as a tool to boost economic opportunities and a “convenient means of cross-boundary transport.” But critics – many in Hong Kong – said it was a development  neither wanted  nor asked for.

“It has to do with fear, resentment and anxiety over China and perceptions of Hong Kong’s diminished standing vis-a-vis China,” experts told CNN at the time of its opening.

“Any cross-country infrastructure will certainly involve multiple countries and governments and will concern the issue of sovereignty and laws,” says Wong Muh Rong, managing director and founder of corporate advisory firm Astramina Advisory in Kuala Lumpur. “In addition to costs, that in itself is a ginormous thing and not something that can be addressed easily.”

Wong reiterated that while there were “definite advantages” to high-speed trains, the decision to build and launch one has to be balanced with costs and benefits.

“In the example of a high-speed railway line between Malaysia and Singapore, Singapore would likely have just one stop – Malaysia would have more,” Wong told CNN. “But who will have the ultimate say? And if additional external funding comes from China, it will make things even more complicated.

“For now at least, there is no need for a high-speed rail line between Malaysia and Singapore, especially when there are already efficient rail trains and flights less than three hours. The costs are just way too high and it would be too difficult to do.”

With reporting from Hassan Tayir in Hong Kong.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

Text: A A A Print ECNS Wire

China's largest freight train per load capacity completes test run.

China's freight train 55066 with a record load capacity of 32,400 metric tons successfully completes a trial run along the Shuozhou-Huanghua railway in Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, April 20, 2024. (Photo/China News Service)

(ENCS) -- China's freight train 55066 with a record load capacity of 32,400 metric tons successfully completed a trial run along the Shuozhou-Huanghua railway on Saturday.

Consisting of 324 carriages, the formation is hauled by four high power alternating current electric locomotives and has a total length of 4,088 meters.

With a total length of 594 kilometers, the Shuozhou-Huanghua railway, connecting Shenchi County in north China's Shanxi Province and Huanghua Port in Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, is China's second largest coal transport channel.

The number of freight trains with a load capacity of 20,000 metric tons along the Shuozhou-Huanghua railway has exceeded 100,000 journeys, transporting more than 1.1 billion tons of coal since 2016.

The test run will play a positive role in improving the transportation capacity and exploring heavy-duty transportation technology.

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