Guide to Taking Train Trips in China

Author: FoodieLT

1. Order tickets

There are serval methods for foreigners to order China Railways (aka. CR) train tickets, you can order via

• 12306.cn website (Official, English version available)
• 12306 mobile app - "Railway 12306" (铁路 12306) (Official, English version available)
• China Railway hotline - +86 12306 (Official, English service available)
• automatic ticketing machines or ticketing counters at railway stations
• and other 3rd party platforms (Additional charges may apply, not recommended)

Be advised that providing your PASSPORT NUMBER during the purchase, all train ticket orders require your travel documents.

No Physical Tickets

After purchasing, passengers don't need to take any physical tickets at stations. Only need travel documents (Passports, Permanent Residence ID cards, Citizen ID cards).

PS: However, passengers can print "Trip Information Reminders" sheets using the self-service machine.

For more questions, please refer to the 12306 FAQ.

2. At the station

Riding trains in China is very similar to taking planes at airports. It contains ID check, Security check, Boarding. Due to tremendous passenger flows on China railway networks, those procedures are very necessary to keep the system running.

ID check

For most CR-Operating train stations, passengers are required to show their identifications to prevent scalper reselling train tickets. Those ID checkpoints are mostly set at the entry of train stations. Foreign passengers should provide their PASSPORTS to security officers AT MANUAL CHANNELS where passports will be scanned and verified.

Some small stations may not verify passenger identities at entries.

Security check

After the step of ID check, security officers will check every passenger's luggages via X-ray machines. Be aware that some items are prohibited from entering stations.

And then there is the body search. The security officers will give a rapid body search to ensure no one can take prohibited items into stations.

Tickets check

At the boarding gate, passengers obtain foreign PASSPORTS as their proofs of purchase can only be checked VIA MANUAL CHANNELS, and station staffs will scan passports very rapidly.

Passengers obtain PRC Foreign Permanent Residence ID Card (五星卡) can use automatic tickets gate.

Platform signs

If you are taking high-speed trains or modern bullet trains, you may notice various colored signs on the platform floor. Its purpose is to help passengers to find their carriages easily. Please note that the colors may change depending on the train model, direction, etc. The LED screens will tell which color passengers need to look for.

• 🟨 Yellow (黄色地标)
• 🟥 Red (红色地标)
• 🟪 Purple (紫色地标)

3. Bon Voyage!

You made it! Now enjoy your train trip!