Beijing South Railway Station Guide

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1. Outside Beijing South Railway Station

When you arrive at Beijing South Railway Station, first look for the main entrance. The station is large, so it is better to arrive early.

Outside Beijing South Railway Station.

2. Green Channel Entrance

Some entrances may show a green channel. Most foreign travelers should follow the normal entrance and security check signs unless staff direct them elsewhere.

Green channel entrance near the station.

3. Smoking Area Outside

Smoking is not allowed inside most parts of the railway station. Use the designated smoking area before entering the station.

Designated smoking area outside the station.

4. Security Check and Passport Check

Before entering the waiting hall, passengers need to pass security screening. Foreign travelers should keep their passport ready.

Entrance area where passengers pass security and passport check.

5. After Security Check

After security, continue into the station hall. If an automatic gate does not work with your passport, ask staff for the manual check lane.

After passing security check.

6. Free Hot Water

Free hot drinking water is available inside Chinese railway stations. Many passengers bring a bottle or thermos.

Free hot water machine inside the station.

7. Be Careful: 100°C Hot Water

The water can be very hot. Be careful when filling a bottle or preparing tea or instant noodles.

Hot water warning sign.

8. Shops Inside the Station

There are small shops inside Beijing South Railway Station. You can buy drinks, snacks, instant noodles, tissues and simple travel items.

Shop inside the railway station.

9. Vending Machines

Vending machines are available inside the station. They are useful if restaurants are crowded or if you only need a drink.

Vending machine inside the station.

10. Vending Machine Close-Up

The vending machines usually sell bottled water, soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks.

Vending machine close-up.

11. Price Display

Prices are usually displayed on the machine screen. Station prices may be slightly higher than outside, but they are convenient before boarding.

Price display on the vending machine.

12. QR Code Payment

Many shops, restaurants and machines use QR code payment. Foreign travelers should set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before traveling in China.

QR code payment screen.

13. Successful Purchase

After scanning and paying, you can collect your drink from the machine.

A drink bought from the vending machine.

14. Burger King

There are Western fast food options in the station, including Burger King. This can be useful if you want a familiar meal before boarding.

Burger King inside Beijing South Railway Station.

15. KFC

KFC is another common food option inside Chinese railway stations.

KFC inside the station.

16. Toilets

Toilets are available inside the station. Follow the toilet signs in the waiting hall.

Toilet entrance inside the station.

17. QR Code Food Ordering

Some restaurants use QR code ordering. You may need to scan the code on the table, choose your food on your phone and pay online.

QR code food ordering.

18. Chinese Dumplings

Besides Western fast food, you can also find Chinese meals such as dumplings.

A simple dumpling meal inside the station.

19. Meal Price Example

This receipt shows an example meal price inside the station: about RMB 55.

Example meal receipt: about RMB 55.

20. Train Information Sign

Before boarding, check the information board carefully. Look for your train number, destination, departure time, gate and platform.

Train information sign for a high-speed train to Shanghai.

22. Disposable Toilet Seat Cover

Some trains or station facilities may provide disposable toilet seat covers. This can be useful for long-distance travel.

Disposable toilet seat cover for travel use.

Practical Tips for Foreign Travelers

• Arrive early, especially if this is your first time using a Chinese high-speed railway station.
• Bring your passport. Your ticket is usually linked to your passport number.
• Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip.
• Check your train number carefully on the departure board.
• Use the staffed lane if the automatic gate does not work with your passport.
• Buy water or food before boarding if your journey is long.

Related Travel Guides

• Beijing Capital Airport Guide
• Beijing South Railway Station Guide
• Beijing Fruit Shop Guide
• Beijing Local Market Guide
• China High-Speed Rail Guide
• How to Use Alipay in China
• How to Use WeChat Pay in China
• China Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

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