China High-Speed Rail Guide

China's high-speed rail connects many major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

For foreign visitors, high-speed rail is often clean, comfortable and easy to use once you understand the basic process.

Foreign travelers usually need a passport to buy and use high-speed rail tickets in China. Your ticket is linked to your passport number.

• You can book tickets through travel platforms such as Trip.com.
• You can use the official 12306 system if you can register successfully.
• You can also buy tickets at a railway station ticket office.
• Always enter your passport name and number carefully.

Chinese railway stations can be very large. If this is your first time, arrive early. For normal travel days, arriving 30–60 minutes before departure is usually safer. During holidays, allow more time.

For a real photo walkthrough of a major Beijing station, read our Beijing South Railway Station Guide.

Before entering the waiting hall, passengers usually pass a security check. Your luggage goes through a scanner, and you may need to show your passport or ticket information.

If the automatic gate does not read your passport, ask staff for the manual check lane.

After security, you will enter the waiting hall. Large stations may have restaurants, shops, toilets, vending machines and hot water machines.

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

Train numbers usually begin with letters such as G, D or C. G trains are usually high-speed trains.

When boarding starts, follow the queue to your gate. Staff may check your passport or ticket information. Use the manual lane if the automatic gate does not work with your passport.

Second-class seats are common and suitable for most travelers. First-class and business-class seats offer more space, but cost more.

Many trains have air conditioning, luggage racks and power outlets, but facilities may vary by train type.

Small suitcases and bags can usually be placed on the overhead rack. Large suitcases should be placed in the luggage area near the carriage door if available.

Keep valuables, passport, phone and wallet with you.

High-speed trains usually have toilets between carriages. Some trains may have Western-style toilets, while others may have squat toilets.

It is useful to bring tissues, wet wipes or disposable toilet seat covers, especially for long journeys.

Some high-speed trains sell meals, snacks and drinks. You may also see staff pushing a food cart. However, choices can be limited.

A practical option is to buy food and drinks before boarding. In large railway stations, you may find restaurants, KFC, Burger King, convenience stores, vending machines and free hot water.

See our Beijing South Railway Station Guide for real photos of food, hot water and shops inside a station.

When the train arrives, follow the passenger flow and look for signs such as Exit, Taxi, Metro or Transfer.

If you are going to a hotel or hospital, prepare the Chinese address before you arrive.