How to Take High-Speed Rail in China as a Foreign Traveler

Quick answer

China's high-speed rail network is very useful for first-time visitors. The main rule is simple: train tickets use real-name identification. Buy your ticket with your passport details and bring the original passport used for booking when you travel.

Use the official 12306 channel

China Railway's official English booking website is 12306.cn/en. The government's 2025 guide says foreign travelers can also use the 12306 app or booking hotline.

Third-party platforms can be convenient, but keep the official 12306 channel bookmarked for current railway rules and direct ticket management.

Verify your identity before a busy train day

Foreign travelers must complete identity verification before buying tickets. According to the official guide, passport holders can enter their name, nationality, ID number, and other information in the 12306 English website or app. The system may verify automatically, or you may upload a passport information-page photo for manual verification. You can also take your valid passport to a station ticket office for verification.

Do this several days before the day you need to travel. Online verification may require a manual review after you upload your passport information page. If verification does not complete online, take your valid passport to a station ticket office. A calm weekday is a much better time to solve a verification issue than a crowded station entrance.

Buying a ticket

After identity verification, you can buy tickets through the 12306 English website or app. The official guide says online payment can use Chinese or foreign bank cards and mobile payment apps. Tickets can also be purchased at a station ticket office, where supported payment options include cards, RMB cash, and mobile payment.

When comparing trains, check:

• The exact departure station.
• The exact arrival station.
• Departure time.
• Train number.
• Travel date.
• Seat class.
• Passenger passport details.

Large cities can have several railway stations. `Beijing South` and `Beijing West` are not interchangeable. Check the full station name before leaving your hotel.

Popular trains can sell out during public holidays and other busy periods. Buy earlier when your plans are fixed, and confirm the current advance-sale period on the official 12306 channel.

On the day of travel

• Bring the original passport used to buy the ticket.
• Allow generous time for security checks and an unfamiliar station layout, especially at a large station or during a holiday period.
• Confirm the station, train number, and departure time before leaving your hotel.
• Look for the waiting area and gate shown for your train.
• Use the original passport at the automatic or manual ticket-check gate as directed.
• Cooperate with ticket verification during the journey.

Foreign travelers can enter or exit through automatic or manual gates. If the automatic gate does not accept your passport smoothly, use the staffed channel and ask for help. This is a routine problem to solve, not a disaster.

Baggage basics

China Railway's official passenger guidance says an ordinary adult passenger may carry up to 20 kilograms free of charge. For high-speed trains, the combined length, width, and height of each item should generally not exceed 130 centimeters. Other trains use a 160-centimeter limit. Mobility aids for travelers with disabilities are treated separately.

Check the current railway rule before traveling with oversized luggage, sports equipment, or unusual items.

Changing or refunding a ticket

The official guide says foreign travelers can request ticket changes or refunds through the 12306 English website, app, or station ticket office. China Railway's current refund page lists a stepped fee: no refund fee when the request is made more than eight days before departure; 5 percent from 48 hours to eight days; 10 percent from 24 to 48 hours; and 20 percent within 24 hours. A separate rule applies when changing a ticket to a train more than eight days later and then refunding it.

Check the current rule before changing plans.

Keep your first train day easy

For your first journey:

• Avoid booking an extremely early departure after a late arrival.
• Leave extra time for security and finding your gate.
• Keep your passport accessible but secure.
• Carry water and a charged phone.
• Save your destination hotel's Chinese address offline.

Related reading

• Apps You Need Before Visiting China
• Mandarin for Getting Around China
• First-Time China Travel Checklist