Trains & High-Speed Rail

Book like a local on 12306

• 12306 is the official channel (site and app, English version available). Foreign passports have been supported for online verification since 28 Nov 2023 — register, upload passport, pass the check, buy.
• Tickets go on sale about 15 days before departure; popular routes (Beijing-Shanghai, Chengdu-Chongqing) sell out for holidays — book the moment sales open.
• Payment inside 12306 supports international cards and mobile wallets; refunds and changes can be done online with clear fee rules.
• The Chinese "green card" (permanent residence ID, issued 1 Dec 2023) works for self-service gates.

At the station

• Bring your passport — it is your ticket. Enter via self-service gates (major stations have passport readers on machines, recognizing 80+ document types) or the manual lane.
• Arrive 30-40 minutes early: security check (X-ray for bags) comes before the waiting hall.
• Trains stop boarding 5 minutes before departure; gates close firmly.

On board

• All trains are strictly non-smoking, including e-cigarettes — violations trigger fines and record penalties. (Japan's Shinkansen went fully non-smoking only in March 2024.)
• Quiet carriages run on major lines such as Beijing-Shanghai and Chengdu-Chongqing — a checkbox when booking: phone silent, calls in the vestibule.
• Boiling water dispensers at carriage ends (bring tea/cup noodles); seats rotate to face forward.
• E-invoices (for reimbursement) available up to 180 days after the trip, issued in the app.

Practical tips

• Second class (二等座) is comfortable and cheap; first class (一等座) is roomier; business class (商务座) is a flat seat.
• Your station may be miles from the city center — check the last metro time if arriving late.