China High-Speed Rail Guide for Travelers: How to Register, Buy Tickets and Board a Train

Table of Contents

• Before You Start
• Step 1: Register a 12306 Account
• Step 2: Complete Identity Verification
• Step 3: Add Passengers
• Step 4: Search and Buy Tickets
• Step 5: Board the Train
• Important Notes
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Before You Start

Before purchasing train tickets in China, make sure you have the following:

✅ A valid passport

✅ An email address

✅ The official 12306 app installed on your phone

⚠️ Identity verification for foreign passengers may take 3–5 working days, so complete the registration process several days before your trip.

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Step 1: Register a 12306 Account

Download the App

Search for 12306 in the App Store or Google Play Store and install the official app.

Create an Account

1. Open the app.

2. Tap Me → Register.

3. Fill in your personal information:

   • Nationality/Region
   • Full name (must exactly match your passport)
   • Passport number
   • Passport expiration date
   • Username
   • Password
   • Email address

4. Tap Next.

Troubleshooting

If the registration page appears blank:

• Uninstall and reinstall the app.

• Change the app language to Simplified Chinese:

  • Settings → Language → Simplified Chinese

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Step 2: Complete Identity Verification

Verify Your Email

After registration:

1. Open your email inbox.
2. Find the verification email from 12306.
3. Click the verification link.

Can't Find the Email?

Check the following folders:

• Spam
• Junk Mail
• Promotions
• Advertisements
• Subscriptions

If necessary, request another verification email or use a different email provider.

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Upload Passport Information

1. Log in to your 12306 account.

2. A verification notification will appear.

3. Tap Go Verify.

4. Upload:

   • A clear photo of your passport information page
   • A clear photo of yourself holding your passport

Photo Requirements

• Well-lit image
• No reflections or glare
• Machine-readable zone (MRZ) clearly visible
• File size under 5 MB

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Step 3: Add Passengers

If you are traveling with family or friends, add them before booking.

1. Tap Me → Passengers

2. Select Add Passenger

3. Enter:

   • Full name
   • Passport type
   • Passport number

All passenger information must be verified before tickets can be purchased.

⏳ Verification usually takes 3–5 working days.

Before booking, check that all passengers show Verified status in the passenger list.

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Step 4: Search and Buy Tickets

Search for Trains

1. Tap Home.

2. Enter:

   • Departure city (From)
   • Destination city (To)

Cities can be searched using English names or Pinyin.

Examples:

• Beijing
• Shanghai
• Guangzhou
• Xi'an

3. Select your travel date.
4. Tap Search.

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Choose a Train

You may filter results by train type.

High-Speed Trains

Most high-speed trains begin with:

• G (Gaotie / High-Speed Rail)
• D (Dongche / Electric Multiple Unit)

For the fastest trains, choose a train beginning with G.

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Choose a Seat Class

Second Class

• Most affordable option
• Comfortable for most travelers
• 3+2 seating layout

First Class

• More spacious seats
• Quieter environment
• 2+2 seating layout

Business Class

• Premium seating
• Reclining seats
• Extra space and comfort

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Submit Your Order

1. Select your preferred train.
2. Choose your seat class.
3. Select passengers.
4. Review the itinerary.
5. Tap Submit Order.

Double-check:

• Train number
• Departure time
• Arrival time
• Passenger names

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Pay for Your Ticket

Option 1: International Bank Cards

Supported cards include:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• JCB
• Diners Club International
• Discover

Enter:

• Card number
• Expiration date
• CVV code

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Option 2: Alipay or WeChat Pay

If you have already set up:

• Alipay
• WeChat Pay

You can select the corresponding payment method and complete payment within the app.

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View Your Ticket

After payment:

1. Tap Orders
2. Open your booking
3. Verify all travel information

China's railway system uses electronic tickets, so no paper ticket is required.

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Step 5: Board the Train

Arrive Early

It is recommended to arrive at the railway station:

• At least 30 minutes before departure
• 60 minutes before departure during holidays or peak travel seasons

Large stations can be very busy.

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Enter the Station

Passport Check

Present the original passport used for booking.

⚠️ Passport copies and photos are not accepted.

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Security Screening

All passengers must pass through security.

This includes:

• X-ray scanning of luggage
• Metal detector screening

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Locate Your Platform

Electronic Displays

Check station screens for:

• Train number
• Destination
• Waiting hall
• Boarding gate
• Platform number

Listen for Announcements

Many major stations provide announcements in both Chinese and English.

Station staff can also assist if needed.

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Board the Train

Ticket Inspection

Proceed to the boarding gate when boarding begins.

Foreign travelers are advised to use the manual inspection lane, as some automated gates may not support foreign passports.

Present:

• Passport
• Electronic ticket information

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Find Your Carriage

In the 12306 order page, check:

• Carriage number
• Seat number

Platform signs indicate where each carriage will stop.

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Find Your Seat

After boarding:

• Locate your seat number
• Store luggage in overhead racks
• Large suitcases can be placed at luggage storage areas near carriage doors

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Important Notes

Document Consistency

Always carry the original passport used during registration and ticket purchase.

The passport information must exactly match your booking information.

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Refund Policy

Current refund fees:

Time Before Departure	Refund Fee
More than 8 days	Free
48 hours – 8 days	5%
24 – 48 hours	10%
Less than 24 hours	20%

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Ticket Rescheduling

Tickets can generally be changed once before departure.

Changes are allowed up to approximately 30 minutes before train departure, subject to availability.

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12306 Service Hours

Ticket Search & Refund

Available 24 hours a day.

Ticket Purchase

• Daily: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (next day)
• Tuesdays: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM

(All times are China Standard Time)

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Luggage Allowance

Adults

• Up to 20 kg

Children

• Up to 10 kg

Maximum Dimensions

• High-speed trains: 130 cm total dimensions
• Conventional trains: 160 cm total dimensions
• Rod-shaped items: up to 200 cm

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to print a ticket?

No. China Railway uses electronic tickets. Your passport serves as your travel document.

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Can foreigners use 12306?

Yes. Foreign passport holders can register, verify their identity, purchase tickets, and travel using the official 12306 app.

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How early should I arrive at the station?

At least 30 minutes before departure. For large stations or holiday travel, arrive 60 minutes early.

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Can I pay with a foreign credit card?

Yes. Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club International cards are generally accepted.

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What if my passport verification is still pending?

You cannot purchase tickets until verification is completed. Register and verify several days before your trip.

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Are announcements available in English?

Many major railway stations provide English signage and announcements, though availability may vary by city.