China First Day
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Train Booking Guide
China trains need real-name tickets and your actual passport. Here's how to buy, board, and not miss your train.
When to read
Before buying an intercity rail ticket.
What it covers
Rules and services change. For anything important — entry, transport, payment, hotels, telecom — double-check with official sources before you travel.
Real-name basics
For a booking made with your passport, bring that original passport and check that the ticket details match. If the document is lost, replaced, or you use another accepted identity document, ask 12306 or station staff about the required process before travel.- For a passport booking, follow the service’s instructions for your name, passport number and nationality. Check all details before payment.
- Double-check spelling and middle names before you pay. A typo can mean you can't board.
- Bring the original identity document used for your ticket. Do not rely on a photo as a replacement.
- Save your order number and train details (date, time, train number, seat) as a screenshot.
Station and boarding flow
Chinese train stations are basically airports. Security screening, ID checks, huge waiting halls, and gates that close before departure. Give yourself time.- Check the station’s guidance and allow time for document checks, security and walking to your platform, especially at an unfamiliar station.
- Have your passport and order info ready before you even enter the station. You'll need them at security.
- Follow the departure screens for the current gate number and ask staff if an announcement is unclear.
- If the automatic gates won't read your passport, go straight to the staffed counter. Don't waste time retrying.
Luggage and timing
Two big suitcases + a tight connection + stairs + security = a bad time. Match your train plan to your luggage and energy level.- Plan the connection using the actual stations, transfer route and check-in or boarding deadline. Leave extra time for an unfamiliar route and a delayed arrival.
- If you have big luggage and need to take metro or stairs to the station, consider a taxi instead.
- Keep passport, phone, charger, and water in your carry-on — not buried in the big suitcase.
- Check the exact station-to-hotel route and final walk. Do not estimate it from the city name alone.
Backup if a ticket issue happens
Ticket problems happen. The key is: don't panic, go to the staffed counter, and bring your passport + order number. They deal with this all day.- If the gate won't let you through or the machine can't find your ticket — go straight to the staffed service counter.
- Show the original document used for the booking and the order details. Staff can identify whether further checks or booking changes are needed.
- Have screenshots ready: booking confirmation, train number, date, seat, payment record.
- Ask for help as soon as you notice a problem; do not wait until the boarding deadline.