The railway is a major means of transportation in China. It features a large capacity, accurate departure and arrival times, low cost, and easy transfers and stopovers.

What's more, the train schedule is fixed, regardless of weather changes. This is convenient for passengers to set a more suitable traveling agenda.

Things to Remember for Train Taking:

Buying a Ticket

There are three kinds of tickets: regular trains, express trains (fast trains), and sleepers. Soft or hard seat tickets are available for express trains or sleepers. Passengers can also board the train first and buy tickets later, with an additional fee.

Valid Period of Ticket

The valid period of a train ticket varies according to distance: for a distance of 300km or less, the valid period is two days; for a distance of more than 300km, an extra day will be added to the valid period for up to every 500km. The valid period of the changed train tickets for regular trains or express trains starts from the actual boarding day; the change of train won’t affect the valid period. If you fail to take the train due to illness, the valid period can be extended by a maximum of 10 days based on actual medical treatment time, and documents must be presented within the normal valid period, or the railway station confirms the fact during the valid period. When you resume travel, the remaining valid time for the original ticket stays the same; sleeper tickets can't be extended but refunded.

Ticket Change and Transfers

If you cannot take the train on the specified day, you may change to an earlier or later train by replacing your ticket as long as there are other trains available, but it needs to be done within the valid period and no later than two hours before the departure of the train. Sleeper tickets cannot be changed. If you want to change trains midway or resume your travel after a break, you are required to buy a transfer ticket.

Each adult passenger is allowed to take 20 kilos of carry-on baggage for free, and children, 10 kilos. The size of the luggage should be suitable for the luggage rack or the space under seats. Explosive and inflammable items and those that may harm public sanitation or pollute the train are prohibited.