Your Ultimate Guide to Riding China’s High-Speed Trains as a Foreigner

Planning your China travel adventure? Learn how to ride China’s high-speed train system with ease—tickets, stations, tips, and traveler-friendly insights.

Why China’s High-Speed Rail Is a Must for Travelers

If you’re planning a China travel itinerary, there’s one experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss: riding a China high-speed train. With over 40,000 kilometers of sleek rail lines connecting major cities and hidden gems, China’s bullet trains (高铁, Gaotie) are fast, reliable, affordable, and incredibly efficient.

Whether you’re headed from Beijing to Shanghai, exploring the mountains of Chongqing, or discovering small-town charm in places like Qichun, high-speed rail offers a modern, smooth, and scenic way to get around.

In this blog, we at China Explorer Tour break down step-by-step instructions for foreign tourists—from booking tickets to boarding like a local.

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Step 1: How to Book High-Speed Train Tickets in China

Booking your ticket is the first (and most important) step in taking a high-speed train in China. Thankfully, there are multiple tourist-friendly options.

✅ Option 1: 12306 Official Website or App

• Visit the official 12306 platform or download the 12306 app (iOS/Android).
• Switch to English mode and register with your passport.
• Input departure/arrival cities and travel date.
• Choose your seat class (Second Class, First Class, Business Class).
• Pay using Visa, Mastercard, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
• Important: First-time users need to upload a passport photo for verification.

✅ Option 2: Third-Party Booking Sites

Platforms like Trip.com offers English interfaces, smoother user experiences, and accept international credit cards. They may charge a small service fee, but the convenience is worth it.

✅ Option 3: Buy at the Train Station

You can also purchase tickets at:

• Ticket counters (售票处) — show your passport and tell them your route (some staff may speak basic English).
• Self-service kiosks — available at major stations with English options.

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🧳 Step 2: How to Check In and Board with an E-Ticket

Since 2020, China has fully adopted electronic ticketing, so no paper ticket is needed.

✔️ At the Station:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
• Use your passport at the automatic gates (place the photo page on the scanner).
• If the gate doesn’t open, go to the manual inspection lane with your booking info.
• For reimbursements, you can still print a ticket receipt (报销凭证) at the station or kiosk within 30 days of travel.

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🧭 Step 3: Navigating Security & Waiting Areas

🛃 Security Screening

• Your bag goes through an X-ray machine.
• Liquids must be under 100ml, and power banks must be ≤ 27,000mAh.
• Metal detectors may require you to empty your pockets.

🛋️ Finding Your Gate

• Check LED screens for your train number, gate, and platform.
• English signage is available at most large stations.
• Follow announcements or ask staff: say “Wǒ xiǎng zhīdào jǐ hào zhàokǒu?” (Which gate is it?).

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🚆 Step 4: Onboard Experience

🚪 Boarding

• Board your car (coach) based on the number shown on your e-ticket.
• Place large luggage near the car entrance; smaller bags fit in overhead racks.

💺 What’s It Like Inside?

• Seats are comfy, reclining, and include a tray table.
• Most trains offer USB ports or outlets for charging.
• Restrooms are clean and modern.
• Some trains have food carts or dining cars, offering meals, snacks, and drinks.

💡 Tip: Smoking is strictly prohibited. Violators face hefty fines and travel bans.

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📍 Step 5: Arriving at Your Destination

As the train approaches your stop, listen for bilingual announcements and check the LED display.

• Trains stop briefly, usually for under 5 minutes.
• Be ready with your belongings and move toward the exit.
• You’ll scan your passport again at the station exit gate.

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Additional Travel Tips for Foreigners

Be On Time

• High-speed trains in China are punctual—arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Use Translation Tools

• Download Google Translate, Pleco, or Youdao for on-the-go help.

Luggage Rules

• Up to 20kg free (max size: 130 cm total for length + width + height).
• Oversized bags must be checked in separately.

Ticket Changes & Refunds

• Use 12306 or go to the station window to reschedule or cancel.
• If you printed a reimbursement ticket, cancellation must be done in person.

Local Transit from Stations

Most high-speed rail stations are well-connected:

• Metro, buses, taxis, or Didi (China’s Uber).
• Plan your connection in advance using Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode).

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Want to See What It’s Like?

We recently filmed a “Travel With Me” YouTube vlog showcasing what it’s really like riding a high-speed train in China—from booking to boarding. Don’t miss it!

🎬 Experience it with us before you even pack your bags!

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Why Book with China Explorer Tour?

Navigating China’s vast rail network is exciting—but it can be daunting for first-time visitors. That’s where we come in.

China Explorer Tour offers:

• Tailored china travel itineraries that include high-speed rail.
• Help with ticket booking, station guidance, and city transfers.
• Support in English and Chinese every step of the way.

We’ve helped travelers from over 20 countries ride China’s bullet trains with confidence and ease—let us help you do the same.

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Final Thoughts: High-Speed, Hassle-Free, and 100% Memorable

Taking a China high-speed train is more than just a way to get from A to B—it’s an essential part of the China travel experience. Sleek, punctual, and affordable, it showcases the best of China’s modern infrastructure and hospitality.

So whether you’re planning a visit to Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, or a small-town adventure—hop aboard and see China at 300 km/h!