2025 China Train & High-Speed Rail Ticket Guide (Types + Booking Methods & Procedures + Rescheduling + FAQs)

I. Types of Chinese Railway Trains and Seat Categories

Train Types
With the continuous improvement of China’s high-speed rail network, almost every prefecture-level city in China has opened or planned high-speed rail stations and lines, leading to an increasing variety of train types. Generally, passenger trains are divided into: High-Speed EMU (G), Intercity EMU (C), Ordinary EMU (D), Direct Express (Z), Express (T), Fast Train (K), Ordinary Passenger Train (four-digit number), Tourist Train (Y), and Temporary Passenger Train (L).

1. High-Speed EMU (G)
   Commonly known as “high-speed rail,” these trains are prefixed with “G” (the first letter of “高” in Pinyin). The starting letters of train numbers are all derived from the Pinyin abbreviations of their names. High-Speed EMUs operate at speeds above 250 km/h, with a maximum of 300 km/h, mostly on ballastless railway passenger dedicated lines.
2. Intercity EMU (C)
   Referred to as “intercity rail,” these trains are prefixed with “C” (the first letter of “城” in Pinyin). Intercity EMUs typically operate on intercity passenger dedicated lines for “transit-style” short-distance transportation, with a maximum speed of 300 km/h.
3. Ordinary EMU (D)
   Commonly called “bullet trains,” these are prefixed with “D” (the first letter of “动” in Pinyin). Compared to high-speed and intercity trains, Ordinary EMUs mainly run on existing railway lines (commonly known as “old railway lines”), so their speed is slightly slower, with a maximum of 200 km/h.
4. Direct Express (Z)
   Known as “Z-trains,” these are prefixed with “Z” (the first letter of “直” in Pinyin). After departing from the origin station, they generally do not stop midway and go directly to the terminal. Some Z-trains do make stops, but very few. Their maximum speed is 160 km/h.
5. Express (T)
   Referred to as “T-trains,” these are prefixed with “T” (the first letter of “特” in Pinyin). Compared to Direct Express trains, Express trains make more stops. Their maximum speed is also 160 km/h.
6. Fast Train (K)
   Known as “K-trains,” these are prefixed with “K” (the first letter of “快” in Pinyin). Their maximum operating speed is 120 km/h.
7. Ordinary Passenger Train
   These trains have no letter prefix and are divided into ordinary fast and slow passenger trains. Their maximum speed is 100 km/h. They stop at most accessible stations and are popular among railside passengers due to low fares, often making “all-stop” journeys.
8. Tourist Train (Y)
   Prefixed with “Y” (the first letter of “游” in Pinyin), these are specially operated for tourism, with very few trains using this designation.
9. Temporary Passenger Train (L)
   Commonly called “temporary trains,” these are prefixed with “L” (the first letter of “临” in Pinyin). They are mostly operated during peak travel seasons such as the Spring Festival and National Day holidays.

Seat Categories
01) High-Speed Rail
Seats are divided into Business Class, First Class, Second Class, VIP Seats, Soft Sleeper, and Luxury Soft Sleeper.

• Business Class: Only available on some G-trains, these are the most comfortable and expensive seats in China’s trains, with three adjustable leather seats per row (two on one side of the aisle, one on the other). Ideal for travelers seeking relaxation or rest during the journey.
• Premium Class: Some G-trains have Premium Class instead of Business Class. Less luxurious than Business Class but still highly comfortable, equipped with reading lights and entertainment systems.
• First Class: Four seats per row, partially adjustable. Offering comfortable and spacious seating, each seat is equipped with a power outlet, pillow, and small table.
• Second Class: The most economical seat category in high-speed trains, with power outlets. While less spacious than other classes, it’s a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
• Sightseeing Seats: Located in the Business Class area, these window seats allow passengers to enjoy scenic views.
• Soft Sleeper: Available on long-distance night D-trains, each soft sleeper compartment has 2 upper and 2 lower berths. Luxury soft sleeper compartments with two berths are also available.

2. Ordinary Trains
   Seats are divided into Hard Sleeper, Soft Sleeper, Luxury Soft Sleeper, Hard Seat, and Soft Seat.

• Hard Seat: Featuring thin cushions (not actually “hard”), these seats are often in crowded, non-air-conditioned carriages that allow smoking. Suitable for short trips due to low fares but uncomfortable for long journeys.
• Soft Seat: More comfortable than Hard Seats, located in enclosed compartments with overhead luggage racks. Cleaner and less crowded, with air conditioning—ideal for budget travelers.
• Hard Sleeper: Open compartments with pillows, sheets, and blankets. Contrary to the name, Hard Sleepers are not extremely hard but narrower than Soft Sleepers. Each compartment has 6 berths (3 on each side). Less private and convenient but economical for travelers needing rest. Prices vary by berth: upper berths are cheapest, lower berths are most expensive (more comfortable for daytime seating).
• Soft Sleeper: Each compartment has 4 berths (2 on each side), with wider beds and comfortable bedding. More spacious than Hard Sleeper compartments, allowing luggage storage above or under the beds. Each berth is equipped with an LCD screen.
• Luxury Soft Sleeper: Two-berth compartments with a table and wardrobe, plus cleaner bathrooms. Some luxury compartments include private sinks and showers.

Summary:

• High-Speed/DMU Trains: Prefixes G/C/D, offering high speed, clean facilities, and good amenities.
• Ordinary Trains: Prefixes Z/T/K/Y/L, with older interiors, ideal for budget travelers.

Tips:

• Most high-speed trains operate during the day and are more expensive than ordinary trains.
• Ordinary trains run day and night, with slower speeds and more stops at night, but are more economical for budget travelers.
• First and Second Class are suitable for trips under 5 hours.

Types of Chinese Train Tickets

1. Electronic Tickets
   Railway electronic tickets are vouchers of passenger transport contracts in electronic data form. Passengers can purchase them via the 12306.cn website (including the Railway 12306 mobile app), ticket windows at stations implementing electronic tickets, self-service ticket machines, and railway ticket agents. Passengers must properly retain electronic ticket information and the valid ID used for booking, and use the same ID to enter/exit stations and board trains.
2. Paper Tickets
   Currently, paper tickets issued by railway departments mainly include:

• Red computer soft paper tickets
• Light blue computer magnetic media tickets
• On-train supplementary tickets issued by mobile ticket machines
• Substitute tickets, section tickets, passenger fare miscellaneous receipts, etc.

For purchases on 12306.cn where both the departure and arrival stations support ID card check-in, passengers can use the original ID card to pass through automatic ticket gates for entry/exit. Train tickets display information such as train type, time, and seat number.

Additionally, passengers traveling on Beijing-Tianjin Intercity and Guangzhou-Shenzhen EMU trains can purchase railway travel cards for direct entry and boarding, including the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Quick Pass Card, Guangzhou-Shenzhen Quick Pass Card, and Guangzhou-Shenzhen Peony Credit Card.

What is a direct ticket?
A direct ticket is a ticket with a specific train number and seat from the listed departure to arrival station, requiring no transfers. It is valid only for the designated date and train, becoming invalid if the passenger alights midway.

What are remote tickets, connecting tickets, and round-trip tickets?
When capacity allows, passengers can purchase remote tickets, connecting tickets, and round-trip tickets with seat numbers.

• Remote Ticket: A ticket purchased at one station for a train departing from another city.
• Connecting Ticket: When there is no direct train from the departure to destination station, passengers can purchase a ticket from the departure to transfer station, and simultaneously a connecting ticket from the transfer to destination station.
• Round-Trip Ticket: A ticket purchased at the departure station for both the outward (departure to destination) and return (destination to departure) journeys.

II. Ways to Purchase China Train/High-Speed Rail Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online or offline.

(1) Online Purchase

1. 12306 China Railway Service Center

• Official website: www.12306.cn and its mobile app.
• The website is only available in Chinese, and the name entered must match the ID exactly for ticket issuance and boarding. Foreigners should pay special attention to the input order of English names.
• Registration requires a Chinese mobile phone number for verification. Supports Chinese bank cards (UnionPay), Alipay, and WeChat Pay; does not accept foreign currency credit cards like Visa or Master.
• After successful booking, payment must be made within 30 minutes; otherwise, the reservation is canceled. The website only supports Simplified Chinese, with no English version.
• Online booking service hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Generally, the advance booking period is 30 days up to 30 minutes before departure. Allow sufficient time for ticket collection.

2. Ctrip
   Download the Ctrip app or visit the website, click “Train Tickets,” enter departure/arrival locations and date, check “High-Speed Rail/DMU,” search for trains, select a suitable schedule, enter passenger information, and pay to confirm the booking.
3. WeChat
   Open WeChat, go to “Me” → “Pay” → “Train Tickets & Flights,” filter for high-speed rail/DMU, search for trains, select a schedule, enter passenger details, pay, and confirm.

Other online channels include Alipay, Fliggy, Qunar, etc., with procedures similar to Ctrip.

(2) Offline Purchase
Purchase tickets at railway stations or authorized agents. Current methods include:
(1) Railway ticket windows (at stations or authorized agents).
(2) Self-service ticket machines at railway stations or designated locations.
(3) Telephone booking (in areas where this service is available; passengers must pay and collect tickets at specified locations within a set time).
(4) On routes accepting China Railway Yintong Card or Guangzhou-Shenzhen Peony Credit Card (railway travel cards), passengers can purchase cards at designated outlets and use them for direct entry and boarding.

How to Collect Tickets?

• Offline purchases: Receive paper tickets directly.
• Online purchases: Collect tickets at station self-service machines using a Chinese ID card (only valid for tickets bought with Chinese IDs). Foreigners must collect tickets at station ticket counters with their passports.

III. Booking Process on China Railway 12306 Website

Step 1: Register an Account
Similar to other online shopping platforms, purchasing train tickets requires registering an account on the railway official website.

• Visit www.12306.cn, click “Register” at the top right (log in if already registered).
• Registration requires a mobile phone number and ID information (Chinese ID card, passport, Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan resident permits, etc.). Fill in honestly, as tickets must be collected with the registered ID.
• After confirming the information is correct, click “Next” and follow prompts to complete registration.

Step 2: Buy Tickets

• On the 12306 homepage, enter travel details (departure/arrival stations, date, return date if applicable, passenger type), then click “Search.”

• Results show train numbers, departure/arrival times, duration, and remaining seats by category. Click a train number or seat type to view intermediate stops and fares. Select a suitable train and click “Book.”

Note: Tickets are priced in RMB.

Step 3: Confirm Booking Information

1. Select Passenger Information

• In the “Passenger Information” section, select stored passenger names (including frequent contacts). Relevant ID details will auto-fill. Choose ticket type and seat category.

• Note:
  • Each 12306 account can purchase only one ticket per ID per date and train (except child tickets using an adult’s ID).
  • Each order can include up to 5 one-way or 5 round-trip tickets.
  • To add a child ticket, click “Add Child Ticket.” If the child’s ID is not stored in “Frequent Contacts,” the ticket will be booked under the adult’s ID by default.

Step 4: Submit Order and Pay

• After adding all passengers, click “Submit Order,” select seat preferences, and confirm. Redirect to the payment page, where payment must be completed within the specified time.
• Recheck ticket details and choose whether to purchase insurance (default pickup method is “Self-service” for station collection). Click “Online Payment” after confirmation. Payment success confirms the booking.
• Note: If preferred seats are unavailable, the system will auto-assign based on availability.

IV. 12306 English Website

The booking process is similar to the Chinese version, with Chinese-English station name correspondence and seat availability prompts.

• The English version simplifies functions, offering registration, login, one-way booking, rescheduling, station change, refund, and order inquiry, but temporarily unavailable points, catering, tourism info, etc.
• Note: The English version only supports foreign passport registration. Foreign passengers cannot directly use passports for electronic ticket entry/exit (Chinese ID/passport-only system); they must print booking information and use manual channels for verification.

Step 1: Register
English version registration only requires an email (no Chinese mobile phone number), suitable for short-term foreign visitors without local numbers.

Step 2: Book Tickets
Same as the Chinese website: select departure/arrival stations, search for trains, choose schedules, and pay.

• Supports multiple payment methods: in addition to Chinese options (banks, Alipay, WeChat), accepts VISA, MasterCard, JCB, and Diners Club. Transactions are in RMB, processed via Bank of China for international cards.
• English customer service: +86 21 12306 for inquiries.

V. Train Ticket Rescheduling

If unable to travel on the scheduled date/train, reschedule at the departure station’s rescheduling window (or designated window; agents do not handle this) before departure.

Conditions for Rescheduling:

1. The ticket is unexpired, i.e., the train has not departed.
2. The desired rescheduled date/train has available tickets.
3. For delayed rescheduling, generally must be done before departure; in special cases, within 2 hours after departure (with railway approval). Group tickets require rescheduling at least 48 hours before departure.

Notes on Rescheduling:

1. If the new ticket price is higher, pay the difference; if lower, receive a refund.
2. The station will retain the original ticket and issue a new one marked “Rescheduled.”
3. Rescheduling is limited to one time.
4. Round-trip and connecting tickets cannot be rescheduled.

VI. FAQs About Purchasing China Train Tickets

① Can I buy train tickets without a mobile phone number?
A mobile phone number for each passenger is required for booking to enable timely communication. For minors, elderly, or passengers without phones, provide a guardian’s or contact’s number; foreign passengers may use an email address. Railway authorities may verify numbers, and invalid ones will affect booking.

For information on how to purchase a Mainland China SIM card, you can click here to check it out.

② Do foreign visitors get discounts on China train tickets?
Ticket prices are the same for all nationalities; no nationality-based discounts are available.

③ Can foreigners buy China train tickets in advance without being in China?
Yes, via the official website/app using a valid passport for real-name registration. International credit cards can be used for payment if outside China.

④ How much is the train ticket refund fee?
Refunds follow a tiered policy:

• 15+ days before departure: no fee.
• 48 hours to 15 days before departure: 5% fee.
• 24 to 48 hours before departure: 10% fee.
• Within 24 hours of departure: 20% fee.

⑤ Can I buy tickets for friends on 12306.cn?
Registered users with “Verified,” “To Be Verified,” or “Pre-Verified” status can book for themselves or others. Add friends as “Frequent Contacts,” enter their name and ID details. If their status is “Verified,” “To Be Verified,” or “Pre-Verified,” proceed with booking.

⑥ What is 12306’s standby ticket service?
When a desired train is sold out, passengers can submit a standby order on 12306, pay a deposit, and the system will automatically queue the order to scrape tickets. Standby orders are color-coded: red (high demand), yellow (medium), green (low)—fewer standby users mean higher success rates.

⑦ How to replace a lost train ticket?
Since January 1, 2017, lost tickets can be reissued with a ¥2 fee in three scenarios:

• Before boarding: Purchase a new ticket first, then apply for a refund at the station ticket hall before sales close. Provide ID, booking details, and pay ¥2. The refund will be processed at the destination station.
• Onboard: Inform staff immediately. After verifying ID and booking info, the conductor will issue a replacement ticket for ¥2, marked “Ticket Lost.”
• Before exiting the station: Declare the loss to staff.