How to book China's high-speed rail tickets? Is real-name registration required?
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03:57 2025/05/01
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Part One: Real-name System Requirements for China High-speed Railway Tickets
Yes, China's high-speed railway strictly implements a real-name ticket purchasing system, where all passengers must use valid identification documents to purchase tickets and present the original documents matching the booking information when boarding.
- Accepted types of valid identification documents:
- Foreign tourists can use passport (most commonly used), Permanent Residence ID for foreigners in the People’s Republic of China, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Home Return Permit), and Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Taiwan Compatriot Pass).
- When purchasing tickets, accurate details such as document number, name (must match the document exactly), and contact information need to be filled out.
- Real-name verification process:
- During security checks at entry, the purchased document needs to be shown, and facial recognition or manual verification will be conducted.
- Train attendants may randomly check documents during the ride, so please carry them with you.
Part Two: Guide for Booking China High-speed Railway Tickets
1. Booking Channels
(1)Official Channels
- China Railway 12306 Official Website/APP (the most authoritative, supports English interface)
- Website address: www.12306.cn
- Operation steps:
1. Register an account (need to fill in passport information).
2. Select departure location, destination, date, and filter train numbers ("G" prefix indicates high-speed rail).
3. Fill in passenger information (name, passport number, etc.).
4. Payment (supports international credit cards like Visa/MasterCard, sometimes requires binding Alipay/WeChat Pay).
5. After successful purchase, an electronic ticket will be generated (no need to collect the ticket, just enter the station with your passport).
- Mobile APP “Railway 12306” (only Chinese interface, it is recommended to use with a translation tool).
(2)Third-party Platforms (more language-friendly for foreign tourists)
- Trip.com (English interface, supports international credit cards)
- Input travel information and book directly, need to fill in passport number, supports e-tickets or collecting tickets at the station.
- Ctrip (Trip.com) (English version has the same function).
(3)Station Windows/Authorized Ticketing Outlets
- Suitable for tourists unfamiliar with online operations or needing human assistance.
- Need to provide the original passport and inform the staff of the departure location, destination, date, and train number (can be checked in advance).
- Payment methods: cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, bank card.
(4)Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (some support passports)
- Operation steps: Select "passport ticket purchase" → insert passport → select train number → payment (cash/scan code).
2. Collecting Tickets and Verification
- Electronic Tickets: Most high-speed railway stations have implemented "paperless" systems, allowing direct entry by scanning the passport (ensure that the station supports passport reading).
- Paper Ticket Exchange:
- Need to collect tickets at the station window or self-service ticket machine with a passport (some machines only support ID cards, requiring manual windows).
- It is recommended to arrive at least one hour before the train departs to handle this.
Part Three: Precautions
- Advance Purchase:
- High-speed railway tickets are usually released 15 days in advance, and reservations should be made early during peak seasons (such as Spring Festival, National Day).
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Third-party platforms may charge service fees (approximately 5-20 yuan).
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Rescheduling and Refunds:
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Rescheduling is allowed once before the train departs, and refund fees are charged based on time intervals (5% if more than 48 hours before departure, 10% if between 24-48 hours, and 20% if within 24 hours).
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Train Numbers and Seat Classes:
- Train numbers are distinguished by "G" (high-speed EMU) and "D" (EMU), with priority given to "G"-prefixed trains (faster speed).
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Seats are divided into second-class, first-class, and business class, with significant price differences.
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Luggage Restrictions:
- Each person has a free luggage allowance of 20kg (total length, width, and height not exceeding 130cm), and oversized luggage needs to be checked.
Part Four: Recommended Solutions
- Preferred option for foreign tourists: Use Trip.com (English interface, supports international payments) or purchase tickets at the station window (to avoid language barriers).
- In emergency situations: If you miss the booking time, try asking about available tickets at the station (some trains may have last-minute refunds).