China Travel Forum

[Lily wang]

When planning train travel in China, note that stations do not sell all tickets for all services.

First, major stations (and travel agents in that city) will sell tickets from that city only, eg. in Beijing, you can buy tickets for trains that depart Beijing only. When planning a complicated route, please contact your friends or travel agency in different cities to get all your tickets for the trip.

Second, seats or berth selling fast during festivals, summer and winter vacations. Please book through a travel service who can secure the tickets for you ahead of time.

Third, note that even though some stations may show large numbers of passing trains, at many stations the only tickets on sale for trains that pass through are likely to be 'standing only' tickets. These get you on the train, but with no reserved place. You will need to buy seats or berths with the onboard conductor. This can be difficult if you are on your own (especially with heavy or bulky luggage) or cannot speak Chinese.

Fourth, - look for an English-speaking window, if you cannot order a ticket in Chinese and check before joining a long queue. At many stations there are different lines (or even offices) for different services or for travel on that day or even for different trains. Ask someone first.

Fifth, keep an eye on your possessions wherever you go in the station.

[Guest]

thanks alot for giving so precious advise about China train and it make travellers trip eazy to China
have fun