Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Bullet Train Journey
“Can foreigners really travel around China by high-speed rail on their own?”
When Elaine and I first planned to travel between Chinese cities by high-speed rail, we had plenty of questions.
Do we need a Chinese phone number?
Which app should we use?
Is our passport enough?
How early should we arrive?
Where do we put our luggage?
If you’re visiting China for the first time, you’re probably wondering exactly the same things.
The good news is that China’s high-speed railway (高铁 Gāotiě) is one of the world’s fastest, safest and most efficient rail networks. Once you understand how it works, travelling between cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou becomes surprisingly easy.
Here’s everything we wish we had known before our first journey.
Quick Answer
Yes. Foreign tourists can travel independently on China’s high-speed trains.
For most journeys, you do not need:
- a Chinese bank account
- a Chinese phone number
- a paper train ticket
Instead, you’ll normally need:
✅ Your passport
✅ A confirmed booking
✅ A little preparation before you travel
Which App Should You Use?
There are several ways to book China’s high-speed trains, but not all are equally convenient for overseas visitors.
Option 1 — Railway 12306 (铁路12306)
This is the official booking platform operated by China Railway.
For most international travellers, you can register using your passport and email through the international registration process, without needing a mainland Chinese phone number.
Advantages:
- Official booking platform
- Lowest official fares
- Real-time seat availability
- Direct bookings
Suitable for experienced travellers who are comfortable using the official system.
Option 2 — Trip.com ⭐ ChinaTravelBUG Recommended for First-Time Visitors
For most first-time travellers, Trip.com offers the easiest experience.
Advantages:
- English interface
- Excellent customer support
- Easy passport registration
- International payment cards accepted
- Helpful reminders and booking management
There is usually a small service fee, but many visitors find the convenience worthwhile.
Option 3 — WeChat Mini Programs
Some railway-related Mini Programs work well, while others may require additional verification steps that can be less convenient for overseas visitors.
ChinaTravelBUG Recommendation
If this is your first trip to China, we suggest using either:
- Railway 12306
- Trip.com
Both generally provide a smoother experience for international travellers.
Do You Need a Chinese Phone Number?
Usually, no.
Most foreign tourists can book train tickets using their passport and email address.
A mainland (+86) phone number is generally not required simply to travel by high-speed rail.
ChinaTravelBUG Tip 💡
Don’t confuse your phone number with your internet connection.
Your phone number identifies your account.
Your internet connection allows the app to work.
For most travellers, an eSIM or international roaming plan is all that’s needed.
Is Your Passport Your Ticket?
China now uses an electronic ticketing system.
For most high-speed rail journeys, foreign travellers can board using the same passport used when making the booking, without collecting a paper ticket.
Your passport becomes your travel identification throughout the journey.
Even so, it’s still wise to keep your booking confirmation (digital or printed) available in case you need to refer to your train number or seat assignment.
How Early Should You Arrive?
China’s railway stations are enormous.
If you’re departing from major stations such as:
- Beijing South
- Xi’an North
- Shanghai Hongqiao
- Guangzhou South
we recommend arriving 30–45 minutes before departure, especially if it’s your first visit.
Why?
Because every passenger goes through airport-style security screening before entering the waiting hall.
Elaine’s Note: We Learnt This Lesson the Hard Way
One of our biggest travel lessons happened at Xi’an North Railway Station (西安北站 | Xī’ān Běizhàn) during the Labour Day holiday (劳动节 | Láodòng Jié) in early May.
That morning, everything seemed under control.
Until it wasn’t.
Heavy holiday traffic delayed our DiDi (滴滴出行 | Dīdī Chūxíng) on the way to the station.
By the time we reached the boarding gate, we were just one minute too late.
Dad politely explained our situation to the railway staff, hoping they might make an exception.
Unfortunately, the answer was no.
The boarding gate had already closed.
Our train departed exactly on schedule.
We had missed it.
At first, we were disappointed.
But afterwards, we realised something important.
China’s high-speed rail network operates with incredible precision.
Unlike boarding a bus or even some domestic flights, once the boarding gate closes, it is generally closed for everyone.
There are no last-minute exceptions simply because you can still see the train on the platform.
It was an expensive lesson—but one we never forgot.
Today, whenever we travel by high-speed rail, we make sure we arrive at the station well before departure, especially during major holidays.
🐧 Cheers Asks…
Cheers stared at Dad.
“We were only one minute late?”
Dad nodded.
“One minute.”
Cheers looked shocked.
“They really wouldn’t let us board?”
The Beijing Panda smiled gently.
“That’s why China’s high-speed rail is so reliable.”
“Millions of passengers depend on every train leaving safely and on time.”
💡 ChinaTravelBUG Tip
If you’re travelling during major Chinese holidays such as:
- Labour Day (劳动节 | Láodòng Jié)
- National Day Golden Week (国庆节 | Guóqìng Jié)
- Chinese New Year (春节 | Chūnjié)
allow extra time for:
- road traffic
- DiDi waiting times
- station security checks
- finding the correct waiting hall and boarding gate
For your first trip, we recommend arriving at major stations such as:
- Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站 | Běijīng Nánzhàn)
- Xi’an North Railway Station (西安北站 | Xī’ān Běizhàn)
- Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站 | Shànghǎi Hóngqiáo Zhàn)
- Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站 | Guǎngzhōu Nánzhàn)
at least 45–60 minutes before departure, especially during peak travel periods.
Understanding the Boarding Process
Many first-time visitors expect trains to work like those in Europe.
China’s process is slightly different.
Your journey usually looks like this:
- Enter the station.
- Go through security screening.
- Wait in the designated waiting hall (候车室 Hòuchēshì).
- Watch for your boarding gate (检票口 Jiǎnpiàokǒu).
- Scan your passport.
- Walk down to the platform (站台 Zhàntái).
- Find your carriage (车厢 Chēxiāng).
- Take your seat (座位 Zuòwèi).
ChinaTravelBUG Tip 💡
Unlike airports, train platforms are often announced only shortly before boarding begins.
Don’t worry if you can’t see your platform immediately after arriving. This is completely normal.
Choosing Your Seat
China’s high-speed trains use four seat letters:
| Seat | Position |
|---|---|
| A | Window |
| C | Aisle |
| D | Aisle |
| F | Window |
You might notice something unusual.
There are no B or E seats.
This numbering system follows international aviation conventions and often surprises first-time visitors.
Do All Seats Face Forward?
Yes.
At terminal stations, railway staff rotate the seats so that passengers face the direction of travel.
It’s a small detail that often impresses first-time visitors.
Where Should You Put Your Luggage?
Most trains provide several luggage storage options.
Small bags can go on the overhead racks.
Larger suitcases are usually stored:
- near the ends of the carriage
- in designated luggage areas
- behind the last row of seats (on many train layouts)
Always avoid blocking the aisle or emergency exits.
Can You Charge Your Phone?
Most modern high-speed trains provide power outlets, although their location varies depending on the train model and seat class.
It’s still a good idea to carry a power bank, especially on longer journeys.
Is There Wi-Fi?
Some trains offer onboard Wi-Fi, but availability and performance vary.
Because trains travel at speeds of up to 350 km/h, internet connectivity can fluctuate.
ChinaTravelBUG Tip
Download maps, translation packs, movies and entertainment before boarding instead of relying on onboard Wi-Fi.
Food and Drinks
Hungry?
No problem.
Many high-speed trains offer:
- boxed meals
- snacks
- instant noodles
- tea
- coffee
- bottled drinks
Some routes also have trolley service.
Toilets
Most high-speed trains provide clean toilets.
Depending on the train, you’ll usually find both:
- Western-style toilets
- Traditional squat toilets
Five Things That Surprise First-Time Visitors
1. Your passport replaces a paper ticket.
On most journeys, there’s no need to collect a paper ticket.
2. There are no B or E seats.
Don’t waste time looking for them!
3. Seats are rotated.
Every seat faces the direction of travel.
4. Platforms open shortly before departure.
Don’t panic if your platform isn’t displayed immediately.
5. Free hot water is available.
Look for 开水 (Kāishuǐ) dispensers in each carriage.
Perfect for making tea, coffee or instant noodles.
Useful Chinese Words
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 高铁 | Gāotiě | High-speed rail |
| 铁路12306 | Tiělù Yāo Èr Sān Líng Liù | Railway 12306 |
| 候车室 | Hòuchēshì | Waiting hall |
| 检票口 | Jiǎnpiàokǒu | Boarding gate |
| 站台 | Zhàntái | Platform |
| 车厢 | Chēxiāng | Carriage |
| 座位 | Zuòwèi | Seat |
| 开水 | Kāishuǐ | Hot water |
| 出口 | Chūkǒu | Exit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy train tickets online?
Yes. Most foreign visitors can book online using their passport.
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
Usually not. Most travellers can register and book without a mainland number.
Is my passport enough?
In most cases, yes. The passport used when booking serves as your travel identification.
Can I bring large luggage?
Yes. High-speed trains have dedicated storage areas for larger suitcases.
Can I charge my phone?
Most modern trains provide power outlets, but carrying a power bank is recommended.
Final Thoughts
China’s high-speed rail network may look intimidating at first, but once you’ve taken your first journey, you’ll understand why so many travellers consider it one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the country.
With a little preparation, your passport, and the right booking app, you’ll be ready to travel independently between China’s great cities with confidence.
As we’ve discovered on our own journeys, sometimes the train ride itself becomes part of the adventure.
Continue Reading on ChinaTravelBug
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ChinaTravelBUG Editor’s Note
Railway booking systems and app features are updated from time to time. This guide reflects the current experience for international travelers, but it’s always worth checking the latest Railway 12306 or Trip.com requirements before your journey.
