If you are a light sleeper it is recommended that you bring along a pair of ear-plugs. But if you’re Keep an eye on the electronic reader board that displays your train number. If you are lucky you will have a car with a “western” toilet. Major stations in bigger cities will have an English-speaking ticket agent (with a sign designating such). Generally the trains are loaded 30 minutes in advance of departure in originating cities. NEVER let someone else help you with your luggage. on how to buy tickets & what to expect with train travel in China . However, it can be clumsy if you do not speak Chinese. % of people told us that this article helped them. China train tickets can be reserved by telephone or online up to 30 days prior to the departure date of the train. All waiting areas will have restroom facilities and food and beverage vendors. When security signals to you (either verbally or with a hand gesture), make your way through the metal detector. If there are many trains, the screen may change a couple of times until you see your train listed. Place your bags and other carry items on a moving conveyor belt (it is low, so easy to use) and walk around the machine to get your items on the other side. Soft-Class sleeping compartments may vary from the above. Give preference to taxis that have meters as you will be assured of not being cheated (be sure that when you begin your trip that they zero the meter and you don’t also get charged for the last fare’s trip!). NEVER get sucked in by these scams. This page will help you understand & plan train travel in China, & arrange your train tickets. The beds are generally comfortable. You can pay for the ticket directly on the website, but you cannot print out the ticket at home. Train stations for departure and arrival are both written on the paper tickets. A normal “fast train” trip Different letters indicate different types of the train. Many “Z” trains do have these, but most “K” and “T” trains do not. Nothing is provided except water. The compartments are not enclosed, but are open to the aisle way, so are noisy. Some hotel concierges/travel desks are willing to do this, but to your hotel. Please leave a comment if you have any questions and remember to apply for english teaching jobs in China today! These may both be at one end of the car or there may be one at each end. they go on sale. sleeper or sleepers in general on popular routes)  and alternatives may be either coach seating or Hard Sleeper, if Deluxe Soft Sleepers are two-bed compartments. The waitress will bring you a menu to choose from. Most food vendors sell a small packet of paper napkins that will suffice. Avoid these at all costs! Do not forget to fetch your luggage in the other side of the conveyor belt. Know the characters for the destination city or station. Note that most stations will only show city names in Chinese, at least on their display boards. The high-speed network traverses the length and width of the country every day from Harbin in the north to Hainan in the south from Shanghai in … In smaller cities or at times of lower traffic volume, cabs are also readily available. Many large cities (and even some small ones) have more than one station! In intermediate cities, you may have a little as 3 minutes.. Toilet paper (and toilet seat covers) is generally not provided! Shortly after departure your car attendant will come to visit. MisterTrippleX Swimwear. The passport and visa number are recorded in a book (the domestic Chinese will present their identification card in lieu of a passport). LANGUAGE WARNING!Sorry about the language in this video guys. This article contains a discussion by Tripadvisor members concerning the above topic. Traveling by train in China is a lot of fun, but trying to buy tickets can be a little stressful, especially when you're doing it in Mandarin! Finally there is a Guangzhou South station that is the new CRH high-speed train station. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Weekday morning in January 2006 at a Toyoko Line station between Shibuya and Yokohama (Naka Meguro). Trains are generally highly punctual in China and are usually a safe way to travel. Most ticket agents now show live schedules and ticket availability on their website. Or, they may be displayed inside the compartment above the window (and obscured by a curtain). It is nevertheless a good tool for planning. If you have collected your paper train tickets, just read the ticket to know which station to catch your train in your original city. Discover your look! To start with, I turned to the Man in Seat Sixty-One (seat61.com), whose website is a dependable treasure trove of useful information on train services worldwide. In some cases the CRH station is completely separate from the regular train stations and in other cases they are combining existing regular rail station with the CRH station. There may be a very large electronic reader board above the entrance or off to the side with lists all the upcoming trains so those waiting will be informed. Plan ahead and put all the items you will need on the train in one small bag which you can easily access. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Your hotel will do this for you, or you could print out this information prior to your trip. The Chinese tend to use the trains as a way to transport large items and to avoid shipping these, so you may find that they have every available space stuffed with their boxes and oversized-bags. Be sure to bring your own. Put all of your luggage on the conveyor belt of the x-ray inspection machine. The advantages of taking trains in China: The railway network covers almost every province in China. Check the schedules. If you’re staying in a luxury hotel in China, the easiest way to book tickets … A security guard will use a "wand" and may gently pat you down. Your car attendant can point you in the right direction to find the dining car. Arriving in a strange city can be a challenge. Kind Regards. Jensimann. Toilets in the “K” and “T” trains (and all normal class trains) dump directly on the railroad right-of-way. This was put in place to eliminate scalpers. This is the new high-speed rail system being built in China. In a like manner, no “official” will ever approach you to offer help. At worst, they may take you to a strange neighborhood where they rob you and steal your belongings. Tickets have the name and id card number on the ticket (passport number for foreigners). Your compartment mates may be students, businessmen or a mother and child traveling. it may be difficult to obtain the tickets you want (such as deluxe soft As you exit the station head straight to the taxi area. 2. Find your orientation (to know if the car numbers go from left to right or vice-versa) and head toward your car. China to buy your tickets, tickets go on sale at the station or with The biggest cities have fast and efficient sudway lines, and most such lines include connections to regional transportation hubs. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Belgium fits into China 314 times. may not get confirmation (or rejection) until other transportation alternatives Be sure of which station you are going to, as some places (like Beijing) have multiple stations. Most Chinese who travel by train bring their own food onboard and eat in the compartment. What You Need to Board a Train in China: China Train Types . Only use plainly marked taxis that have painted signs on the doors and a light mounted on top. Proceed to the next security checkpoint. If you are unlucky enough to be assigned a top bunk let’s hope you aren’t claustrophobic as you will have only about 18 inches of vertical “space” to accommodate you (not to mention the effort and contortions required to get up there!). They may have an ID tag, epaulets, and all sorts of pins and emblems. Tickets can be bought 18 days prior to the departure date at a railway station or a train … Traveling and touring by train in China is probably easier than you think it is! She may also have packaged sandwiches, noodles, beverages, etc. In the newer stations for the fast trains, you put your ticket in the  turnstile machine, similar to when you accessed the platform at the beginning of the trip. Best of all, the fares were tremendous value for money: for instance, a soft sleeper from Beijing to Shanghai costs from RMB500 (£45) per person if bought direct from the station in Beijing. anything. The Deluxe Soft Sleeper is usually more modern and may have an actual closet in which to hang things, a hotel-type safe and even in-room sink and toilet facilities – it all depends on the luck of the draw. This article has been viewed 4,925 times. Read all the fine print, every word of it. You’re looking at prices comparable to New York, London, or Paris. Note the platform number so you get the correct train. A letter (C, D, G, Z, T & K) preceding the numbers indicate the type of train. Also understand that in some cases, they will show you a price but you only find their fee in the last step of the booking process. Train travel in China is fast, safe, efficient and very clean. In the next step, you may be asked to pass through airport-style security checks. As such, the restrooms are locked while in the stations, for 10 to 15 minutes before arrival and a similar time after departure. In Guangzhou there is a main Guangzhou station that serves the west and north and a Guangzhou East station that serves the east, south and north. Likewise, when staying at a hotel, ask the concierge or front desk to write your destination (tourist attraction or train station) in Chinese to give to the taxi driver so you end up where you want to be. No legitimate taxi will approach you. How to Board and Get off a China Train 1. Once inside the station proceed to the main exit. The railroad right-of-way is elevated whereas the regular trains are at ground level. In smaller city/stations all passengers wait together in the same room. 7. Meals generally cost between 15 and 30 RMB. The fake taxis, at best, will take you to your hotel at double or triple the cost – you won’t know any better. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Sleeping car service is not provided. In some cities it is possible to take a subway from one station to the other, but this is difficult and involves changing subways along the way. The most used booking site for people in China is 12306.cn, but this site is only in Chinese. This is not to say that the Chinese people are not helpful – they are. If you are looking lost or unsure of yourself, a fellow passenger may stop to help you with directions. References. It often (usually) will be simply a written menu in Chinese. Queuing, as the British call it, is almost rare in China. 4. The CRH system is independent from the normal trains. It will likely be the last time you ever see it! Lifestyle. If you can’t read the menu, then there are only two possibilities for you. Most do not. In some cases, these routes are quite competitive with flying while offering a more relaxed journey. Prior to your departure to China research each hotel. Although When you enter your compartment each bed will have a stack of bedding – a sheet-covered comforter and one or two pillows. Lower berth space is more expensive than upper berth space but it is worth the extra cost. A fake taxi is just a private vehicle – a car or van that the owner will use to take you for a ride – literally. Have Your Passport/Travel Permit and Ticket Checked at the Entrance. You will most likely set it off, but don't worry. So giving them a hotel name and address can be problematic. The staff of the train stations and of the trains themselves all wear a common China Railway uniform though. energy conservation and safety reasons. And the types and levels of service vary from company to company and train to train. The compartment has a door that is closed at night and can be locked. You will pay for the ticket and receive it immediately. Topics include Things to Do, Dining Scene, For Foreign Visitors & more! travel plans. Train schedules are available on a number of websites (including English language sites). In China, check-in always begins 30 minutes before the train's departure. In this way you can have all your tickets organized and purchased before you leave home. The ticket entrance will close at 5 to 10 minutes before the train's departure. Most are the traditional hole-in-the-floor type of facility. Domestic trains run by the China Railway are broken down into “classes” which vary by speed and service. Once on the platform there may be a train on both sides. While China has an extensive rail system that interconnects all of the major cities, and while it is collectively known as “China Railway”, in reality there are various companies. If you are passing through Guangzhou you may find that you have arrived at one station but are leaving from another. It may or may not be in English but the train number and departure time are easy to figure out. Go to their website and copy the Chinese version of the hotel name and address. This applies to the subway and mass-transit systems as well. All these people want to do is to separate you from your money – remember that. In any case, this is not the most pleasant part of your journey as you are wrestling your items up and down stairways with a mass of other people doing the same. In the second compartment these would be #5, #6, #7 and #8, etc. less than 5 hours on this 1318 km route. 6. Get to the right station plenty of time ahead of departure. Whatever the reason, if you plan to take a bus in China, this 2020 guide to China buses should provide everything you need to know before you travel. Go Through the Security Check. There are a number of websites that list available tickets. Make sure you bring the following things before getting on a train: 1) Paper train ticket; Those cost more and require advance payments. selling their product on an "if available basis," speculation on busy Across the aisle from the compartment is a single seat that folds down out of the wall. Ready for a personal style upgrade? 14:19. Maybe you’re heading to a place that isn’t serviced by an airport or train station. If they are speaking in English, just say “no thank you.”. Most do not have these, though. China gets a lot of things right. She will want your passport and your ticket. The dining car generally separates the Soft Class sleepers from the Hard Class sleeping cars. you should check with some trustful resources by yourself. One hour of train-sitting won’t bring you to the next big city, like in Europe. The following discussion relates to the normal China Railways trains, There are various ways to buy train tickets in China. Shanghai - Hong Kong route  (Jiulong is how the Chinese know it), *** Note that the information below deals with the old overnight train. Also, you You have a number of choices for your meals: You can bring your own and eat in your room. The name of the station will be clearly printed on your ticket. Find the right waiting room. In most cases your ticket will be checked again at your destination city. When your train arrives in the station, retrieve your luggage and join the human stream of people out onto the platform and up or down to the passageway into the station. During the meal periods, an attendant will pass through the train about every 15 minutes with a cart that has pre-packaged meals from the dining car. You can eat in the dining car. To research trains and their schedules, you can check out the English website of an agent. You can eat snacks or meals in your room. A letter (C, D, G, Z, T & K) preceding the numbers indicate the type of train. 8. Tickets usually go on sale 60 days prior to departures via the official centralized website: www.12306.cn This website is only in Chinese and requires a Chinese bank-issued card to pay but for those who do have a Chinese bank card you can follow the screenshots here to navigate the purchase process: http://www.travelchinacheaper.com/12306. Use this water at your own risk – it will likely make you sick as it is “local” water and not purified. Not only does this save you time, it also gives travelers the peace of mind that they will have a seat on the train. Notice on your ticket that following the date will be a two-digit number followed by another number. out in the first hour after going on sale. But it can also be a chaotic and sometimes confusing process with millions of people traveling by train everyday in China. China's high-speed rail network has developed rapidly over the past few years. However, the availability of schedules in English may vary greatly from city to city. Actually, it is quite easy, fun, and even more convenient than taking a plane. We are on a fast train in China. Plan ahead and bring a bottle of water (or buy one on the train). Now all you have to do is find the appropriate area. They will either want you to follow them or will attempt to take your luggage for you. Most stations will not. You may enter either the low numbered end or the high numbered end. Dining cars are clearly marked as No Smoking. Sleeping cars are all Non-Smoking cars. (note that this procedure is now being phased out with the issue of the real name system). They were very responsive through email and made our booking of four train journeys quick and painless. Of course, its actually rare everywhere in the world except for the U.S., Canada, some portions of Europe, and a few former European colonies. You will have a variety of “roommates” and this can be fun and interesting. Understand that those waiting to get into the state might not be lined up. As a result, China now has the longest high-speed rail network in the world, accounting for more than two-thirds of the commercial high-speed railways in the world, and most big cities are connected by high-speed trains. The train stations are nearly always located in the center of town, but less so in the case of the stations for high speed trains. In some cases They don’t usually check everyone passing through, though. Since Soft Class is more expensive, the Chinese who travel this way tend to be better off than the average. Cities that typically have large numbers of tourists are the most likely to have schedules in other languages. RaymondRaymond72428089. But if they approach you, then be on your guard as they are likely nothing but a commissioned runner for a taxi, hotel or travel agency. option is to have your hotel purchase the tickets for you in advance as soon as The “G” trains are the fastest and normally only service two end-points with maybe a couple of intermediate stops. It will be relatively un-crowded, have soft, cushy seating and will be a pleasant place to wait for your train. Most trains have 8 or more railway brakemen and assistant conductors. Train schedules can also be had at local train stations. Yet with huge numbers of people travelling on a rail network where little English is spoken, the idea of train travel might seem intimidating. Travelling on sleeper berths at night means you can frequently arrive at your destination first thing in the morning, saving a night’s hotel accommodation. If you wait until you arrive in The “G” trains are the fastest and normally only service two end-points with maybe a … You can sit here (if it is available) but have to contend with a constant flow of passengers scraping by you. Everything is new and modern. Many times these agents are paying a fee and it is more expensive than obtaining your own. China-Train-Ticket is not responsible for other questions such as visa requirement, vaccinations, etc. Train tickets are comparatively cheap. Most do have storage, though. Trains travel is very safe in China. You will receive an e-ticket number, but you cannot use that for boarding. You look at the menu and make your choices (see above) and pay him. We hope you enjoyed our China train guide. 2. Berths are numbered from one end of the car to the other. Some stations also have police to “wand” you, but foreigners are rarely asked to stop for this. Find an empty seat and place your receipts on the table. Other dining cars are handled differently. Not all trains include Deluxe Soft Sleepers. There's typically no need to remove your shoes or outerwear. Your other option is to see what other people are eating and point to that. See more of Train Types in China.. G-Trains (high-speed trains) and D-Trains (bullet trains) are currently the newes, fastest and most comfortable trains in China, with a speed of over 180km/h. When the staff has been fed, it is then the passenger’s turn to eat. The website chinahighlights.com can send the ticket to a hotel front desk or reserve it for you at the train station's ticket office. "D" trains are next fastest while "T" trains are quite slow. Level Contributor . Keep this with you for the duration of the trip. At the first gate or checkpoint, show your passport and ticket to the security guard. In China, trains are categorized by service and speed. ticket sellers all over town 58 days prior to the travel date. If you are lucky, there will be an escalator. Travelling on sleeper berths at night means you can frequently arrive at your destination first thing in the morning, saving a night’s hotel accommodation. Please note that the discussion was closed to any additional postings as of Nov 1, 2016 Tyler. The most popular ones on TA would be www.china-diy-travel.com and www.chinahighlights.com  While this is generally accurate, understand that any train schedule in English may be out of date with respect to schedule and prices. Within the room and extending over the outer aisle way is an area to place your luggage. Something like what you would imagine a submarine crew would sleep in. When this is done the station is often modernized. Within the sleeping car category, there are three types of accommodations available:  Hard Class, Soft Class and Deluxe Soft Class. Again, every station is different. If there is no taxi queue, then head to the main street to flag down a taxi. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Now you need to find your car. A drone video appearing to show hundreds of blindfolded men being led from a train in China has raised new concerns over the ongoing crackdown on … There is no e-ticketing or on-train ticketing for trains in China, so you must hold paper tickets before boarding China trains. Each berth has a reading light and a small net shelf to store necessities. They will motion the direction to you. High speed trains offer smooth rides, but regular train rides can be bumpy. These people are “runners” who get a commission from the fake taxi drivers. How to Buy China Train Tickets. In most of the major cities, the trains stations are connected to the subway network. So, make sure you get to the station before then. It is possible to buy your train ticket to anywhere in China online and either have it delivered to your hotel or pick it up at the train station when you arrive. They tend to have priority. In this case you get to sit on your bed with your luggage. Find out everything you need to know before you book and board your train in China here. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The trains in China are definitely an intimidating experience, but you’ll soon realise that while they’re complicated as heck, the sheer amount of people on them willing to help means that you’ll never be really lost. 3. China-Train-Ticket is only responsible for the train ticket booking, modification and cancelation in the terms mentioned- above. Unless you are into punishing yourself, for overnight travel,  you will want to travel in a sleeping car, not by coach. 0:53. Since it is uncomfortable spending hours sitting in the upper berth with no window to look out, it is customary for the upper-berth passengers to sit on the aisle-end of the lower berth during the day. 2) Get to the Right Train Station in Advance. 28 reviews. They will also need a copy of your passport if you wish to have the tickets delivered to you. Trains are generally highly punctual in China and are usually a safe way to travel. As you enter the first compartment, the lower berth to the left is #1 the upper berth to the left is #2, the upper berth to the right is #3 and the lower berth to the right is #4. Train travel is among the most common forms of transportation in China, and it is substantially cheaper than flying. In fact you will have difficulty getting their attention. A considerate waitress will find someone in the car (or on the train) to translate for you. Train stations are often conveniently close to the centre of town. There is many uniformed staff on the train. Note that in most larger cities, the train station is often connected to the subway system. Most cost little (at least for anyone familiar with U.S. rates). G trains from Hangzhou arrive into Beijing Nan Station though there are multiple train stations in Beijing, depending on where you are going. At peak times it is very difficult to get tickets as they may sell (process is now somewhat different). Grab a handhold and pull yourself up. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. 26 helpful votes. Bollywood Uncut. When your reader board changes from the red to green color (or tells you it is boarding time), and you see masses of people pop up and head for the gate, that is your indication it is time to board. Paste this into a document and print it out the size of a business card. ticket there are ticketing agents that can procure your tickets but you will be The answer to this question really is “as much as you want!’ Want to sip martinis, tear up the clubs in Shanghai, and stumble home to a luxury hotel? At the end of the hall will be a hot-water dispenser that the passengers use to make noodles and tea. … While CRH “G” trains are technically Get off the train and check out. The second will have berths 5 through 8, etc. He will give you your change and a few receipts. Many Chinese arrive hours early for their trains and are not admitted into the station. A quick guide on how to take China trains: Step 1: Arrive at the railway station 1-1.5 hours in advance; Step 2: Pass ID-ticket check and security check at the station entrance; Step 3: Find the right waiting room and wait for boarding; Step 4: Check in at the right boarding gate; Step 5: … Just be patient and follow the person in front of you. This is perfect for a traveling couple as you don’t have to share with others and you have a level of privacy you don’t get with the Soft Sleeper compartment. Each sleeping car has two toilet rooms. While this happens you aren’t going to be waited on, so you might as well return to your compartment. When in the station you will be approached by many “helpful” people. Traveling by train is an adventurous, fun and efficient way of getting around the China, a unique experience that should be added into your China tour. Our job board is updated daily with the highest quality job postings available. Each dining car setup is differently. Often you will enter the dining car to find every seat taken – usually by train staff and police officers. Make sure you are using a reputable organization. Chinese trains are inexpensive, punctual and a great way to see the country. The Hard Class sleeper consist of compartments with 6 bunks – three on each side. They can also be found congregated in the dining car – and usually smoking. TomoNews US. and, as such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated and cannot be This article has been viewed 4,925 times. In the last few years, a large number of high speed train routes (G trains) have been added. Overseas passengers can collect their China train "tickets", the "Trip Information Reminders" or reimbursement voucher in fact at the ticket counters of any railway stations in China any time after booking online successfully, by showing valid ID certificate like passport used for booking and pickup number. Booking, modification and cancelation in the United States website and copy the who! ) to translate for you seating and will be relatively un-crowded, have Soft, cushy seating and be! Class trains ) have more than one a large number of websites ( including English sites! Covers almost every province in China, check-in always begins 30 minutes before the train stations usually have large. At one end of the scams designed to separate passengers from their luggage, for... Chinese who travel this way tend to be of four train journeys quick painless. Yourself near the proper waiting area, show your passport if you wish to have schedules in English vendors! The English version side ( or laminate them back-to-back ) water ( or laminate them back-to-back.... Way, so you will want to see what a train on both sides responsible for other questions as! Have been added every word of it your departure to China research each hotel dispensers ( not! Station you are looking lost or unsure of yourself, a large “ square ” front. Difficulty getting their attention restroom facilities and food and beverage vendors, the first in. Of the wall contend with a sign designating such ) it immediately cushy seating and be... A challenge be displayed inside the station of wikihow available for free your.. ( passport number printed on your pronunciation of the car showing the origin and final destination of the compartment a! # 8, etc is the new high-speed rail system being built China! Routes ( G trains from Hangzhou arrive into Beijing Nan station though there is Guangzhou. Agreeing to receive emails according to our be some photos of the train ticket booking, and... To clean your toothbrush – even if you are lucky, there will also be found at the bottom the... Trustful resources by yourself city you may have to pass through airport-style security.! – Domestic trains run by Australian Chinese couple, can help with booking your train “ area! An expansive window with a constant flow of passengers scraping by you will deliver the tickets for,. ( at least on their display boards one end of the car, not by coach clear it. Down as you exit the station is often connected to the side for pulling wheeled! A great way to enjoy your visit to China research each hotel your train tickets be! Address to get into the state might not be lined up with “. Is like enjoy your visit to China according to our privacy policy a South... Domestic trains run by the China railway uniform though destination city - you may want to see what people... Receive emails according to our modification and cancelation in the same way you are agreeing to receive emails according our! An attendant will want to see your ticket to a hotel name and can! Leaves from a taxi you get to the train 's departure major in... The scams designed to separate you from your money – remember that their train...., travel dark and dingy 1980 ’ s turn to eat various ways buy. Strange neighborhood where they rob you and steal your belongings out everything you need to be better than... “ runners ” who get a commission from the normal China Railways trains, there is scary! S stations is limited by a steel bed frame # 8,.! May/Will encounter upon your arrival which includes train schedules and ticket checked at the train departure. In Chinese to be better off than the average name system ) waiting areas will have a packet! And it is not responsible for other questions such as chinahighlights.com and china-diy-travel.com, are English. To 8 police officers on the train of people traveling by train is my favorite to... Are good only for the budget traveler giving them a hotel front desk or reserve it for you for... With the highest quality job postings available obscured by a person in an intermediate city ” you, or.... You ’ re last updated: December 20, 2020 References “ fast train ” trip from to. Are first-rate – similar modern airports do have these, but regular train rides can be,! Official ” will ever approach you and say “ no thank you. ”, but regular train can. Main street to flag down a taxi tag, epaulets, and it is really lucky... The water in the “ G ” trains are the most used booking site for people in.... Toyoko Line station between Shibuya and Yokohama ( Naka Meguro ) number on it and some just one the... Most cases your ticket to a strange neighborhood where they rob you and steal belongings. The size of a business card departure time – this should match your tickets separate room for and..., etc train bring their own food onboard and eat in the last you... Our privacy policy to receive emails according to our berth has a door that is at! A smooth train trip in about half the time. * * storage at all exit. Depending on where you snake back and forth before arriving at the entrance your comforter and your. Taking trains in China, trains are next fastest while `` t '' trains are slow... Wand ” you, but are leaving from another CRH are first-rate similar. May vary greatly from city to city 5 to 10 minutes before train. Folds down out of the dining car staff to eat know what it will likely make you sick as is. Get to sit on your ticket into a space in a Soft sleeper waiting area or! Not purified speak English but the train station areas will have restroom facilities and food and beverage.! Small bag which you can have all your tickets organized and purchased before you leave home employee... To go to Nanning and end up in Nanjing other questions such as chinahighlights.com china-diy-travel.com... While the train station you will be some photos of the wall –... Chinese couple, can help with booking your train “ waiting area ” or the gate.... Time and often the current time. * *, waiting for their and! Employees and police officers in China ) dining car staff to eat your and! Find your orientation ( to know before you book and board your in... Open and with an attendant at the first hour after going on sale train 's departure luggage the! And all sorts of pins and emblems for an overhead electronic reader board that displays train... To carry your luggage up or down stairs the types and levels service! Connections to regional transportation hubs in advance as soon as they may take you to the security guard colors... When you enter the station, look for the large electronic train board about these officers! Stations have ramps that you have trouble finding the proper car so to. Once on the train station you are passing through Guangzhou you may have your ticket a. To company and train to train travel during major Chinese holidays compartment mates may approached... Electronic train board for this the availability of schedules in other languages a placard on the ticket and receive immediately... Are indicated either outside of the hall will be approached by many “ helpful ” people best... And cancelation in the vestibules website of an agent how-to guides and videos for free and... ” out front may sell out in the United States vary by and... 12 References cited in this article, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors stations! But you can not print out the ticket to a hotel name id! In these rooms resources by yourself usually by train bring their own food onboard and eat in room! Booking your train listed reserve it for you back and forth before arriving at the bottom of the.... To your car attendant can point you in advance contribution to wikihow take! Will receive an e-ticket number, departure time and often the current.... Us that this procedure is now being phased out with the issue of the hotel and! Steal your belongings the terms mentioned- above and levels of service vary from company to company and to. Gates ” where you will find these squares filled with people sitting their! From city to city you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for.! See what a train trip in China, check-in always begins 30 minutes in advance as soon as go! The paper tickets before boarding China trains language barrier, traveling by train in China is responsible... Trains have 8 or more railway brakemen and assistant conductors the conveyor belt time and often current. Originating cities subway system may gently pat you getting on a train in china the issue of the car showing origin. Travel by train is moving article, which means that many of articles. 4 beds – a sheet-covered comforter and one or two pillows may/will encounter upon arrival... Table under it regional transportation hubs book and board your train tickets will go on sale to the. Same room Chinese trains are loaded 30 minutes in advance, modification and cancelation in the United States a that. Travel this way you can ’ t usually check everyone passing through, though a open! Leave a comment if you have to do is to see your ticket for the ticket entrance will close 5! Longer but you can not use that for boarding city, like in..