China High-Speed Trains: How to Book, Board and Ride

China has the world's largest high-speed rail network, and for most trips between cities it is the best way to travel: fast, smooth, on time and right into the city centre. Beijing to Shanghai takes about 4.5 hours at speeds of up to 350 km/h.

Useful routes for visitors

• Beijing to Xi'an: about 4.5 hours.
• Beijing to Shanghai: about 4.5 hours.
• Shanghai to Hangzhou: about 1 hour.
• Chengdu to Chongqing: about 1 hour.
• Guilin to Yangshuo: about 30 minutes.
• Kunming to Dali to Lijiang: about 2 hours, then 1.5 hours.

How to book

• Book on Trip.com or the official 12306 app (it has an English version). You need your passport number.
• Tickets go on sale up to 15 days ahead. Book early for holidays and weekends.
• Your passport is your ticket: you scan it at the gates. Keep it in your hand.

Seat classes

• Second class: comfortable, 2+3 seats, plenty of legroom.
• First class: wider 2+2 seats and a quieter carriage.
• Business class: lie-flat seats, a snack and priority boarding. Worth it on long routes.

At the station

• Arrive 45 minutes early. Big stations feel like airports, with a security check at the entrance.
• Find your train number and gate on the screens, then wait in the lounge. Boarding opens about 15 minutes before departure.
• Some cities have several stations (Beijing South, Beijing West...). Check yours carefully.

On board

• There is space for suitcases at the end of each carriage and overhead for smaller bags.
• Hot water is free, and there is a dining car and a snack trolley. You can also bring your own food.
• Trains are clean and quiet, and the toilets are generally good.

Arriving by train also means no airport transfers and no long security queues. See which cities to choose for your first trip.

How we help

We book the right trains and seats for your group, and your guide meets you on the platform with a driver waiting outside, so you never handle luggage on your own. Ask us on WhatsApp.

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