What is China High Speed Rail?
Source: Wikipedia
China bullet train is a high-speed rail network that covers over 22,000 miles in China, making it the world's longest high-speed rail network. The speed of China high speed rail typically ranges from 250 to 350 kilometers per hour (155 to 217 miles per hour).
The development of the HSR network in China began in the early 2000s, with the first high-speed line opening in 2008 just before the Beijing Olympics. Since then, the network has expanded rapidly, becoming a key part of China's transportation infrastructure and significantly reducing travel times between cities. The trains are known for their punctuality, frequency, comfort, and safety.
How Fast is China High Speed Rail?
There are 7 different types of China bullet trains, check the following table for the speed of China High Speed Rail:
| Types of China High Speed Rail | Introduction of China High Speed Rail | China High Speed Rail Speed |
| CRH (China Railway High-speed) | The main type of high-speed rail in China | up to 350 km/h |
| Fuxing Hao(复兴号) | The newest generation of high-speed trains in China | up to 350 km/h |
| Hexie Hao(和谐号) | The older generation of high-speed trains in China | up to 300 km/h |
| D Series | The electric multiple unit (EMU) trains | up to 250 km/h |
| G Series | Mainly used for long-distance travel | up to 350 km/h |
| C Series | The intercity high-speed trains | up to 300 km/h |
| L0 Series | A maglev (magnetic levitation) train, currently only used for testing | up to 431 km/h |
Seat Classes of China High Speed Rail
Source: China Discovery.com
China High Speed Rail offers several seat classes for passengers to choose from, each with different levels of comfort, amenities, and pricing. The main seat classes are Second class, First class, ans Business class. Check the following table to learn more:
| Types of China High Speed Rail Seat Classes | China High Speed Rail Seat Class Detail |
| Second Class | The standard class and the most economical option. Arranged in a 2+3 configuration |
| First Class | Offers more spacious seats arranged in a 2+2 configuration |
| Business Class | Arranged in a 1+2 configuration and can be fully reclined into a flat bed |
| Superior Class | Offers a mix of the amenities of First and Business Class, is only available on certain trains |
| Soft Sleeper Class | Offers private compartments with soft beds, is available on overnight trains |
| Deluxe Soft Sleeper Class | The compartments have two bunks and a private bathroom, is available on overnight trains |
| Standing Class | The most economical option, allowing passengers to travel on the train without a seat, only available when all seats are sold out |
Main Methods to Book China High Speed Rail Tickets: Trip.com vs. 12306.cn
Booking China High Speed Rail Tickets can be done through various methods. Two of the most popular methods are through Trip.com and 12306.cn. Here's a comparison of the two:
1. Trip.com:
- Trip.com is an international online travel agency that provides 24/7 customer service in various languages.
- It offers a user-friendly interface and easy booking process.
- You can book tickets up to 15 days in advance.
- It accepts various payment methods including international credit cards, AliPay and Wechat Pay.
- It also offers other travel services like hotel booking, flight tickets, and tour packages.
- However, it charges a service fee for each ticket.
2. 12306.cn:
- 12306.cn is the official website of China Railway Corporation. It's the most direct way to book tickets, but the website is only available in Chinese.
- You can book tickets up to 15 days in advance.
- The payment methods are limited and may not be convenient for foreigners. It accepts pay with a Chinese bank card and International Card, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
- Customer service is only available in Chinese and during working hours.
- There is no service fee for ticket booking.
In conclusion, if you are a foreign traveler and do not speak Chinese, booking through Trip.com would be more convenient. However, if you are familiar with the Chinese language and payment methods, 12306.cn could save you the service fee.
How to Buy China High Speed Rail Tickets on Trip.com
Setp-to-Step Guide for Booking China High Speed Rail Tickets
Setp-to-Step Guide for Cancelling China High Speed Rail Tickets
How to Buy China High Speed Rail Tickets on 12306
How to Register on 12306 App
Step 9: The system will generate a reminder message after completing the registration. An activation email will be sent to the registered email address. You can only buy tickets after you have activated your account through email.
Step 10: Clicking the link in the activation email will direct you to the 12306 home page. It indicates your account activation has been successful.
How to Book China High Speed Rail Tickets on 12306 App
Step 1: Select China bullet train You preferred
Step 2: Add a list of passengers
- The registered user information is already listed on the "My Passenger" list. If you want to buy tickets for other passengers, please add them to the "My Passenger" list in advance. Each user can add up to 15 passengers of which only up to 5 passengers with "To be verified" status is allowed. Passengers must pass real-name checking. Email address and mobile phone number of Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are accepted as contact method. A maximum of 5 passengers on the list can registered with the same mobile phone number.
- Select "My Passenger" under "My 12306", then click "Add New Passenger". Fill in personal information and mobile phone number, then proceed to next step.
Step 3: Select and confirm ticket information
Tips:
- Each passenger can only buy one ticket for the same train on the same day
- A maximum of 5 single journey tickets or 5 sets of return tickets can be bought per order
- Please note that the system will assign the seats randomly.
Step 4: Payment
Note: Overseas passengers can select "International Card" or "China UnionPay" as the payment method.
Step 5: Complete Payment
China High Speed Rail Boarding Guide
1. Purchase Tickets: You can purchase high-speed rail tickets online, through a mobile app, or at the train station. You will need to provide your passport number when purchasing tickets.
2. Arrive Early: Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train's departure time. The stations can be quite large and busy, so allow yourself plenty of time to find your way around.
3. Security Check: Like at an airport, you will need to go through a security check before entering the station. This includes a luggage scan and a metal detector.
4. Find Your Train: Once you get to the railway station, look for the departure information board. This will display up-to-date information of all departing trains including your train numbers, depature time, station platform, and check-in gate. In China, the station platform is displayed in numbers, and the check-in gate is displayed in A/B.
5. Boarding: Once the train arrives, line up at the designated area on the platform to pass the gate It should be noted that Chinese Id Card, Home Return Permit(residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), Mainland Travel Permit(For residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan traveling to mainland China), Foreigner's Permanent Residence Card can be automatically identified by the turnstile. IIf the automatic turnstile doesn't work out, passengers can go through the manual channel for ticket checking.
6. Find Your Seat: Inside the train, find your seat number. The seat numbers are usually indicated above the seats.
7. Luggage: There are overhead racks for small luggage and designated areas at the end of each car for larger items.
8. During the Journey: Most high-speed trains in China have a dining car where you can buy food and drinks. There are also power outlets for charging electronic devices and clean restrooms.
9. Arrival: When you arrive at your destination, take all your belongings and exit the train. There will be signs directing you to the exit or to connecting transportation.
10. Refund or Change: If you need to refund or change your ticket, you can do so at the ticket office at the station. Note that there may be a fee for this service.
Tips for Buying China High Speed Rail Tickets
- Purchase in Advance: China High Speed Rail Tickets can be purchased up to 15 days in advance. It's recommended to buy your tickets as early as possible, especially during peak travel times like holidays and weekends.
- Use a Reliable Booking Platform: You can buy tickets directly from the official China Railway website or app, or from reliable travel agencies that offer English services. Trip.com is a reliable travel agency that provides 24/7 customer service.
- Check the Train Schedule: Before buying your ticket, check the train schedule carefully. Make sure the departure and arrival times fit your travel plan.
- Provide Correct Personal Information: When booking, you'll need to provide your passport number and full name as it appears on your passport. Make sure all information is correct to avoid any issues when boarding the train.
- Choose the Right Station: Some cities in China have more than one train station. Make sure you know which station your train departs from and arrives at.
- Keep Your Ticket Safe: You'll need your ticket to both enter and exit the train station, so keep it safe during your journey.
- Be Prepared for Security Checks: Just like at an airport, you'll need to go through security checks before boarding your train. Be prepared for this and allow enough time.