China Trains: Tickets, Station Names and Route Planning
Choose a train by its complete station names, travel date and connection to your hotels. A fast journey between stations can still involve long city transfers. China Railway’s 12306 website is the official place to check the services offered for the date you need.
How to arrange a ticket
- Search the origin, destination and date on China Railway 12306. Compare both the departure and arrival stations.
- Enter each traveller’s name and passport details accurately and complete the required identity verification.
- Choose the service and seat type, then check the change, cancellation and payment conditions shown for that booking.
- Keep the confirmation and service number available. Travel with the original identity document used for the ticket.
- Confirm the station approach and the arrival pickup point separately from the rail ticket.
Common city pairs: what to compare
| Journey | Station or connection issue | Planning choice |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing–Xi’an | Read the Beijing departure and Xi’an arrival names in full; a city’s stations are not interchangeable. | Keep the transfer day clear of an out-of-town attraction. |
| Beijing–Shanghai | The chosen service may use a different departure or arrival station from another train. | Compare total hotel-to-hotel time with a flight. |
| Shanghai–Suzhou–Hangzhou | Several stations serve these cities and their wider urban areas. | Choose the station that suits the actual hotel and sightseeing area. |
| Guangzhou–Zhangjiajie | Search for the date and check whether a through service or connection is offered. | Separate the arrival city from the onward transfer to Wulingyuan. |
| Kunming–Dali–Lijiang | Read the available services and arrival times before arranging drivers. | Protect an arrival meal and hotel check-in before adding sightseeing. |
Station arrival and boarding
Allow time for the approach, security, identity checks and finding the gate. The right buffer depends on the station, date, luggage and your group. A first visit or a holiday departure needs more room. Follow staff instructions for passport checks if an automatic gate cannot read your document.
Connections and luggage
For a connection, check whether both trains use the same station and whether a station change is required. Leave time for the actual interchange process. Keep passport, medication and valuables with you, and check the railway’s current baggage and prohibited-item rules. Timetables, fares and booking windows belong to the live search.
Continue with a route guide
Sources and further reading
Vayora Travel editorial team · Updated 18 October 2026