Railway 12306
Book directly with China Railway. Complete passport verification first; check the exact departure station.
Book on 12306All travel guides5 min read · Guide 4 of 5
The first-timer’s field guide · 04
Getting around
Distances are large, but transport is fast, cheap and punctual. Your passport is your ticket for most of it.
A little preparation goes a long way. Save your bookings and your hotel’s Chinese address before departure.
From plan to platform
Book your high-speed train
Trip.com
An English-friendly commercial alternative. Review service fees and refund terms before paying.
Book on Trip.com- 01Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport.
- 02Check the station name — cities often have several.
- 03Bring your original passport. Use a staffed gate if scanning fails.
High-speed trains: the day of travel
- Book using your passport number and exact passport name. Bring the original passport; foreign passports may need to be checked at a staffed gate.
- Beijing to Shanghai commonly takes about 4.5–6.5 hours on a high-speed service. Journey times and fares vary; check your selected train.
- Arrive 40 minutes early: stations are airport-sized and everything goes through security.
- Second class is comfortable and is what most travellers book.
Download before you fly
Navigate the city like a local
Genuine app listings and provider websites. For Android, use the provider’s download page; availability varies by country.
DiDi China
Move
Book a car, see the fare, and pay in the app. Choose the China app, not DiDi Rider.
English available · Save your hotel address
AMap
Navigate
Detailed local routes, metro connections, and places. Language availability varies by version.
Also called Gaode Maps
Apple Maps
Navigate
A familiar option on iPhone that works in mainland China with local mapping data.
iPhone only · Usually already installed
City metro
Every big city has a clean, cheap metro with English signs and announcements. Rides cost ¥3–8. The easiest way to pay is the transport QR code inside Alipay — scan it at the gate, no separate card needed.
Taxis and ride-hailing
- DiDi is the local Uber and has an English mode; pay through the app.
- Use licensed taxis and ask for the meter. Drivers may not speak English — show the address in Chinese.
- Never accept a ride from someone approaching you inside an airport or station. Use the official queue or DiDi pickup point.
A little extra confidence
Before you head to the station
How far ahead can I book?
China Railway generally releases tickets up to 15 days ahead, with release times varying by station. A reseller’s advance request is not always a confirmed ticket; check booking status.
What if my passport does not scan?
Find the staffed/manual lane and show your original passport and booking confirmation. Keep extra time for identity checks.
Can I change or cancel a ticket?
Rules and fees depend on timing and ticket type. Read the current provider terms before paying and check the last permitted change or cancellation time.
Flights and bikes
- Domestic flights make sense above roughly 1,200 km; delays are more common than with trains.
- Shared bikes (Meituan, HelloBike) unlock through Alipay and cost a few yuan for 30 minutes — a great way to see a neighbourhood.
Information only, not legal advice. Entry rules, prices, app access, and features can change. Confirm details with the official provider before you travel.
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