Plan · Transport
High-speed rail in China
The Chinese high-speed network is the world's largest. 45,000+ km of dedicated track, several thousand departures a day, the fastest commercial services on Earth. For travellers, it has replaced domestic flights on most routes under 1,500 km.
Network basics
- G-class (Gao): fastest, 300–350 km/h, dedicated track only.
- D-class (Dongche): 200–250 km/h, often using mixed track.
- C-class (Chengji): short intercity, similar speed to D.
- K, T, Z: conventional trains; useful for overnight long-distance routes (Beijing–Lhasa, Urumqi).
How to book
The official channel is the Railway 12306 app (or 12306.cn website). Foreigners can register with a passport. The app is in Chinese; the English mode is functional. Tickets release 14 days in advance.
Third-party apps (Trip.com, Ctrip) sell Chinese rail tickets at a small markup with English interfaces. Useful if 12306 declines your foreign card.
In-person at a station's foreigner counter works as a backup.
Real-name ID requirement
You must travel on the passport you booked under. The ID is checked when entering the station gate (machine reads passport) and when boarding (paper or e-ticket scanned).
Class options
- Second class (二等座): standard. Comfortable.
- First class (一等座): wider seats, more legroom.
- Business class (商务座): reclining sleeper-like seats, free meal, lounge access at major stations.
- Sleeper (软卧/硬卧): on overnight conventional services.
At the station
HSR stations are airport-sized. Allow 30 minutes from arrival to boarding. Security scan is the same as at airports — no liquids over 100ml, no power banks over 100Wh. Boarding closes 5 minutes before departure.
Tips
- Buy second class, especially for trips under 4 hours. Comfort difference doesn't justify the markup.
- Avoid the period around Spring Festival (15 days before through 25 days after lunar new year). The 'biggest annual human migration' clogs every train.
- Allow 60+ minutes for transfers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou — the HSR stations are large and far from city centres.
- Bring food — onboard food is functional but not great. Most stations have decent food courts.