China rail travel library
Train guides & travel tips
Practical guides to China's most popular train routes and step-by-step tutorials for first-time visitors booking with a foreign passport.
Route guides
Beijing to Shanghai
How to travel from Beijing to Shanghai by high-speed train, including stations, journey times, seat classes, and booking tips for foreign visitors.
Shanghai to Guangzhou
Plan a Shanghai to Guangzhou train journey with station details, typical travel time, seat options, and practical booking advice.
Beijing to Xi'an
Travel from Beijing to Xi'an by bullet train with guidance on stations, seat classes, journey time, and visiting the Terracotta Warriors.
Shanghai to Hangzhou
A practical guide to the short Shanghai–Hangzhou high-speed train trip, including station choices and day-trip planning.
Guangzhou to Shenzhen
Compare Guangzhou and Shenzhen high-speed train stations, typical trip times, and the best ticket options for visitors.
Hong Kong to Guilin
Book a direct Hong Kong to Guilin high-speed train and understand cross-border checks, stations, seats, and journey planning.
Chengdu to Chongqing
Travel between Chengdu and Chongqing by high-speed train in about an hour. This guide covers stations, seat classes, and tips for visiting both cities.
Beijing to Chengdu
Plan your Beijing to Chengdu high-speed train trip with full details on stations, journey time, seat options, and what to do after arrival.
How-to guides
How to Buy China Train Tickets as a Foreigner
A step-by-step guide to booking Chinese high-speed train tickets with a foreign passport—what documents you need, how payment works, and how to collect your ticket.
China Train Seat Classes Explained
Understand the difference between second class, first class, and business class on China's high-speed trains—and which one is right for your journey.
How to Collect Your China Train Ticket at the Station
A clear walkthrough of collecting a Chinese train ticket at the station as a foreign visitor—machines, windows, waiting rooms, and boarding.