How to book and travel by high-speed rail in China

China's high-speed rail (高铁, gāotiě) covers more than 45,000 km of track and connects almost every major city. Trains prefixed G are the fastest, running up to 350 km/h. D and C trains are slightly slower but still comfortable.

Book through Trip.com or the official 12306 app. Trip.com accepts foreign cards and passports without a Chinese phone number; 12306 is cheaper but needs a Chinese number to register. Tickets typically open 15 days before departure and popular routes sell out, especially around holidays.

When booking, you'll choose between Second Class (comfortable, 5-seat row, the default), First Class (4-seat row, more legroom) and Business Class (2-seat row, fully reclining). Second Class is more than enough for most journeys.

Arrive at the station 45 minutes early. Security screening is airport-style. Bring your passport, it doubles as your ticket. Scan it at the automated gates to enter the platform area.

Check the big departures board for your train number (e.g. G7501) and the waiting hall (候车厅) number. Boarding usually opens 15 minutes before departure and closes 5 minutes before. Trains leave on time, to the minute.

On board, luggage racks sit above your seat and at the carriage ends. Power sockets are at every seat. Quiet carriages exist on some routes; otherwise people chat and take phone calls freely.

When you arrive, follow signs for Exit (出口) and ground transport. Most major stations have a metro link and a taxi queue with marshals. Pre-book a DiDi from inside the station if it's late or raining.