Compared to bus and plane tickets, buying train tickets can be tricky for tourists who want to travel by rail during their visit to China. Tickets for busy routes and popular destinations can sell out, and it can be particularly difficult to get tickets for travel during long holidays, for example the two week-long holidays: National Day Holiday (October1-7) and Chinese New Year.

Real-Name Ticket Policy

Since January 1, 2012, there has been a policy in place requiring all passengers to present valid ID when buying tickets and boarding trains. This policy applies to all trains in China, and was implemented to stop scalpers from buying large numbers of tickets and re-selling them at inflated prices. This used to make it difficult for travelers to get tickets at fair prices, especially during the annual Spring Festival travel rush.

Valid ID certificates that can be shown to buy tickets include: Chinese citizen ID card, passport, Permit of Inland Entry and Exit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, Permit of Mainland Entry and Exit for Taiwan Residents, Home-return Permit, Permit for Mainland Residents to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, Residence Permit for Foreigners, Aliens' Exit-Entry Permit, Diplomat Certificate, Consulate Certificate and Seafarer Certificate. The first four documents can be used to book or reserve tickets online. 

One valid ID certificate can be used to buy one ticket for a specific date and train, but an exception is made when buying tickets for children who will be accompanied by an adult. If you are abroad when you want to book your tickets, you can ask a Chinese friend to help process the booking for you by presenting a copy of your passport and his/her own ID.

The real-name policy is also in effect when passengers check in. The passenger's name and the number of his or her ID document will be printed on the ticket. Passengers should check to make sure their tickets and ID numbers match up, and present their tickets and corresponding ID when checking in and going through security.

Where to buy

» Designated Booking Offices: Generally, passengers can purchase rail tickets 1-18 days (20 days for Z and D trains) ahead of their departure date at the booking offices distributed throughout cities. A service charge of 5 yuan ($0.8) per ticket will be added to the ticket price.

» Railway Stations: At the booking offices of railway stations, passengers can purchase tickets on the spot or up to 18 days in advance. In larger cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, booking offices are open 24 hours a day.

» Online Booking: Passengers can book online with the China Railway Customer Service Center (www.12306.cn) 1-20 days in advance.

Tickets for all trains were made available online in early 2012. But only four types of ID are accepted for online bookings, so have your passport, Permit of Inland Entry and Exit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, Permit of Mainland Entry and Exit for Taiwan Residents or Chinese citizen ID card handy. But be warned, there is only a Chinese version of the website and it only allows registered users to reserve tickets online.

Online payments can be made with bank cards from the Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and other cards that use China UnionPay. Users can make payments through the e-currency payment service.

Passengers can choose seats when booking bullet train tickets online. Seat numbers consist of a number and a letter. The number indicates the seat row, while the letter indicates the position in the row. There are five seats per row, with A and F representing window seats; C and D representing aisle seats; and B representing a middle seat. 

» Telephone Booking: Passengers can book tickets via telephone 1-20 days in advance (95105105 for train stations in most Chinese cities; 96006 for Chengdu and 96688 for Xi'an). 

» Travel Agencies: It is often more convenient to obtain your tickets through a reliable travel agency or at the reception desk of your hotel. While this way of booking tickets is both convenient and can save time, service charges will be added to the ticket price, along with delivery service charges, if applicable.

(Source: www.travelchinaguide.com)

Tips:

» Advance sales periods may be adjusted during high-traffic times, such as Chinese New Year, National Day Holiday and summer vacation. To avoid disappointments and difficulties, book tickets as early as possible.

» Tickets for children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters tall are half price, while those shorter than 1.2 meters can ride for free. Please note that it is strongly encouraged that children be accompanied by adults when traveling by train.