Online Travel Agency: rail tickets are not easy to buy during peak seasons like the Golden Week (October 1 ñ 7) and Spring Festival. It is advisable for tourists to use a reliable travel agency like Travel China Guide.
Online Booking with China Railway Customer Service Center: Passengers can book online with China Railway Customer Service Center. While booking, foreigners must present a passport, however the website only has a Chinese version and offers online reservation service to its registered users. Payment online can be made with a bank card from the Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and China UnionPay.
Railway Station: At the booking offices passengers can purchase tickets a few days in advance. In popular cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Xian, booking offices are opened 24 hours.
Designated Booking Office: Generally, passengers can purchase rail tickets 3 to 10 days (20 days for Z and D trains) ahead of travel time at the booking offices in most cities. Expect an additional service charge of CNY5 per ticket.
Travel Agency: It is more convenient to obtain your tickets through a reliable travel agency or at your hotelís Reception Desk. While this is convenient and can save time, service charges are common and might include an additional cost for delivery.
Tips:
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The pre-sale period may be adjusted temporarily during the Chinese holidays or festivals, such as Chinese New Year, National Holiday, and summer vacation. Book through an agency as early as possible.
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Scalpers, Huangniu or Piaofanzi in Chinese, buy tickets repeatedly and resell them at higher prices. This practice is illegal and some scalpers sell fake tickets
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Children between 15 and 17 months only cost half price, while those under 14 months are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult on the train.