China High-Speed Rail for Foreigners 2026: Booking, Seat Classes, Trip.com vs 12306, and Station Guide

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How do foreigners book China high-speed rail tickets?

Foreign travelers have three main booking channels: Trip.com (formerly Ctrip), the official 12306.cn website and app, and station ticket counters or self-service kiosks. Trip.com is the easiest path for English speakers — it accepts Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, displays routes and seat classes in English, and charges a modest service fee of $2–5 per ticket [1]. 12306.cn is the official China Railway platform offering the lowest prices with no service fee, but its interface is Chinese-only and it requires passport verification that takes 1–3 days [0]. Station counters and kiosks work for same-day or next-day travel but popular routes may be sold out. For most foreign travelers, the optimal approach is to book via Trip.com for advance tickets and use station counters for spontaneous trips or ticket changes. All three channels link your ticket to your passport — there is no physical ticket requirement for boarding.

Sources: 12306.cn — official ticket booking (English), Trip.com China train booking

Which booking channel should foreigners use — Trip.com, 12306.cn, or station counters?

Trip.com is the easiest booking platform for first-time foreign travelers, while 12306.cn suits repeat visitors comfortable with a Chinese-language interface and focused on the lowest price. The differences are significant enough to affect your trip planning. Trip.com offers an English app and website with translated station names, seat-class descriptions, and route maps; it accepts international Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal without any additional verification; it stores your passport information for repeat bookings; its customer service is available in English 24/7; and it charges a service fee of $2–5 per ticket [1]. 12306.cn offers the official lowest price with no service fee; it requires registering an account with passport verification that takes 1–3 business days and must be completed before you can book anything; its interface is Chinese-only (though an English version exists at 12306.cn/en, it has reduced functionality); payment requires a Chinese bank card, Alipay, or WeChat Pay — international cards are not accepted; and customer service is Chinese-language only [0]. Station counters require no digital setup whatsoever — just your passport and cash or card — but you can only book tickets currently available in the system, which means popular routes will likely be sold out [2]. Detailed comparison: Feature | Trip.com | 12306.cn | Station Counter ---|---|---|--- Interface language | Full English | Chinese (English version limited) | Varies; major stations have English-speaking staff Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Alipay, WeChat | Alipay, WeChat, UnionPay, Chinese bank cards only | Cash (RMB), international cards at major stations, Alipay/WeChat Service fee | $2–5 per ticket | None | None Booking window | 15 days (same as official) | 15 days | 15 days for advance; same-day always available Refund process | In-app, refund to original method within 3–15 days | Online to Alipay/WeChat; cash refund at station counter | Immediate cash or card refund at counter Customer support | English 24/7 chat and phone | Chinese only, phone and in-app | In-person, English varies by station Passport verification | Not required — passport entered at booking | Required; 1–3 day online verification or instant in-person at station | Not required — passport shown at counter Best for | First-time visitors, advance bookings, English support | Repeat visitors with Chinese payment, lowest price | Same-day travel, refunds, changes, offline backup The practical recommendation: use Trip.com for advance bookings, keep 12306.cn as a backup if you have Alipay set up, and rely on station counters for last-minute changes or when digital options fail [1].

Sources: 12306.cn — official ticket booking (English), Trip.com China train booking, China Railway official website

How do I book HSR tickets via 12306.cn with a foreign passport?

Booking on 12306.cn with a foreign passport involves a multi-step process that requires patience but saves the service fee. Complete passport verification before your first booking — this is the step most travelers skip or fail. The step-by-step process below covers registration, passport verification, searching for trains in Chinese, selecting seats and passengers, and paying with a Chinese payment method. Budget 20–30 minutes for your first booking if your passport is already verified, or 1–3 days if you need verification first [0].

Sources: 12306.cn — official ticket booking (English)

Which train type should tourists take — G, D, C, K, T, or Z?

China Railway classifies passenger trains into lettered categories that appear as prefixes to the train number, and choosing the right type significantly affects your speed, comfort, and cost. G-series trains (高铁, gaotie) are the flagship high-speed trains running at 300–350 km/h on dedicated passenger lines, connecting major cities over long distances (Beijing–Shanghai, Shanghai–Guangzhou, Xi’an–Chengdu). They have the newest rolling stock, the most comfortable interiors, and all three seat classes (Second, First, Business). G trains are what most tourists want and picture when they think of China high-speed rail [3]. D-series trains (动车, dongche) run at 200–250 km/h on both dedicated high-speed lines and upgraded conventional lines, covering medium distances and serving more secondary cities. D trains are slightly cheaper than G trains for the same route and use older rolling stock with fewer amenities, but are still clean and comfortable [3]. C-series trains (城际, chengji) are short-distance inter-city shuttles with frequent departures and unreserved seating on some routes — you buy a ticket for a specific train but can board any C train on the route within a validity window [4]. Detailed comparison: Train Type | Speed | Route Type | Seat Classes | Price Level | Best For ---|---|---|---|---|--- G (高铁) | 300–350 km/h | Long-distance, dedicated HSR lines | 2nd, 1st, Business | Highest (benchmark) | Inter-city travel between major hubs; the default choice for tourists D (动车) | 200–250 km/h | Medium-distance, HSR and upgraded conventional lines | 2nd, 1st (sometimes Business) | ~20–30% cheaper than G | Regional trips; reaching secondary cities without G service C (城际) | 200–350 km/h | Short inter-city shuttles | 2nd, 1st (sometimes unreserved) | Comparable to D | Day trips between adjacent cities (e.g. Beijing–Tianjin, Guangzhou–Shenzhen) K (快速) | 90–120 km/h | Long-distance conventional lines | Hard seat, Soft seat, Hard sleeper, Soft sleeper | Cheapest | Budget backpacking; slow-travel experiences T (特快) | 120–140 km/h | Long-distance, limited-stop conventional | Hard seat, Soft seat, Hard sleeper, Soft sleeper | Slightly above K | Overnight budget travel with fewer stops than K trains Z (直达) | 140–160 km/h | Long-distance, non-stop or limited-stop conventional | Soft seat, Hard sleeper, Soft sleeper | Higher than K/T | Direct overnight routes between major cities; fastest conventional option For tourists, G trains are the default choice for long-distance travel. D trains work well for regional trips where G service does not exist, and they save you 20–30% on fare. C trains are useful for day trips between adjacent cities. K, T, and Z trains are conventional "green trains" — they are significantly slower (Beijing–Shanghai takes 15–22 hours vs. 4.5 by G train), less comfortable, have squat toilets almost exclusively, and are used mostly by budget-conscious domestic passengers. Avoid K/T/Z trains unless you are specifically seeking a slow-travel experience or need an overnight sleeper on a route without HSR sleeper service [6].

Sources: Wikipedia — High-speed rail in China, Wikipedia — China Railway, Travel China Guide — China train types explained

Which seat class should you choose on China high-speed trains?

China high-speed rail offers three seat classes on G-series trains, each with distinct pricing, comfort levels, and ideal use cases for different trip lengths. Second Class (二等座) is the most popular and economical option with five seats per row in a 3+2 layout, similar to economy class on a plane but with more legroom. First Class (一等座) offers four seats per row in a 2+2 layout with wider seats, significantly more legroom, and a quieter cabin. Business Class (商务座) is a premium cabin with lie-flat seats, dedicated attendant service, complimentary meals, and lounge access [7]. Detailed comparison: Feature | Second Class (二等座) | First Class (一等座) | Business Class (商务座) | Soft Sleeper (软卧) ---|---|---|---|--- Seat layout | 3+2 (five per row) | 2+2 (four per row) | 2+1 or 1+1 (two or three per row) | 4-berth lockable compartment Seat width | ~43 cm (17 in) | ~48 cm (19 in) | ~55 cm (22 in) | Berth: ~70 cm (28 in) Legroom | Standard; adequate for trips under 5 hours | ~15 cm more than Second Class | Full leg extension + ottoman | N/A (lying flat) Recline | Modest (~15°) | Moderate (~25°) | Near-flat to fully flat (150–180°) | Flat berth Power outlet | One Chinese Type A/I per seat pair | One per seat | One per seat + USB | Shared in compartment Tray table | Fold-down from seatback | Fold-down, larger surface | Fold-down + side table | None (use lower berth as surface) Meal service | None (buy from cart or station) | None (buy from cart or station) | Complimentary meal + drinks + snacks | None (buy from cart or station) Lounge access | No | No | Yes, at major stations with refreshments | No Price multiplier | 1x (baseline) | ~1.5x Second Class | ~3x Second Class | ~1.5x Second Class (comparable to First) Overhead storage | Shared rack; can be crowded | Shared rack; more space per passenger | Ample; fewer passengers per car | Luggage area at car end + under lower berth Best for trips of | Up to 5 hours; budget-conscious travel | 5+ hours; working on laptop; families needing space | Overnight or 8+ hours; mobility needs; special occasions | Overnight routes (Beijing–Shanghai, Shanghai–Hong Kong, Xi’an–Lanzhou) Choose Second Class for most trips under 5 hours — it is comfortable, well-maintained, and what the vast majority of travelers use. Upgrade to First Class when you need to work on a laptop (the wider seat and larger tray make a real difference), when traveling with children, or for trips over 5 hours where the extra legroom matters. Business Class is worth the splurge for overnight routes, for celebrating a special occasion, for travelers with back pain or mobility concerns who need lie-flat seating, or if you simply want to experience the best rail product China offers — it genuinely rivals international first-class air travel. For overnight sleepers, Soft Sleeper is strongly recommended over Hard Sleeper: the four-berth compartment has a lockable door, clean bedding, and far more privacy than the open six-berth Hard Sleeper bays [7].

Sources: China Highlights — high-speed rail guide

How early should I book HSR tickets?

Tickets open 15 days before departure, typically at 8:00 AM Beijing time, and popular routes sell out within hours or even minutes during peak periods. For the busiest corridors — Beijing–Shanghai, Shanghai–Hangzhou, Guangzhou–Shenzhen — book the day tickets open, especially for Friday, Sunday, or holiday-weekend travel. During Chinese national holidays (Spring Festival/Lunar New Year in January/February, National Day October 1–7, Labor Day May 1–5), tickets sell out within minutes of release across the entire network — plan to book the moment they open or use Trip.com’s "ticket sniping" paid add-on, which automatically retries booking for a specified train [1]. For off-peak weekday travel on less competitive routes (e.g. Kunming–Dali, Guiyang–Guilin), booking 1–3 days ahead is usually fine. Sleeper tickets sell faster than seats on any given route because there are fewer berths per train. If your preferred train sells out, check for "无座" (standing) tickets — you can stand in the designated areas and often grab a seat at intermediate stops when passengers disembark. Trip.com automatically suggests alternative trains when your first choice is full. A practical strategy: book your long-distance backbone routes the moment tickets open, then fill in regional and day-trip tickets 2–5 days ahead [1].

Sources: Trip.com China train booking

What do I need at the station to board my train?

The boarding process at Chinese HSR stations is efficient but unfamiliar to first-time visitors. Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before departure for major stations, or 20–30 minutes for smaller stations. You do not need a paper ticket — your e-ticket is linked to your passport number in the China Railway system [2]. Follow these steps in order.

Sources: China Railway official website

What are the top 10 HSR stations for foreign travelers, station by station?

China has hundreds of high-speed rail stations, but these ten hubs are the ones foreign travelers encounter most often, each with unique transit connections and English-language support levels. All ten stations have automated passport gates, English signage, and at least one staffed ticket counter with basic English. Airport connections vary significantly — some stations are integrated with airport terminals, while others require a separate transit leg [11]. Station | City | Key Lines Served | Airport Connection | English Signage | Lounge | Key Tips ---|---|---|---|---|---|--- Beijing South (北京南) | Beijing | Beijing–Shanghai HSR, Beijing–Tianjin, Beijing–Harbin | 40–60 min by subway (Line 4) to Daxing; 50–70 min taxi to Capital | Excellent; bilingual throughout | Business Class lounge near Gate 12 with snacks and drinks | Massive station; arrive 45 min early. Layout: arrivals on B1, departures on 2F. Station restaurants include KFC, McDonald’s, and local noodle shops on 2F. Shanghai Hongqiao (上海虹桥) | Shanghai | Beijing–Shanghai HSR, Shanghai–Kunming, Shanghai–Nanjing, Shanghai–Hangzhou | Integrated with SHA airport (Terminal 2); follow signs for "Train" | Excellent; bilingual throughout | Business lounge on 2F near Gate 14A | The most convenient airport–rail connection in China — walk from T2 arrival to HSR platform in 15–20 min. Departures on 2F and 3F. Guangzhou South (广州南) | Guangzhou | Beijing–Guangzhou HSR, Guangzhou–Shenzhen, Guangzhou–Nanning | 60–80 min by subway (Line 2 then Line 3) to CAN | Good; bilingual at key points | Business lounge on 3F | One of the largest stations in Asia by area. Subway station is directly below. Food court on B1 has excellent Cantonese options. Shenzhen North (深圳北) | Shenzhen | Beijing–Guangzhou–Shenzhen, Shenzhen–Xiamen, Shenzhen–Hong Kong | 40–60 min by subway (Line 4 then Line 11) to SZX | Good; bilingual | Business lounge on 2F | Hong Kong border is 20 min by HSR to West Kowloon station. Station connects directly to Shenzhen Metro Lines 4, 5, 6. Chengdu East (成都东) | Chengdu | Xi’an–Chengdu HSR, Chengdu–Chongqing, Chengdu–Guiyang, Chengdu–Kunming | 50–70 min by subway (Line 2 then Line 10) to CTU; 40 min to Tianfu (Line 7 then Line 18) | Good; bilingual at key points | Business lounge on 2F | Station has a dedicated left-luggage office (寄存处) on B1. Excellent hotpot restaurants within 10 min walk of the east exit. Xi’an North (西安北) | Xi’an | Zhengzhou–Xi’an HSR, Xi’an–Chengdu HSR, Xi’an–Lanzhou | 40–50 min by subway (Line 2 then Line 14) to XIY | Good; bilingual | Business lounge on 2F | One of the largest stations by platform count (34 platforms). Subway Line 2 connects directly to city center (Bell Tower, 25 min). Hangzhou East (杭州东) | Hangzhou | Shanghai–Hangzhou HSR, Hangzhou–Ningbo, Hangzhou–Changsha, Hangzhou–Huangshan | 40–50 min by subway (Line 1 then Line 7) to HGH | Good; bilingual | Business lounge on 2F | West Lake is 25 min by taxi or 35 min by subway. Station has excellent tea shops and local snack vendors on the departures level. Nanjing South (南京南) | Nanjing | Beijing–Shanghai HSR, Shanghai–Nanjing, Nanjing–Hangzhou, Nanjing–Anqing | 50–70 min by subway (Line S1) to NKG | Good; bilingual | Business lounge on 2F | Beautiful station architecture with traditional Chinese roof design. Subway Lines 1, 3, S1, S3 connect here. Confucius Temple area is 20 min by subway. Wuhan (武汉) | Wuhan | Beijing–Guangzhou HSR, Wuhan–Yichang, Wuhan–Jiujiang | 60–80 min by subway (Line 2 then Line 4) to WUH | Moderate; bilingual at main areas | Business lounge on 2F | Three sub-stations (Wuhan, Wuchang, Hankou) serve different directions — confirm you are at "武汉站" (Wuhan Station) for HSR. Subway Line 4 connects directly. Kunming South (昆明南) | Kunming | Shanghai–Kunming HSR, Kunming–Nanning, Kunming–Dali, Kunming–Vientiane (Laos) | 60–80 min by subway (Line 1 then Line 6) to KMG | Moderate; bilingual at main areas | Business lounge on 2F | Gateway to Yunnan and the China–Laos Railway. Station has dedicated international ticket window for cross-border trains. City center (Green Lake) is 40 min by subway. At all of these stations, the ticket-counter staff have at least basic English, and automated passport gates accept foreign passports. For stations not on this list, assume Chinese-only signage and limited English support — carry a translation app with key phrases saved offline [11].

Sources: Trip.com — China rail station guide

What are the baggage rules, and what can and cannot you bring on China HSR?

China HSR baggage rules are generous compared to air travel, with a 20 kg official weight limit and practical leniency for standard luggage sizes and quantities. If you can carry it yourself and it fits in the overhead rack or the luggage area at the end of each car, it is generally allowed [2]. Each car has overhead racks suitable for carry-on bags and larger luggage storage areas at the car ends for full-size suitcases. There is no formal checked-luggage system on most HSR routes; you carry everything on board and stow it yourself [9]. Comprehensive baggage rules: Item Category | Rule | Practical Guidance ---|---|--- Standard luggage | 20 kg per adult (10 kg per child); max dimensions ~160 cm sum of length+width+height | Enforcement is lenient — most full-size suitcases are fine. If you can manage it yourself, station staff rarely intervene. Carry-on bags | Included in the 20 kg allowance | Backpacks and small bags go on overhead racks above your seat or under the seat in front (First/Business Class only). Power banks | Must be in carry-on luggage; max 100 Wh (approx. 27,000 mAh at 3.7V) | Power banks must not be placed in luggage stored at car ends. Keep them at your seat. Laptops and electronics | Allowed without restriction | Use at your seat; power outlets are at every seat in all classes. Food and drinks | Allowed freely | Hot water dispensers at car ends are free. A food cart sells snacks and drinks. Alcohol is permitted but public drunkenness can result in removal. Bicycles | Not allowed unless fully bagged in a bike travel case | Folding bikes must be folded and bagged. Full-size bikes are prohibited — use station luggage offices or courier services to transport them. Large musical instruments | Allowed if within size limits; oversized instruments need advance booking | Cellos and smaller instruments usually fit in luggage areas. Double basses and large cases require booking through the station luggage office 1–3 days before travel. Ski and snowboard equipment | Allowed if bagged and within size limits | Fits in the luggage area at car ends on most trains. Avoid peak holiday travel when cars are most crowded. Pets | Not allowed in passenger cars | No exceptions. Use China’s pet transport services or leave pets with a sitter. Prohibited items | Explosives, flammables, corrosive substances, compressed gases, weapons | Same as air travel. Station security X-ray scans all baggage. Confiscated items are not returned. Fragile items and valuables (passport, wallet, phone, laptop, camera) should stay with you at your seat — never leave them in the luggage area at the car end. If you have multiple suitcases, book a First Class or Business Class seat: the extra space and fewer passengers per car make managing luggage significantly easier than in a crowded Second Class car [9]. Power banks must be in carry-on luggage, not placed in luggage stored away from your seat, as a fire-safety regulation [2].

Sources: China Railway official website, China Highlights — baggage allowance policy

How do I get a refund or change my HSR ticket?

Refunds and changes are handled through the same channel you used to book, with China Railway applying a sliding-scale fee that increases as departure approaches. On Trip.com, go to "My Bookings," select the ticket, and choose "Cancel" or "Change" — the platform abstracts most complexity but charges its own change fees on top of China Railway’s schedule [1]. On 12306.cn, log in, go to "已完成订单" (Completed Orders), select the ticket, and follow the refund flow — refunds return to your Alipay or WeChat Pay balance [0]. At station counters, present your passport and booking reference, and staff process the refund or change in cash or back to your original payment method [2]. China Railway standard refund fee schedule [10]: Time Before Departure | Refund Fee (as % of ticket price) ---|--- More than 8 days | 0% (free) 24 hours to 8 days | 5% 4 to 24 hours | 10% 1 to 4 hours | 20% Within 1 hour | 30% After departure | No refund possible Changes to a different train on the same route and same date are free if made more than 24 hours before departure, subject to seat availability. Changes to a different date incur the refund fee shown above on the original ticket. During peak holiday periods (Spring Festival, National Day, Labor Day), changes are restricted — you may need to cancel and rebook rather than modify. Trip.com’s platform charges its own additional change fees (typically $2–5) on top of China Railway’s schedule. For the lowest fees, make changes at a station counter where only the official China Railway fee applies. If your train is delayed by China Railway (not by you arriving late), you can get a full refund with no fee at the station counter — this is a passenger right under China Railway policy [10].

Sources: 12306.cn — official ticket booking (English), Trip.com China train booking, China Railway official website, 12306.cn — passenger service and refund rules

When things go wrong: missed trains, delays, and lost tickets

Things can and occasionally do go wrong during rail travel in China — here is exactly what to do for the most common disruptions a foreign traveler might encounter. Stay calm: China Railway handles millions of passengers daily and has established procedures for every scenario. The single most important rule is to go to a staffed ticket counter (not a kiosk) immediately, passport in hand [10]. Scenario 1: You missed your train. 1. Go immediately to any staffed ticket counter (人工窗口) — do not use a self-service kiosk. 2. Present your passport and explain you missed your train. You can exchange your ticket for a later train on the same route and same date, subject to availability and a change fee (see the refund fee schedule above). 3. If the next train has no seats, ask about standing tickets (无座) or trains on nearby routes that get you to your destination. 4. If all same-day options are sold out, your original ticket is lost — you will need to buy a new ticket for the next available day. During peak holidays, assume missed train = trip cancelled for that day. 5. Trip.com’s English customer support can search for alternative routes remotely, but at-station handling is faster — visit the counter first, then call Trip.com if needed. Scenario 2: Your train is delayed. 1. Delays are announced on departure boards in Chinese and English at major stations. 2. If the delay exceeds 30 minutes, listen for announcements about compensation — China Railway policy entitles passengers to a partial refund for delays over 30 minutes, but this must be claimed at the station counter. 3. If the delay means you will miss a connection, go to the ticket counter and ask about rebooking — station staff can arrange alternative connections. 4. Delays from extreme weather (typhoons, heavy snow) can cascade across the network. In these cases, accept that flexibility is limited and focus on getting to your destination, even if on a slower train or a different route. 5. Boarding for delayed trains is announced as normal once the train is ready — stay near the departure board and listen for updates. Scenario 3: You lost your booking confirmation or cannot find your e-ticket. 1. Do not panic — your ticket is linked to your passport, not to a piece of paper or an email. 2. Go to any ticket counter or self-service kiosk with your passport. Staff can look up all tickets linked to your passport number. 3. At a kiosk, select English, then "Collect Ticket" or "Query Order," and scan your passport. The kiosk displays all your bookings. 4. If you booked through Trip.com, open the app — your booking confirmation with the train number, date, and seat assignment is always available under "My Bookings." 5. You do not need a paper ticket to board; your passport is sufficient at all automated and manual gates. Scenario 4: Your passport gate rejection or ID mismatch. 1. If the automated face-recognition gate rejects you, do not keep trying — it may lock after repeated failures. 2. Go to the "人工通道" (manual lane) next to the automated gates. A staff member will check your passport manually. 3. If the manual check also fails (rare, usually due to name mismatch between booking and passport), go to the ticket counter and ask staff to verify your booking. 4. In the worst case, if the name on the booking does not match your passport (e.g. missing middle name, typo), you may need to buy a new ticket — this is why you should double-check name matching at the time of booking [10].

Sources: 12306.cn — passenger service and refund rules

How to plan a multi-city HSR itinerary across China

China’s HSR network makes multi-city itineraries not just possible but genuinely enjoyable, and with the right planning you can see five or six cities in two weeks without taking a single flight. The classic first-timer route — Beijing (3–4 days) to Xi’an (2–3 days) to Chengdu (2–3 days) to Shanghai (3–4 days) — is entirely connected by G trains and showcases China’s historical depth, culinary diversity, and modern scale in a single trip [5]. Follow these steps to build your own itinerary.

Sources: China Discovery — HSR guide for tourists

What is it actually like to ride China HSR as a foreigner?

The onboard experience is efficient, quiet, and orderly — in many ways more pleasant than European or American rail travel. Boarding is organized by car number, with platform markings indicating exactly where each car door will stop (Chinese passengers line up at the marked positions, and the train stops within inches of them). Inside, cars are air-conditioned, clean, and staffed by uniformed attendants who pass through with snack carts and hot water for instant noodles. Announcements are made in Mandarin and English at most G-train stations, but onboard announcements may be Chinese-only on some routes. Seat numbers are printed on your ticket and displayed above each seat row; an occupied seat will often have a passenger sitting in it when you arrive at an intermediate stop — show your ticket and they will move. Power outlets at each seat use Chinese-style sockets (Type A and Type I, 220V); bring a universal adapter. The bathroom situation varies: cars have Western-style and squat toilets, with Western toilets more common on G trains; cleanliness is reasonable but bring your own tissues and hand sanitizer. Hot water dispensers at the end of each car provide free boiling water — bring tea bags or instant coffee. WiFi is available on most trains but is unreliable and blocks Google and most Western sites (it uses domestic Chinese routing), so do not rely on it. Download entertainment offline. Fellow passengers are generally respectful — phone calls are taken quietly, and loud conversations are uncommon. Smoking is strictly prohibited onboard (trains have smoke detectors that trigger automatic braking if triggered), but smoking is permitted on platforms during longer stops. Overall, the experience is comparable to premium European rail at a fraction of the European price [8].

Sources: Seat 61 — China train travel guide