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StoryA world of stories, stitched into a sleeveStoryChina is worth getting up forStoryA garden you read one view at a timeStoryThe journey outside the train windowStoryOne small boat, a country of waterwaysStoryA morning, a chair, a cup of ChengduStoryThree cities, three ways to light the nightStoryRead the city through its moving partsStoryThe electric car passing your windowStoryThrough the doors of China's international fairsStoryYunnan, through the hands that make itStoryFour Yunnan landscapes, four ways to exploreStoryYunnan in song, from the snow mountain to the stagePractical guideThe 24-hour pre-flight checklistPractical guideMake mobile payment work before arrivalPractical guideeSIM or local SIM: choose by what you needPractical guideYour first 72 hours, in the right orderPractical guideThe small app stack that covers most tripsPractical guideHow to get around: metro, bus and high-speed railPractical guideHigh-speed rail without the station panicPractical guideHow to communicate: a pocket Chinese phrasebookPractical guidePlan a supplier or factory visit that stays on schedule
Explore China5 min read

High-speed rail without the station panic

Book with the correct passport details, arrive early and follow the train number—not only the city name.

Checked · 25 Sep 2026

Do this in order

  1. Use the official Railway 12306 English website/app or a trusted booking platform; enter your passport name and number exactly.

  2. Check the station carefully: large cities often have several stations with similar names but long travel times between them.

  3. Bring the same original passport used for booking and arrive about 45–60 minutes early for security and platform finding.

  4. Match the train number, departure time, gate and carriage. Keep your passport available for boarding checks.

A little more preparation

Keep a useful answer close, then get back to exploring.

Before you go

The 24-hour pre-flight checklist

Put entry documents, payment, internet and Chinese addresses in the right order before you board.

Read the guideHow to…

Make mobile payment work before arrival

A practical Alipay-first setup with WeChat Pay and cash as real backups.

Read the guideHow to…

eSIM or local SIM: choose by what you need

Buy data before flying, or get a +86 number at an airport counter or operator-owned hall.

Read the guide