Use the official channel
12306 is China Railway’s official ticketing service. The English website supports foreign-passport registration and real-name ticket purchase, avoiding unnecessary third-party booking fees.
Create the account carefully
Enter name, nationality, passport number and expiry exactly as instructed. Do not improvise name order or omit names because another travel app accepted a shortened version.
- 候补
- Waitlist
- 改签
- Change ticket
- 退票
- Refund ticket
- 检票口
- Ticket gate
Passenger verification
Verification can depend on the document and account status. Complete it before a holiday booking window opens; keep the same passport available for ticket purchase and travel.
Search the right stations
Many cities have several stations far apart. Confirm the Chinese station name, travel time to the station and the arrival station’s distance from your final destination before choosing the fastest train.
Choose train and seat
Compare departure time, duration and seat type. High-speed G/C/D services and conventional trains have different travel times and seat categories; do not choose on price without checking duration.
Sold out does not always mean finished
Use the official waitlist option when available instead of paying an unknown agent who claims special inventory. Set acceptable trains and confirm the payment or fulfilment deadline shown by 12306.
Changes and refunds
Rules depend on timing and ticket state. Use the official order page, read the displayed fee and keep the transaction record. The English site states enquiries and refunds are available 24 hours, while sale/change service has defined hours.
At the station
Arrive early at an unfamiliar station, use the exact departure station and follow passport or manual-inspection channels if an automatic gate does not accept the document. Keep booking details and destination in Chinese available offline.
Avoid fake ticket services
Do not send passport images, payment or account codes to an unverified “agent.” A third party cannot create seats that the official inventory does not have; any convenience fee should be transparent before payment.
SOURCES & CHECKS
Official references used for changeable rules and service details:
12306 English website 12306 ticketing FAQNever send passwords, SMS codes or payment details to a stranger. Be cautious if someone asks you to leave the official platform or confirm an order before the service is complete.