■ Ticket purchase
1. Identification documents. Foreign travelers can use the following valid identification documents when purchasing tickets or paying for the extended trip at the railway station's ticket office and ticket agents, or on trains: Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card; Passport; Foreigner's exit-entry permit; Seafarer's Certificate; Receipt of acceptance of a visa application issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China; Passport loss report certificate; Temporary international travel document issued by embassies and consulates in China (with valid visas or stay certificates issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China attached). Foreign travelers can use Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards and passports to purchase tickets through China Railway's 12306 English website, 12306 app, or booking hotline. Foreign travelers can also use Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to purchase tickets on self-service machines.
2. Identity verification. To ensure safe and orderly passenger transport, China's railway operator implements real-name ticketing according to relevant regulations. Foreign travelers must complete identity verification before purchasing tickets. You can log in to China Railway's 12306 English website or app to fill in your name, nationality, ID number, and other information following the instructions. The system will automatically complete identity verification. Or, you can upload a photo of the passport information page for manual verification. You can also take valid passports to the ticket office at the railway station for identity verification.
3. Ticket purchase. After the identity verification, foreign travelers can purchase tickets. You can purchase tickets online through China Railway's 12306 English website or app and pay by Chinese or foreign bank cards as well as mobile payment apps. You can also purchase tickets at the ticket office at the railway station and pay by Chinese or foreign bank cards, in RMB cash, or by mobile payment apps. Some railway stations also have self-service machines for ticket purchase.
For more specific information on applicable payment methods, please refer to the signage or cashier for guidance.
■ Ticket change
Foreign travelers can change tickets on China Railway's 12306 English website and app, or at the ticket office of the railway station. Service fees may be incurred depending on the time of ticket change or the new date of travel.
■ Ticket refund
Foreign travelers can request a ticket refund on China Railway's 12306 English website and app, or at the ticket office of the railway station. Service fees may be incurred depending on the time of cancellation.
■ Railway station entry/exit and train boarding
Foreign travelers can enter and exit the railway station through automatic or manual ticket check gates with the original valid identification documents used when buying tickets, and cooperate to complete ticket verification on the way.
For details of relevant rules, please visit China Railway's 12306 English website or app, or call China Railway's customer service hotline (12306) for consultation.
China Railway's 12306 English website:
Source: A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2025 Edition) issued by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China
