China's high-speed rail explained

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

China has built the largest high-speed rail network in the world, and for visitors it is often the single easiest way to move between major cities — fast, frequent and considerably less hassle than flying once you understand the booking system and the ID checks that go with it. This guide covers how the network is organised, how to book, and the practical points that catch first-time riders out.

G trains, D trains and the difference between them

China's high-speed services are split mainly into two categories. G trains are the fastest, running at up to around 300–350 km/h on dedicated high-speed lines, and are the standard choice between major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. D trains run at somewhat lower speeds, sometimes sharing track with conventional services, and often serve routes or intermediate stops that G trains skip. Both are modern, comfortable and punctual; the choice usually comes down to whichever fits your schedule and stops, rather than one being categorically better than the other.

The flagship Beijing–Shanghai corridor, covered in our Beijing to Shanghai guide, is the best-known example of a G-train route, covering the distance in well under five hours on the fastest services.

Booking tickets: 12306 and Trip.com

The official booking system is 12306, the China Railway website and app, which sells every seat on every train but has historically been a little unforgiving for foreign visitors, since it requires a Chinese-format ID or passport registration and its English interface has had rough edges. Many international travellers instead book through Trip.com, a widely used third-party platform that resells the same tickets with a more accessible English interface and international payment support, generally for a small booking fee. Either route works; Trip.com is usually the simpler option for visitors without a Chinese phone number or bank card.

ID checks and station security

Every high-speed ticket in China is tied to a specific passport or ID document, and stations run airport-style security screening for both passengers and luggage before you can reach the platform. This means arriving with a comfortable buffer before departure — 45 minutes to an hour is a sensible minimum at a large station like Beijing South or Shanghai Hongqiao, since queues for security and ID checks can be substantial, especially at peak travel times such as Chinese New Year.

Classes on board

Most high-speed trains offer second class, first class and a smaller business class, with each step up buying wider seats, more legroom and, in business class, near fully reclining seating. Second class is perfectly comfortable for most journeys and is what the majority of travellers, Chinese and foreign alike, use day to day. All seats are reserved — there is no unreserved or standing option on these services, so a specific seat is allocated to every ticket sold.

Booking window and peak periods

Tickets typically go on sale about two weeks before departure, and popular routes at popular times can sell out, particularly around Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), National Day (Golden Week in October) and other major holidays, when hundreds of millions of domestic trips happen in a short window. Booking as soon as tickets are released is the safest approach around these periods; outside them, a few days' notice is usually more than enough.

Getting between stations and the city

Large Chinese cities often have more than one major rail station serving different lines and directions, so it is worth confirming exactly which station your train uses well before travel day — Beijing, for instance, has separate stations handling different high-speed corridors. Our Beijing airport to the city and Shanghai airport to the city guides cover the equivalent airport transfers if your trip combines flights with onward high-speed rail.

Beyond the flagship routes

The high-speed network reaches far beyond Beijing and Shanghai, connecting inland and southern cities that would otherwise mean a long slog by road or a costly domestic flight — our Beijing to Xian and Shanghai to Guilin guides cover two popular examples reaching well beyond the eastern seaboard. For the full picture of how high-speed rail fits into a wider trip, including onward international connections, our Moscow to Beijing guide covers the classic overland route into the country by rail.

Practical tips

• Book through Trip.com if you don't have a Chinese bank card or phone number — it resells genuine 12306 inventory with an easier checkout for foreign visitors.
• Arrive with at least 45 minutes to spare at major stations to clear security and ID checks comfortably.
• Always carry the exact passport used at booking; a different passport, even for the same person, will not match the ticket.
• Check which of a city's multiple stations your train actually departs from — it is not always the most central one.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between G and D trains in China?

G trains are the fastest, running up to around 300–350 km/h on dedicated high-speed lines; D trains run somewhat slower and sometimes share track with conventional services, often serving routes G trains skip.

How do I book Chinese high-speed rail tickets as a foreign visitor?

Through 12306, the official China Railway platform, or more easily through Trip.com, a third-party site with an English interface and international payment support that resells the same official tickets.

Do I need my passport to travel on Chinese high-speed trains?

Yes. Tickets are tied to the passport or ID used at booking, and this is checked both to enter the station and to board the train — always carry the physical document.

How far ahead should I book to avoid trains selling out?

Tickets usually go on sale about two weeks ahead. Book as soon as possible around Chinese New Year and Golden Week; a few days' notice is normally fine at other times.