China’s World-Class Rail Network
China by Bullet Train
High-Speed Rail Tours · 复兴号 · 和谐号
42,000 km of high-speed rail. 350 km/h top speeds. The world’s most extensive bullet train network — and the most scenic way to travel between China’s greatest cities.
Why Travel China by Train?
Planes get you from A to B. Bullet trains show you China along the way. Watch the landscape transform from flat farmland to snow-capped mountains, from coastal cities to ancient villages — all from a comfortable seat with a window view. No airport security. No baggage limits. Just scenery and speed.
Train vs. Plane
High-Speed Rail
- ✓ City center to city center
- ✓ No baggage restrictions
- ✓ Wi-Fi on most trains
- ✓ See the countryside
- ✓ No security lines
- ✓ Beijing-Shanghai: 4.5 hours
Airplane
- ✗ Airport out of city center
- ✗ 23kg baggage limit typical
- ✗ Limited connectivity
- ✗ Clouds and more clouds
- ✗ 2-hour security + boarding
- ✗ Beijing-Shanghai: 2.5h + 3h ground
Fuxinghao vs Hexiehao
The two main types of bullet trains — what’s the difference?
Fuxinghao (复兴号)
“Revival” — China’s newest generation
China’s fully indigenous bullet train — designed and built domestically. Smoother ride, better Wi-Fi, more spacious seats, and USB charging at every seat. Golden or red stripe on the exterior. Currently operates on Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Guangzhou, and other premium routes.
Hexiehao (和谐号)
“Harmony” — the backbone network
China’s original high-speed trains, developed with technology from Japan, Germany, and France. White with a blue stripe. Still operates on most routes across the network — reliable, comfortable, and covers everywhere. Don’t skip a Hexiehao journey; it’s still an excellent experience.
Most Popular Routes
Scenic, fast, and convenient
The Golden Route
China’s busiest high-speed corridor. Shanghai’s skyline to Beijing’s Forbidden City in less than half a day. Watch the North China Plain scroll by.
Through the Qinling Mountains
One of the most spectacular train journeys in China — the line tunnels through the Qinling mountains, reaching 2,000m altitude. Great photography opportunities.
The Southbound Express
From northern capital to Yunnan tropics. Watch the landscape shift from dry plains to karst mountains as you cross 2,200 km. An overnight option too.
How We Book Your Tickets
Foreigners can’t use 12306 easily — we handle it for you
Tell Us Your Route
Share your travel dates and cities. We’ll check real-time availability on 12306 and suggest the best trains for your schedule.
We Purchase Your Tickets
We use our verified 12306 account to buy tickets for you — standard class, business class, or first class. No need for a Chinese phone number or ID.
E-Tickets Delivered
You’ll receive PDF tickets with QR codes. At the station, use your passport at the dedicated foreigners ticket window or self-service machines to collect your seat assignments.
We Meet You at the Station
Your guide meets you at the platform with your tickets. We handle station transfers, luggage, and ensure you board the right carriage.
Seat Classes
- Second Class (二等座): Comfortable, affordable, all trains
- First Class (一等座): Wider seats, more legroom, quieter
- Business Class (商务座): Flat-bed seats on premium routes
- Soft Sleeper (软卧): Overnight trains — private compartments
- Hard Sleeper (硬卧): Budget overnight — open bunk halls
Travel Tips
- Arrive 30 min early — stations are large
- Bring your passport — required for boarding
- Luggage: 2 bags free, 20kg limit per person
- Food: Available on board, or bring your own
- Wi-Fi: Free on most Fuxinghao trains
- Station name matters: “Beijing” ≠ “Beijing West” — check carefully
Skip the Airport. See More of China.
We handle everything — tickets, stations, transfers
Plan My Rail JourneyCommon Questions
Can foreigners buy China train tickets?
Technically yes, via the official 12306 app or website — but it requires a Chinese phone number for verification and a Chinese ID or passport registration process that is often confusing for foreigners. The easiest solution is to have us book for you using our verified account. You just provide your passport details and travel dates; we handle the rest.
What’s the difference between Fuxinghao and Hexiehao?
Fuxinghao (复兴号, “Revival”) is China’s fully domestically-designed train, launched in 2017, with top speeds of 350 km/h. Hexiehao (和谐号, “Harmony”) uses imported technology and typically runs at 200-250 km/h. Fuxinghao has better Wi-Fi, USB charging, and smoother rides. But Hexiehao trains are still excellent — don’t avoid a route just because it uses Hexiehao.
Is high-speed rail in China safe?
Extremely. China has the world’s most extensive high-speed rail network with an exemplary safety record. Trains are monitored in real-time, and the system has built-in speed restrictions and automatic safety controls. The 2007 collision was a major catalyst for safety reforms; the system has since operated flawlessly.
Should I choose train or plane for my China trip?
For routes under 5 hours, train is almost always better: city-center to city-center, no security queues, scenic views, and equal or better travel time when you factor in airport transit. For longer routes (Beijing to Guangzhou: 8+ hours), plane becomes competitive. We recommend the train for most sightseeing routes — Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guilin, etc.
Do trains have Wi-Fi?
Yes on most Fuxinghao trains — free Wi-Fi is available using your seat number to log in. Hexiehao trains have mixed Wi-Fi availability. Mobile data works well on most routes through China’s excellent 4G/5G network. Download offline maps and entertainment before departure as a backup.