How to Take High-Speed Rail in China
In China, especially in large cities, there are usually multiple high-speed railway stations. These stations are often far apart, so when bookinghigh-speed rail tickets, be sure to carefullycheck the names of the departure and arrival stations.
- Take Shanghai as an example. Shanghai has three main high-speed railway stations: Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station, and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
Shanghai Railway Station is located in Jing’an District, while Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is in Minhang District. Shanghai South Railway Station is in Xuhui District, approximately 20 kilometers away from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. If you go to the wrong station by mistake, you may be in a hurry to catch the train, which will affect your trip or even cause you to miss the train. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, please repeatedly confirm the station information when booking tickets.
Important Reminder: If you book a pick-up or drop-off service, make sure to clearly inform the driver of the specific high-speed railway station name (e.g., “Shanghai Hongqiao Station” instead of the general “Shanghai Station”).
As different high-speed railway stations in the same city may be tens of kilometers apart, failure to specify accurately may cause delays or even failed pick-ups due to the driver’s confusion about the route. It is recommended to fill in the full station name and its district (e.g., “Jing’an District Shanghai Station South Square”) in the order notes to help the driver locate precisely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Boarding China’s High-Speed Rail: Security Check, Seat Finding & More
Pre-Boarding Preparation
Aim to reach the station at least 25 minutes before departure, or 40 min during peak periods (e.g., holidays) to avoid delays from queuing.
2. Locate Entrance Gates
High-speed rail stations usually have multiple entrances. Check the departure screen, signboards, or your ticketing app for the correct entrance (e.g., “South Entrance,” “East Entrance”).
Tip: Large stations like Shanghai Hongqiao may require 5-10 minutes of walking between entrances—plan ahead.
3. Go to 【the manual checking lane】（人工通道）on the most left or right. There will be dedicated staff members checking tickets at the entrance (show your passport and booking information to the staff).
4. Security Check Process
Avoid carrying flammable/explosive items (e.g., lighters, hairspray), restricted knives. Cooperate with staff for body checks (e.g., metal detector scans). Retrieve your belongings promptly after inspection.
5. Find the “check in” gate 检票口
Locate your “check in”gate according to the purchase information on your mobile phone or the station’s large-screen display. For example:
According to the information on your mobile phone, your “check in” gate is 9A&9B. When you arrive at Gate 9A&9B, please check on the electronic screen to see if your train number 【G1377】is shown there.
6. Queue up for ticket checking
Generally, start queuing about 10 to 20 minutes in advance. There will be prompts on the screen of the “check in”gate, and announcements will also be broadcast.
Similarly, go through 【the manual checking lane】and show your passport to the staff for ticket checking before entering the platform.
7. Look for your carriage
Check the instructions to see if your carriage is in the front or at the back. “前” means walking forward, and “后” means walking backward. Some signs will be marked with “当前”. The word “当前” on the signs is usually accompanied by a number. For example, “当前2车” means that the position of the current sign indicates that it is Carriage No. 2. This can clearly inform passengers of the carriage number corresponding to their current location, making it convenient for them to quickly find their own carriage.
8. Place your luggage and find your seat
The seat number is marked above the inclined seat in the carriage. 【Number+Letter】
Luggage can be placed on the luggage racks in the aisle, on the luggage racks above the seats (for small-sized luggage), in the empty space behind the seats, and in the empty areas of the carriage.
Quick Tip: Charging on High-Speed Trains
- Where to Find Chargers: Charging ports are usually located under the front seat or at the center of the bottom of your own seat (available in both second-class and first-class seating).
- How to Use: Look down at the base of the seat. Find the black panel with “USB ports” or “three-prong sockets”—some newer trains also support wireless charging (look for labels).
