The selling period of train tickets is 20 days before the departure by bookings online or by telephone ; 18 days in advance by tickets selling windows of the train station.
The official train booking website : www.12306.cn
But the official website has not english version, it may be complicated for foreigner, you`d better ask your Chinese friends for help.
Or you can try this website: english.ctrip.com
Ctrip is more easier for foreigners to book tickets.
When reading your tickets, pay specially attention to the Departure Station & Arrival Station, because many cities in China have more than one stations, so you need to make sure which one you should go.
Arrive at the railway station an hour before the scheduled departure time. However, if you take a trip during Spring Festival Travel Rush or holidays, you are advised to be two hours earlier, or, just stay home.
To enter the station hall, you need to wait in lines by showing your ticket and having your luggage examined by the X-ray machines at the entrance. All the luggage including your carry-on bags has to be placed on the conveyor belt for examining.
Make sure your bags and luggages zipped up , always be careful in crowdy place. Though there are many security guards , you`d attention to your own wallet and luggages .
Bring more food with you. Though most trains have dining cars, and there are also trolleys service selling items of food, drink, snacks, magazines and other small items，but they are always overpriced ,besides, you don’t want to risk stomach problems on long rides, right? Also trains usuall provide boiled water for instant noodles and drinks.
Don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper，you will basically need it everywhere, because China don’t provide toilet paper most of the time at public toilets. You may also bring some baby wipes for overnight trains to simply clean yourself.
Trains stop at stations just long enough for people to get on and off. For that reason it is wise not to get off before the destination for any reason, as the train may leave before you get back again!
Keep your tickets during the whole trip, because it need to be checked at the arrival station. By the way,sometimes , the attendants on the train may come to check your ticket . If you are taking the sleeping car, they will not only check your ticket, but to swap your ticket with a kind of “placeholder” card. Soon before you reach your destination, they’ll come up again and give you your ticket back.
pics from the internet
refer to guideinchina
edited by HACOS, please indicate the resource before repost
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