Are there any specific documents or forms of identification required for foreign nationals to purchase train tickets in China?

🚂 Foreigners looking to buy train tickets in China need to know that the most important thing is having a valid passport 🤓! This is the only foreign ID that the 12306.cn English website will accept.

Online booking is an option, but keep in mind that the ticket machines at stations are only for domestic IDs – so you’ll need to head to a service counter for help 🤝. Speaking of which, these counters are also where you’ll need to go for in-person tickets purchases, where staff will manually check your passport details.

If you buy online, you’ll need to go to the ticket counter anyway to collect the tickets in person – again, the machines won’t work for you 😢. But if you buy at the counter, you’ll get the tickets right away.

Just so you know, China’s train system uses a real-name system, so your details will need to match what’s on your ID 👀. Also, give yourself plenty of time, because language barriers might slow things down and you don’t want to miss your train!

Some bigger stations might have special windows for foreigners, but don’t count on it. Essentially, just bring your passport and you’ll be good to go! 💪