Absolutely. Traveling by train in China is not only entirely feasible but also remarkably convenient, efficient, and affordable. However, please note that you need to book your tickets in advance, preferably at the first moment when tickets are released, which is 15 days before departure. Also, make sure to arrive at the station early to allow time for entry and security checks. Chinese railway stations are generally located in or near the city center and are easily accessible via public transport, very friendly for independent travelers.

The process of purchasing train tickets might be a bit inconvenient for international visitors, and it can be quite difficult during holiday travel peaks. If you prefer a worry-free experience, we would be happy to recommend our guided China tours by train, which include guaranteed ticket booking, stress-free station transfers, and professional tour guide services.

Here are 4 steps for independent travelers planning a China train tour:
Step 1: Plan your route: Mark and connect your interested cities on the map and check the feasibility according to the country’s high-speed rail network.
Step 2: Select travel time: Avoid peak holidays, especially the Chinese New Year travel rush between mid-January and late February, the National Day Golden Week (early October), and the May Day holiday (early May); the summer vacation (July-August) is also crowded.
Step 3: Purchase train tickets 15 days in advance.
Step 4: Prepare for the trip: Bring your passport for check-in, and there's no need to get a paper ticket. Arrive at the train station 30-60 minutes before, leaving time for security check and boarding, and better earlier in major cities or during holidays.

To bypass these complex arrangements, our well-curated China train tours offer an ideal solution. We provide both classic itineraries connecting major cities like Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, and routes deeper into China’s hidden natural wonders in Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Jiuzhaigou, and even Tibet. We can also customize personalized journeys based on your interests.

Not at all. On many popular routes, high-speed rail tickets are often more cost-effective than domestic flights. The price advantage is more evident when compared with the rail systems in other countries. For instance, a 500 km (310 mi) trip on Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train costs US$90-120, while a China high-speed train for the same distance averages just US$35-55. For a China train tour from Beijing to Shanghai, which spans 1,300 km (808 mi), it takes only 4.5 hours and costs around US$90 for a second-class seat.

You can directly book through the official China Railway website up to 15 days in advance. You’ll need to register using your passport, and identity verification may take from a few hours to several days. Alternatively, you may purchase tickets at station counters, though this often involves long queues, potential language issues, and the risk of tickets being sold out, especially during peak travel seasons. 

For greater convenience, our ticketing service simplifies the entire process of handling complex schedules, registration steps, and language barriers for you. We offer one-on-one booking support, accept international payment methods, and can confirm your itinerary earlier than the official system, ensuring your travel plans are secured in advance.

The distance between Beijing and Xi’an is approximately 1,216 kilometers (755 miles), with frequent high-speed train services operating daily between 6:20 AM and 7:00 PM. Trains depart 1-2 times per hour on average, taking about 4.5 to 6 hours for a single trip. A second-class seat costs around US$75, while a first-class seat is approximately US$120.

For budget-conscious travelers seeking cheap China train tours, overnight trains offer an economical alternative. The journey takes 11 to 13 hours, with hard sleeper tickets costing about 45% less than a high-speed rail second-class seat, and you can save one night’s accommodation.

Absolutely, especially if you prioritize comfort during your journey.

In fact, China’s second-class seats already provide a very comfortable experience, similar to that of the economy class on an airplane, with proper seat size, ample space, and all essential amenities, and deliver outstanding value for money.

Of course, if you can secure a first-class seat, which usually has limited availability, the upgrade is highly worthwhile. It generally costs about 30% more than second-class, but offers an enhanced travel experience. You’ll benefit from wider seats and more legroom, particularly valuable on longer trips or for taller passengers. Moreover, the cabin is quieter due to its lower passenger capacity.

Shanghai’s Maglev train, with a maximum speed of 430 km/h (267 mph), is the fastest operational train in the world, but it is only a short line providing a rapid link between Pudong International Airport and downtown. Meanwhile, China’s high-speed rail network is designed for top speeds of up to 380 km/h (236 mph). In regular service, these trains typically operate between 250-350 km/h (155-217 mph), balancing safety, efficiency, and varying track conditions across the country.

For most trips in China, the high-speed trains are better than flights due to their frequent schedules and high efficiency. Train stations are located near the city center, saving transit time compared to the often-outlying airports; security checks are simpler and quicker; near-perfect punctuality is achieved by less influence from the weather; and most importantly, the fares are often more competitive than flights.

In general, for short trips under 5 hours, high-speed trains are surely preferable. For longer journeys exceeding 5 hours, air travel becomes more time-efficient. Extended train rides of 7 or 8 hours or more may lead to fatigue.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining to Lhasa stands as the most spectacular. The train will convoy you to traverse the vast grassland, cruise along the shore of sapphire lake, and travel across the snow-capped mountains onto the Tibetan Plateau. We have itineraries that include this extraordinary section. Just contact us for details.

Other beautiful train routes include Beijing-Lhasa, Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Hong Kong, Lanzhou-Xinjiang, Xi’an-Chengdu, Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou, and Kunming-Dali-Lijiang.