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China-ready field guide · 7 minute read

Set up the passport before the train you want matters

China Railway uses real-name tickets. Add the passenger exactly as the passport shows, complete the identity-verification step, and check the full station name before booking. On travel day, the passport—not a screenshot—is the key document.

Reviewed How we verify guidance

Do the identity step first

Create the passenger on the official 12306 English website or app, enter the passport details exactly, and wait until the record is accepted for purchase. Do this before the booking day, not while seats are disappearing.

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Make the booking record match the journey

Passenger
Name order, passport number, nationality and date of birth exactly as entered in 12306
Route
Full origin and destination station names, including direction words such as South or Hongqiao
Train
Date · train number · departure time · seat class
Travel document
The original valid passport used for the real-name ticket

Prepare 12306 in five checks

  1. Use the official English 12306 channel.

    Create the account and keep access to its verification method. Avoid treating a reseller confirmation as proof that the official passenger record is ready.

  2. Add the passport carefully.

    Enter the passenger name and document number exactly. Review every character before submitting identity information.

  3. Complete identity verification.

    Follow the current automatic or document-upload flow. If online verification fails, the official visitor guide directs travelers to a station ticket office with the passport.

  4. Search the complete station name.

    Large cities can have several stations far apart. Match the station to the Chinese name, map pin and first/last transport connection.

  5. Open the order before travel day.

    Confirm the passenger, date, train number, station and seat. Save the details offline without confusing that copy for the boarding document.

On train day, protect the handoffs

Reach the right station

Use the full station name and allow time for the building entrance, security check, ID handling and the walk to the gate.

Follow the live board

Check train number, waiting room or gate, platform and departure time. Station announcements override an old screenshot.

Carry the passport

China Railway says passengers use the valid identity document associated with the e-ticket to enter, board and exit.

Three fallbacks worth knowing

  1. Identity verification is still pending.

    Take the passport to a station ticket office early enough to complete verification and purchase there.

  2. The gate does not read the passport.

    Show the passport and order details to staff; do not keep retrying a gate while boarding closes.

  3. The station name is wrong.

    Stop and confirm with station staff before traveling across the city. Similar station names are not interchangeable.

Official railway sources

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