Now Tickets Tricks

Now, we’ll show you how to buy high-speed train tickets and attraction passes in China—without losing your mind. Apps, tips, and sneaky rules included.

🛫 Flight Tickets in China

The easiest way to book domestic flights in China is with Trip.com. It’s foreigner-friendly, available in English, accepts international cards, and doesn’t require Chinese ID. Smooth sailing—or should we say, smooth flying.

🚄 Taking the Train: Know Your Letters

China’s trains come in different flavors. Here's a quick cheat sheet:

  • G = Gao tie = High-Speed Train (up to 350km/h)

  • D = Dong che = Electric Multiple Units (fast, comfy)

  • T = Te kuai = Express Train (not that express)

  • K = Kuai che = Fast Train (but not high-speed)

  • Z = Zhi da = Direct Train (no stops, usually overnight)

📱 How to Book Train Tickets

Your first option is the official app: 12306 (clic to see the instruction).
✅ Pro: Cheapest prices, full coverage of train routes.
❌ Con: Requires real-name registration with passport, and the app sometimes says “nope” to foreigners trying to verify (a big bug I know).

If 12306 won’t let you in, go back to our trusty friend Trip.com, which lets you buy train and flight tickets with far less drama. Yes, it charges a small service fee—but sometimes paying for peace is worth it.

Important Tips for You:

Your passport is your ticket.

That means:
✅ When buying a ticket, your passport number must be accurate.
✅ Bring your original passport to board the train.

  • Two checkpoints — don’t lose focus:

    1. 🛃 First check: Entering the station
    Go through security, then head to the manned entrance.
    A staff member will check your passport and ticket info. Don’t try the automated gates — they only work for Chinese IDs.

    2. 🚉 Second check: Boarding your train
    In the waiting hall, when your train is ready for boarding, head to the platform entrance.
    Again: use the manned entrance, show your passport, and you're in.

    Pro tip:
    Arrive at least 30–40 minutes early. Chinese stations are massive, and security + finding your gate can take time.

  • Train tickets are digital, but booking them... not always easy.
    Most apps are in Chinese. That’s where we come in. 😉
    You can also use third-party platforms like Trip.com — but if you don’t trust them (or don’t want the hassle), let us handle it for you!

🚇Subway Tickets

Good news: most major cities now let you scan and go with WeChat Pay or Alipay—no ticket machines, no hassle.
(We'll walk you through it step by step in the “Alipay” section.)
Can’t use either? You can still buy paper tickets at vending machines using cash or card.

🏯Attraction Tickets

Many tourist sites now require real-name reservations and advance booking, especially during holidays.
Most places sell tickets through WeChat mini-programs (inside the WeChat app). You’ll often find the booking link by scanning a QR code at the entrance or from the official website.
Not every place accepts foreigners’ passports though, so some tickets may not be available online. If that happens you can go to the entrance and buy tickets in person (bring your passport).

Too Lazy to Book It All?

No worries! If navigating Chinese apps feels overwhelming, and not sure about the hotel’s location, we can book your hotels, tickets, and transport for you. Just tell us what you need—we’ll handle the rest.