China Public Transport Guide (2026)

How to ride bullet trains (12306) and city subways with dynamic QR codes.

China boasts the world's largest high-speed rail network and futuristic subway systems. Learn how to ride without paper tickets using your passport and phone.

›1. High-Speed Rail (CRH / Fuxing Hao)›2. Station Security & Passport Boarding ›3. City Metro QR Codes in Alipay

1. Booking China High-Speed Rail (Bullet Trains)

Trains connect almost every major tourist city at 300-350 km/h. Booking through **Trip.com** or **12306 English** is simple and fully paperless.

Seat Classes

Second Class (2+3 seating, ample legroom, great value), First Class (2+2 seating, quieter, wider), Business Class (lie-flat sleeper pods with lounge access).

Ticketless Entry

No physical ticket is issued. Your ticket is linked directly to your passport number in the national railway database.

2. Station Security & Boarding Procedure

Arrive at the railway station at least 45 minutes prior to departure:

Security & ID Verification

Pass your luggage through the baggage X-ray scanner and show your passport at the manual staff lane (人工通道).

Find Your Gate

Check the giant departure boards for your train number (e.g. G123) and Gate number (e.g. 12A/12B).

Gate Check-in

Gates open 15 mins before departure. Present your passport at the manual lane alongside the electronic turnstiles.

3. Subway Metro Riding via Alipay QR Code

You do not need to buy single-ride plastic tokens at ticket machines in any city!

In Alipay, tap 'Transport' (出行) at the top, select your current city (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc.), and activate the city's Metro QR code. Scan the code at the turnstile gate entering and exiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Can I bring luggage on high-speed trains?

Yes! There are spacious overhead luggage racks above every seat row and dedicated heavy suitcase storage racks at the end of each carriage.