Dont's on the Train

• Never wait until the last minute to board to the train, as you shall queue up long for security examination and check-in in most cases. Arrival at the railway station at least 1.5 hours before the train's departure in travel peak season.


• Do not book the train tickets just before departure, as train tickets for popular routes are always in great demand and sold out quickly. On-site ticket purchasing is okay with a short intercity bullet train ride of high departure frequency.


• Don't expect enough luggage space left on the luggage rack overhead, for it might be occupied by other passenger's stuff. Boarding the train earlier is a big advantage.



• Never forget your belongings when getting off the train. You are suggested to make your baggage ready about 20 minutes before the disembarkation.


• Never place your luggage anywhere out of your eyesight in case you forget to retrieve them when getting off, or you lose the luggage at an intermediate stop.


• Never settle your valuables with your big luggage especially taking a sleeper train. Take them onto the berth with you.


• Don't occupy other's window/aisle seat or lower berth. Everyone has to take their seats according to the number on the ticket. You can ask for an exchange if having some special concerns.


• Don't drink the tap water from basin or rest room as it is totally undrinkable. You could buy some bottled water of cheap price or get boiling water from the water dispenser at each carriage.


• Never smoke on a high-speed train for it is strictly prohibited. On normal speed trains, there are special smoking area between two carriages.



• Do not expect the availability of toilet paper in high-speed trains, let along the normal speed train. Take your own ones always.


• Do not use the washroom of a normal speed train when it is going to pull into or stop at a train station, as the door will be locked.


• Don't eat something smelly like kimchi and instant noodle on high-speed trains as it is kind of an enclosed space.


• Don't drink alcohol on the train which is viewed quite impolite and rude in China, too.


• Don't worry about sleeping through your disembarkation stop, as train attendants will awake sleeper passengers at least thirty minutes prior to the arrival even at midnight.


• Don't be afraid or overacted if there are crowds staring at you. They are just curious about foreigners whom they called laowai.


• Do not take off your shoes though there are some Chinese people doing like that on a long-hour normal train ride. It is really impolite and indecent.


• Do not fill your cup full when refilling at the water dispenser as only boiling water is available. One may get spilled or scalded walking on the shaking trains.



• Do not let your kids run in the carriage or use the restroom alone.


• Do not count on credit card or fast payment on the train. Prepare some RMB cash in case you want to buy something to eat or drink on board.


• Do not try to open the window of the normal speed train. It is dangerous.