China Train Tour FAQs

Yes. Train travel in China is never a problem for travelers with mobility issues. Most train stations in China are easily accessible for the handicapped passengers. Normal type trains are equipped with platform lift for physically challenged passengers to board the train, and there are also barrier-free facilities on high-speed trains like a special big washroom and security belt designed for travelers in wheelchairs.

Yes, both high-speed trains and normal type trains are accessible for wheelchair. The baggage restrictions are not applicable to any wheelchairs, so they could be brought onboard for free. High-speed trains get special area to settle the wheelchair, and the electric wheelchairs could be recharged for free.

Yes, porter service is available in most train stations of China. The porters are called Red Caps as they usually wear red caps and vests to be more recognizable for passengers in need of porter service. They could help you move your luggage from the check-in gate onto the train by a trolley cart. It charges CNY20 - 30 per piece according to your luggage size and weight. Passengers using the porter service could board the train prior to other passengers by following the porters.

Yes, there are special dining cars offering meals, snacks and drinks on the train. The meals supplied on board taste unpleasant and they are usually sold at high price that is not included in your train ticket fare. Thus you are suggested to follow most Chinese travelers to bring your own food by packing some snacks, drinks or fast food before boarding.

Yes, train travel is rather safe in China, especially taking high-speed trains. Law breaking against foreigners during a train ride is really rare, let alone violent crimes. The biggest threat to your property safety might come from the pickpockets in some old and crowded train stations in particular. Old trains in travel peak season (National Holiday and Lunar New Year Travel Rush) might be fully packed with passengers, creating a good chance for pickpocketing. You shall keep an eye on your valuables and never settle them anywhere out of your sight.

Yes, it is easy and convenient for passengers with young children to travel around China by high-speed trains. Most bullet train stations are stalled with elevator and lift that are friendly to baby strollers. Mother&baby restrooms could be found in most railway stations, too. Spacious barrier-free restrooms are facilitated on board where a diaper changing table is equipped inside. Free of the boredom, a high-speed rail journey could be more of fun if you preparing some yummy snacks, small toys or books for your young children. Take care of your kids and keep them within your eyesight especially when getting on and off the train amidst the travelers crowds.

Once you find your train tickets lost, you shall head to the ticket office to report the loss with your passports and train info (train no. departure date, time, and seat/berth class). You will be requested to buy a new ticket for the same train with same seat or berth. After boarding the train, you need to inform of the train attendants of the loss of ticket, and the chief conductor will issue you a passenger transport record. After arrival at your destination, take the passenger transport record, train tickets and passport to get the refund at the ticket office within 24 hours after arrival.

Train tickets could be only refunded at the ticket office about 2 hours at least before the departure time. When failing to catch the train, you could reschedule the ticket for free within 2 hours after the departure if there are other trains available on the same day. The rescheduled tickets for the missed train cannot be refunded, either. Usually, there are special windows in the ticket office for refunding and changing service.