Planning a trip in China and want to take the train? Whether you’re heading from Shanghai to Hangzhou or exploring across provinces, this guide will help you book tickets easily, avoid travel stress, and even pick up essential Mandarin phrases on the way.

At Mandarin Plus, we believe language learning doesn’t have to stay in the classroom — let’s turn every journey into an immersive learning experience!

✅ Step 1: What Is 12306?

12306 is the official platform for booking high-speed train tickets in China. You can access it via the 12306 App (available in English) or official website.

Foreign travelers can register using their passport
Payment options include Chinese bank cards and selected international methods
Prices are transparent with no booking fees

📲 Pro Tip: Use the app for real-time updates and mobile check-ins.

📆 Step 2: Book 14 Days in Advance

Train tickets in China are usually released 14 days ahead of travel. On popular routes like Shanghai–Hangzhou, or around public holidays, they sell out quickly — sometimes in minutes!

🎯 Our tips:

Set a reminder to book as soon as tickets drop
Try to avoid peak holiday times if possible
If you miss the booking window — don’t panic, read on!

🚦 Step 3: Can’t Find a Ticket? Try These 3 Smart Travel Hacks

Let’s take Shanghai to Hangzhou as an example. If the direct tickets are sold out, try one of these clever alternatives:

1. Split Your Journey

Instead of a direct train, break the trip into two parts:

Shanghai → Jiashan Nan
Jiashan Nan → Hangzhou

💡 Choose a 30-minute layover to give yourself enough transfer time. Prices are often similar, and this can help you avoid full trains on busy routes.

2. Keep Checking — More Tickets May Appear

The China Railway Bureau often releases extra tickets (from cancellations or adjustments), so it pays to refresh the app regularly. What’s sold out in the morning may be available by evening.

3. Join the Waitlist (It Really Works)

If you see the “Waitlist” button, tap it! Especially during holidays, the railway will add more trains based on demand from the waitlist. You’ll be notified if you’re matched with a ticket.

🍱 Step 4: Order Food to Your Seat

On long-distance trains, you can scan the QR code on your seat or tray table to browse the menu and order food. The train staff will deliver it to your seat — no need to move! Get on the train and start to order as you might miss the time for order!!!

🥢 Options include rice dishes, noodles, drinks, and snacks. It’s a convenient way to try local flavors during your trip.

Or you can choose restaurant at the next station.It will take one hour to deliver to you seat! Like KFC,Burger King etc…

🛂 Step 5: Passport = Your Ticket

You don’t need to print or pick up your ticket! Just bring your passport to the station and head to the manual check-in gate. Make sure to arrive 30–40 minutes early, as passport holders often queue separately from ID holders.

💬 Mandarin Phrases You’ll Actually Use

Want to speak up with confidence on your journey? Practice these real-life Mandarin phrases while you travel:

🧳 Mandarin Train Travel Phrases

1.你好，什么时候开始检票？
nǐ hǎo, shénme shíhòu kāishǐ jiǎnpiào?
Hello, when does boarding start?

2.你好，检票口在哪里？
nǐ hǎo, jiǎnpiàokǒu zài nǎlǐ?
Hello, where is the ticket gate?

3.你好，我要去北京。
nǐ hǎo, wǒ yào qù Běijīng.
Hello, I want to go to Beijing.

4.我们可以换一下座位吗？
wǒmen kěyǐ huàn yíxià zuòwèi ma?
Can we switch seats?

5.9号车厢在哪里？
jiǔ hào chēxiāng zài nǎlǐ?
Where is Car No. 9?

6.这是我的座位，谢谢。
zhè shì wǒ de zuòwèi, xièxie.
This is my seat, thank you.

7.我的座位是靠窗的。
wǒ de zuòwèi shì kàochuāng de.
My seat is by the window.

8.不好意思，我去一下洗手间。
bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ qù yíxià xǐshǒujiān.
Excuse me, I’m going to the restroom.

9.可以让我一下吗？我要出去一下。
kěyǐ ràng wǒ yíxià ma? wǒ yào chūqù yíxià.
Could you let me pass? I need to get out for a moment.

10.你好，下一站是哪里？
nǐ hǎo, xià yí zhàn shì nǎlǐ?
Hello, what’s the next stop?

11.你好，我可以改签吗？
nǐ hǎo, wǒ kěyǐ gǎiqiān ma?
Hello, can I change my ticket to other ones?

12.我需要退票，谢谢。
wǒ xūyào tuìpiào, xièxie.
I need a refund, thank you.

13.换乘去哪里？楼上吗？
huànchéng qù nǎlǐ? lóushàng ma?
Where do I transfer? Is it upstairs?

🧠 Want to know how to say those sentences? Follow my TIKTOK or scan wechat below to follow my wechat channel !

🌙 Bonus Tip: Try a Night Train from Shanghai

Want a different kind of travel experience? Take an overnight sleeper train from Shanghai to Beijing or Xi’an!

🚃 Choose the Soft Sleeper Class (4 passengers per room) for privacy, comfort, and a peaceful night. Great for saving time and skipping hotel stays!

🚆 Learn Mandarin While You Travel

At Mandarin Plus, we help you turn every trip into a real-life Mandarin practice session — from ordering tickets to small talk on the train.

📌 Practice what you learn. Learn what you use.

Follow for more real-world Mandarin tips, immersive learning experiences, and practical guides for exploring China like a local.

👉 Ready to book your next journey and speak Mandarin with confidence? Let’s rock&roll!!

🚄 China Train Travel Guide: Book Smarter, Travel Smoother, Learn Mandarin on the Way