Facilities & Service in China train station
China Train Station Toilets (Source from Xiaohongshu)
China train stations provide various facilities and services to make train travel easier for passengers! Check the following tables for details 👇Facilities at China Train Stations
| Facility | Description |
| Drinking Water | Boiled water dispensers are positioned near waiting areas. Remember, tap water is not drinkable. |
| Business Class Lounges | Lounges offer a quiet space with snacks and direct platform access for business class ticket holders. |
| Seating | Waiting halls provide numerous seats, some with cushioning for added comfort. |
| Nursing Rooms | Dedicated areas for mothers and infants are available in larger stations. |
| Toilets | Facilities include both squat and Western-style toilets. Passengers should bring their own toilet paper. |
| Charging Stations | Stations include charging points equipped with USB cables for mobile devices. |
| LED Screens | Display crucial train details like departure times and platform numbers in both Chinese and English. |
| Elevators | Elevators facilitate access for passengers with disabilities or those carrying heavy luggage to all station areas. |
Services at China Train Stations
| Service | Description |
| Ticket Services | Machines and counters for ticket purchases and collections are near station entrances. Passport holders must use staffed counters. |
| Baggage Services | Facilities for storing luggage and checking in oversized bags, with variable fees based on size or weight. |
| Inquiry Counters | Stations have counters where staff help passengers with queries. Some staff members speak English. |
| Porter Service | 'Red Cap' porters assist with luggage from the entrance to the train and vice versa, available for a fee. |
| Smoking Areas | Designated areas for smoking are set up near toilets in waiting areas. |
| Marketplaces | Stations have shops selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, generally at higher prices than outside. |
| Restaurants | Dining options include fast-food outlets and restaurants serving Chinese dishes, typically priced above external alternatives. |
China Train Station LED Screens (Source from Xiaohongshu)
Layout of China train station
China's train stations share some common parts like station halls, ticket offices, waiting areas, and platforms. These help handle the large number of travelers, especially during busy times like May Day, Chinese National Day, and the Spring Festival. Station Squares
The station squares are the main entry areas to the train stations and are built to manage big crowds. Here, passengers gather to get into the station hall. During busy seasons, these squares fill up with people lining up to go through security checks and enter the station.
China Train Station Squares (Source from Xiaohongshu)
Station Hall and Ticket Offices
Right by the entrance, the station hall includes ticket offices where passengers can buy or pick up tickets. There are machines that read Chinese ID cards for self-service, but there are also staffed counters for those who need help or don't have a Chinese ID. After getting their tickets, travelers use this area to find out where their waiting hall is and other train journey details.
China Train Station Ticket Offices (Source from Xiaohongshu)
Waiting Halls
The waiting halls are usually on the first or second floors. These are spaces where passengers wait until their train is ready to board. The design of these halls varies: some stations have one large hall while others have a few smaller ones.
China Train Station Waiting Halls (Source from Xiaohongshu)
Platforms
The train platforms are typically located on the ground floor, accessible from the waiting halls via passages and stairs. While some stations are equipped with escalators, not all have them. Each platform is clearly numbered, making it straightforward for passengers to locate the correct one for their train.
China Train Station Platforms (Source from Xiaohongshu)
Other Services
The subway access is usually under the platforms, making it easy for travelers to switch between long-distance trains and local metro services. Clear signs help people find their way to exits, bus stops, and parking areas, making it easier to move around the station.
China Train Station Signs (Source from Xiaohongshu)
Layout of Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
To better illustrate the layout of a typical Chinese train station, let's look at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, which spans four floors.- Mezzanine of 2F: This level serves as a commercial and dining area featuring well-known chains like McDonald's, KFC, and Starbucks.
- 2F Level: The main entrance and taxi drop-off area are located here. You'll also find ticket offices, a departure lounge, and a business lounge.
- 1F Level: Home to the platforms and railway tracks, this floor includes lifts that connect to the departure hall.
- B1 Level: This basement level serves as the arrival area and includes stations for metro lines 2, 10, and 17. It features additional facilities like ticket offices, an exit, taxi pick-up areas, parking lots, and a bus station. A passage also connects to Terminal 2 of Hongqiao Airport.
Shanghai Hongqiao station layout map (Source from Chinaairlinetravel)
How to Catch a Train in China?
Ticket Gate between Waiting Hall and Platform (Source from Xiaohongshu)
1. Ticket Collection: Start at the station squares and collect your ticket from the automated machines.
2. Ticket Check: Proceed to the station hall entrance where there are multiple gates for ticket checks. Have your ID and ticket ready for verification.
3. Security Screening: Pass through luggage security to ensure safety.
4. Find Your Waiting Hall: Use the station's LED displays to locate the appropriate waiting hall.
5. Final Ticket Check: About 15 minutes before departure, check the ticket & ID at the gate between waiting hall and platform, then get into the right platform.
6. Board the Train: Follow your ticket details to find the right car and seat, and board your train.
How to Buy Train Tickets in China?
Buying train tickets in China is a straightforward process, especially with online apps like Trip.com. You can easily find a wide selection of train tickets, including those for high-speed rail. Trip.com allows you to book tickets for popular routes across the country from the comfort of your home or on the go.
Here are some popular train routes in China that you can book through Trip.com:
| Departure | Destination | Average Time | Distance | Details |
| Beijing | Shanghai | 4.5-6 hours | Approx. 1,318 km | |
| Beijing | Guangzhou | 8-10 hours | Approx. 2,298 km | |
| Shanghai | Kunming | 10-12 hours | Approx. 2,252 km | |
| Chengdu | Chongqing | 1.5-2 hours | Approx. 308 km | |
💖If you're curious about how to buy China train tickets, check the following articles to learn more:
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