【3% Off】China Train Station: Layout, Tickets & Tips

Welcome to my blog, your best guide on China train stations! I discuss about the layouts and services of various China train stations, how to board trains, and insights into the most frequently used and popular stations. If you plan to visit China, you must read this! 👀

Facilities & Service in China train station

China Train Station Toilets (Source from Xiaohongshu)

Facilities at China Train Stations

Services at China Train Stations

China Train Station LED Screens (Source from Xiaohongshu)

Layout of China train station

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

• 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:

💖If you're curious about how to buy China train tickets, check the following articles to learn more:

Frequently used China high speed railway stations

Generally, older train stations are strategically located in the urban centers, serving both conventional and a limited number of bullet trains. In contrast, newer stations tend to be situated on the outskirts of cities and are predominantly designed for high-speed services. In this section, we get to know some of the busiest high-speed railway stations in China. These stations are important for Chinese travelers because they connect large cities and popular tourist destinations with frequent train services.

Popular China train stations

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Source from Wikipedia

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, officially named 上海虹桥站 (Shànghǎi Hóngqiáo Zhàn) and listed as Shanghaihongqiao on train tickets, stands out as one of the largest railway stations in Asia. Located at 1500 Shengui Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, the station is conveniently situated just 500 meters west of Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2. It features 30 platforms, making it a major hub for high-speed rail in the region and an integral part of Shanghai's transportation network.

【Popular Train Routes】

• To Beijing South: 37 G-series trains operate daily, with a travel time of approximately 5½ hours, costing 550 yuan for second class.
• To Suzhou: 38 G and D trains daily with the shortest journey taking about 23 minutes.
• To Hangzhou: Up to 23 G-trains daily with travel times around 1 hour.
• To Nanjing: About 60 G-trains run daily, taking roughly 70 to 90 minutes for a one-way trip.

✅Explore More in Shanghai

Beijing South Railway Station

Source from Wikipedia

Beijing South Railway Station, known in Chinese as 北京南站 (Běijīng Nán Zhàn) and on tickets as Beijingnan, is a prominent hub in China's high-speed rail network. Located at 12 Yongwai Avenue, Fengtai District, just 7 km southwest of the Forbidden City and 35 km from Beijing Capital International Airport, it boasts 13 platforms and 24 railway lines. This station is not only vital for east, south, and northeast bound high-speed trains but also serves as an architectural marvel, reminiscent of the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and is a gateway to many of China's key cities including Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hangzhou.

【Popular Destinations】

• To Shanghai Hongqiao: About 37 daily G-series trains, travel time ~5 hours.
• To Tianjin: 80 daily C-series and G-series trains, travel time ~30-37 minutes.
• To Suzhou: Multiple G and D series trains, shortest travel time ~23 minutes.
• To Hangzhou: G-series trains take about 1 hour.

【from Beijing South Railway Station to Key Attraction】

✅Explore More in Beijing

Xi'an North Railway Station

Source from Wikipedia

Xi'an North Railway Station, marked as Xī'ānběi Zhàn (西安北站) on tickets, serves exclusively high-speed trains and is the city's main bullet train hub. Located at Shangxin Road in the Weiyang District, the station is about 14 kilometers north of Xi'an's city center near the Bell Tower. It features 18 platforms and 34 rail lines, making it a central point for travel to and from Xi'an.

【Popular Destinations 】

• To Beijing West Station: Around 14 G trains daily, travel time approximately 6 hours.
• To Pingyao Station: 7 D trains daily, travel time about 2h 45 mins.
• To Mount Hua (Huashan North Station): 17 D trains daily, travel time around 35 minutes.
• To Shanghai Station: One D train daily, travel time about 11 hours 15 minutes.

【from Xi'an North Railway Station to Key Locations】

✅Explore More in Xi'an

Hangzhou East Railway Station

Source from Wikipedia

Hangzhou East Railway Station, also known as 杭州东站 (Hángzhōu Dōng Zhàn) on train tickets, is a major station located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of West Lake in Hangzhou. With its expansive area of 400,000 square meters, it efficiently serves nearly 100 million passengers annually. The station is renowned for its architecture inspired by the "Tide of Qiantang River," enhancing its visual appeal and connection to local culture.

【Popular Destinations】

• To Beijing South Station: 20 G-trains daily, travel time around 6 hours.
• To Shanghai Hongqiao Station: 140 bullet trains daily, travel time about 1 hour.
• To Yiwu Station: 64 bullet trains daily, ideal for accessing Yiwu's commodity market, with a 35-minute journey.

【from Hangzhou East Railway Station to Key Attractions】

Below is a table about transportation options from Hangzhou East Railway Station to famous landmarks in Hangzhou.

List of China Train Station

We've made a full list of major Chinese railway stations, organized alphabetically. There are over 5,500 China train stations across an extensive rail network spanning 159,000 kilometers. About 500 stations run high-speed G-trains, and 600 stations have D-trains. Let's take a look at all of them!