
Source: Unsplash
Hey travellers! Planning a train trip across China? You must know everything about China train station for a smooth trip. Whether you are a frequent travllers or the first time to come to China, this comprehensive guide will help! We summarise everything you need to know about navigating and utilising China train stations. Read on to find more details.
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Types of China tain station

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China's railway system features multiple types of train station, each designed to cater to different types of services and passengers.
| Type of Station | Introduction | Feature | Example |
| High-Speed rail stations | - For high-speed rail network, - Modern facilities | - Modern and spacious design - Advanced ticketing systems - Large waiting areas - Enhanced passenger services (Wi-Fi, lounges, dining) | - Beijing South Railway Station - Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station - Guangzhou South Railway Station |
| Conventional train stations | - For regular trains (express, local, etc) - Often older and less advanced | - Traditional architecture - Basic facilities (ticket counters, small shops) | - Beijing Railway Station - Shanghai Railway Station - Xi'an Railway Station |
| Combined passenger and freight stations | - For both passengers and freight | - Separate areas for passengers and cargo - Integrated logistics and transport facilities | - Wuhan Railway Station - Chongqing Railway Station |
| Suburban and local stations | - Smaller stations - For suburban and rural areas | - Smaller size with basic amenities - Fewer train services | - Qufu East Railway Station - Pingyao Ancient City Railway Station |
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Facilities and services at China train station

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China train stations offer a range of facilities and services designed to accommodate the needs of travellers. Here is a comprehensive overview of the common facilities and services you can find at China train stations:
Facilities and services at all China train station
| Facility/Service | Description |
| Ticketing counters | Passengers can purchase tickets with the help of station staff or from automatic machine. |
| Waiting areas | Designated areas with seating for passengers waiting for trains. |
| Information desks | Staffed desks providing information and assistance. |
| Electronic screen | Show train schedules, departure gates, etc. |
| Security Checks | Mandatory security screening of passengers and their luggage before entering the station or boarding the train. |
| Restrooms | Public toilets available. |
| Water drinking centre | Provide free water drinking for waiting passengers. |
| Accessibility services | For disabilities, including ramps, elevators, and special seating areas. |
| Taxi and car-hailing | Designated areas for taxis and car-hailing to pick up and drop off passengers. |
Facilities and services available in major and high-speed rail stations
| Dining | Restaurants, cafes, and snack bars. |
| Shops | Stores selling snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. |
| Luggage storage | For storing luggage temporarily, often including lockers. |
| Wi-Fi and charging | Free or paid Wi-Fi services and charging. |
| Baby care | Special rooms or areas for nursing mothers and baby changing. |
| VIP lounges | Exclusive lounges providing additional services for first-class and business travellers. |
| Medical services | First aid stations or medical clinics in case of health emergencies. |
| Parking | Parking lots or garages for passengers travelling to the station by car. |
| Lost and found | Services to help passengers retrieve lost items. |
Layout of China train station

Source: ArchDaily
China’s train stations are designed to efficiently handle a large number of passengers and provide a wide range of services. Most stations share common layout, including
Station square
The station square is an integral part of China train stations, serving as the first point of contact for passengers arriving at or departing from the station. This square is the main entrance to facilitate smooth transitions between buses, metro, taxis and the train station.
Entrance and security check
The primary entry point for passengers often marked with large signs and located in front of the station. All passengers must pass through security screening, which includes X-ray machines for baggage and metal detectors for personal items.
Waiting and ticketing area
Staffed counters where passengers can buy, change, or refund tickets. Or there are automatic ticket machine for ticket redeeming.
The waiting area includes large seating areas, divided into sections based on ticket class and destination. These areas are equipped with electronic information boards displaying train schedules. For first-class and business-class passengers, VIP lounge offers more premium services.
Platform access
You have to pass the automated or staffed gates by scanning tickets to gain access to the platforms. Then follow the sign to the platform. Platforms are clearly marked with train numbers and destinations to the correct boarding area.
Exit and arrival areas
After disembarking, passengers pass through the gates, often requiring a ticket scan to exit. There are areas where arriving passengers gather, and clear signs to transform to metro, bus, or taxis. It often equipped with information desks, restrooms, and access to other services to help you finish the process.
Example layout of a typical high speed railway station
Here is a brief layout of the most high speed railway stations in China.
| Level | Feature |
| Ground level | Main entrance Security checkpoints Ticket counters and automatic machines Waiting areas Shops and restaurants |
| Upper level | VIP lounges Waiting Areas Information desks Access to platforms (via escalators/elevators) |
| Platform level | Platforms and tracks Boarding gates Smoking area |
| Basement level | Parking Access to public transport (subway, buses) |
Frequently used China high speed railway stations

Source: ArchDaily
Here are some key stations in China’s high-speed rail network.
| Station | Location | Popular Route | Feature |
| Beijing South Railway Station | Beijing | Beijing–Shanghai Beijing–Tianjin | Large, busy station with VIP lounges, restaurants, shops, and public transport |
| Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station | Shanghai | Shanghai–Nanjing Shanghai–Hangzhou | Integrated with Hongqiao Airport, modern facilities, dining and shopping, connected to Shanghai Metro |
| Guangzhou South Railway Station | Guangzhou, Guangdong | Guangzhou–Shenzhen Guangzhou–Zhuhai | Major southern hub, spacious waiting areas, dining, connected to Guangzhou Metro |
| Shenzhen North Railway Station | Shenzhen, Guangdong | Shenzhen–Hong Kong Shenzhen–Xiamen | Key station for Hong Kong travellers, modern amenities, integrated with Shenzhen Metro |
| Hong Kong West Kowloon Station | Hong Kong | Hong Kong-Shenzhen | International border control, seamless connections to mainland China |
| Chengdu East Railway Station | Chengdu, Sichuan | Chengdu–Chongqing Chengdu–Xi'an | Major southwestern hub, connected to Chengdu Metro |
| Xi'an North Railway Station | Xi'an, Shaanxi | Xi'an–Chengdu Xi'an–Beijing | Important northwestern hub, connected to Xi'an Metro |
| Hangzhou East Railway Station | Hangzhou, Zhejiang | Hangzhou–Ningbo Hangzhou–Shenzhen | Major eastern hub, connected to Hangzhou Metro |
| Nanjing South Railway Station | Nanjing, Jiangsu | Nanjing–Shanghai Nanjing–Hangzhou | Important eastern hub, connected to Nanjing Metro |
Popular China train stations
Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站)

Source: ArchDaily
- Location: 12, Chezhan Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- Platforms: 24
Connected public transportation:
- Subway: Line 4, transfer to Line 14 at Gongyixiqiao Station
- Bus: 20, 84, 102, 106, 122, 381, 458, 485, 529, 652, and Night Line 8
Attractions around:
- Temple of Heaven (天坛): About 20 minutes by taxi or subway (Line 4)
- Qianmen Street (前门大街): About 30 minutes by subway (Line 4)
- Tiananmen Square (天安门广场): Around 35 minutes by subway (Line 4)
Popular hotels in Beijing
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站)

Source: ChinaDiscovery
- Location: 1500 Shengui Road, Minghang District, Shanghai, China
- Platforms: 30
Connected public transportation:
- Subway: Line 2, transfer to Line 10 at Hongqiao Railway Station Metro Station
- Bus: 316, 320, 941, 941B, 941S, 189, 807, 941, 927, 938 and more
Attractions around:
- Shanghai Zoo (上海动物园): Around 20 minutes by taxi or bus
- Qibao Ancient Town (七宝古镇): About 30 minutes by taxi
Popular hotels in Shanghai
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站)

Source: China Train 12306
- Location: Shibi, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
- Platforms: 28
Connected public transportation:
- Subway: Line 2 and Line 7
- Bus: B7, 288A, 301A, 303A, 309, 309A, 307, 310, 764, 782, and more
Attractions around:
- Chimelong Paradise (长隆欢乐世界): About 30 minutes by taxi or bus
- Canton Tower (广州塔): Around 45 minutes by subway or taxi
Popular hotels in Guangzhou
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
Shenzhen North Railway Station (深圳北站)

Source: Wikipedia
- Location: No.28 Zhiyuan Middle Rd, Longhua District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
- Platforms: 20
Connected public transportation:
- Subway: Line 4, Line 5, Line 6
- Bus: B660, M388, M269, M294, M283, and more
Attractions around:
- Window of the World (世界之窗): Around 30 minutes by subway or taxi
- Shenzhen Museum (深圳博物馆): Around 25 minutes by subway or taxi
Popular hotels in Shenzhen
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
Xi'an North Railway Station (西安北站)

Source: Wikipedia
- Location: Yuanshuo Road, Weiyang District, Xi'an, Shan'xi Province, China
- Platforms: 34
Connected public transportation:
- Subway: Line 2, transfer to Line 1, Line 4, Line 14
- Bus: 108, 263, 264, 265, 266, 268, 269, 270, 271, and more
Attractions around:
- Terracotta Army (兵马俑): About 40 minutes by bus
- Bell Tower and Drum Tower (钟楼和鼓楼): Around 20 minutes by taxi or metro
Popular hotels in Xi'an
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
6 Best and most unique China train stations
Find the most remarkable train stations across China, from the largest and busiest to the highest altitude and most scenic stations, and explore the different styles of China train stations.
| Highlights | Train Station | Description |
| Largest China train station | Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站) | Covering an area of 320,000 square metres. |
| Busiest China train station | Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站) | Handling over 60 million passengers annually. |
| Highest altitude China train station | Lhasa Railway Station (拉萨站) | Situated at an altitude of about 3,641 metres (11,946 feet). |
| Oldest China train station | Shanghai Railway Station (上海站) | Originally opened in 1909, it has been rebuilt and modernised several times. |
| Most scenic China train station | Huangshan North Railway Station (黄山北站) | With the scenic Huangshan Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage. |
| Most advanced China train station | Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (香港西九龙站) | Opened in 2018, featuring cutting-edge technology and design. |
List of China train station

Source: Unsplash
Among the more than 6,000 train stations in China, Beijing Railway Station has always been the most important one, with the largest scale, the most advanced equipment, and the largest passenger flow in China; Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is a highly modernised station, now an Asian super-large railway integrated hub and the largest railway station in East China. Check this list for the main stations in major cities.
| Province/ Municipality | City | Railway Stations |
| Beijing | Beijing | Beijing South Railway Station |
| Beijing West Railway Station | ||
| Beijing Railway Station | ||
| Shanghai | Shanghai | Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station |
| Shanghai South Railway Station | ||
| Shanghai Railway Station | ||
| Guangdong | Guangzhou | Guangzhou South Railway Station |
| Guangzhou East Railway Station | ||
| Shenzhen | Shenzhen North Railway Station | |
| Shenzhen Railway Station | ||
| Zhuhai | Zhuhai Railway Station | |
| Shantou | Shantou Railway Station | |
| Zhongshan | Zhongshan Railway Station | |
| Jiangsu | Nanjing | Nanjing South Railway Station |
| Suzhou | Suzhou Railway Station | |
| Yangzhou | Yangzhou | |
| Zhejiang | Hangzhou | Hangzhou East Railway Station |
| Hangzhou Railway Station | ||
| Ningbo | Ningbo Railway Station | |
| Wenzhou | Wenzhou Railway Station | |
| Shaoxing | Shaoxing Railway Station | |
| Hubei | Wuhan | Wuhan Railway Station |
| Xiangyang | Xiangyang East Railway Station | |
| Jingzhou | Jingzhou Railway Station | |
| Sichuan | Chengdu | Chengdu East Railway Station |
| Chengdu Railway Station | ||
| Mianyang | Mianyang Railway Station | |
| Chongqing | Chongqing | Chongqing North Railway Station |
| Chongqing West Railway Station | ||
| Henan | Zhengzhou | Zhengzhou East Railway Station |
| Zhengzhou Railway Station | ||
| Luoyang | Luoyang Railway Station | |
| Kaifeng | Kaifeng Railway Station | |
| Hunan | Changsha | Changsha South Railway Station |
| Changsha Railway Station | ||
| Yueyang | Yueyang Railway Station | |
| Zhuzhou | Zhuzhou Railway Station | |
| Shaanxi | Xi'an | Xi'an North Railway Station |
| Xi'an Railway Station | ||
| Xianyang | Xianyang Railway Station | |
| Liaoning | Shenyang | Shenyang North Railway Station |
| Shenyang Railway Station | ||
| Dalian | Dalian Railway Station | |
| Dalian North Railway Station | ||
| Heilongjiang | Harbin | Harbin Railway Station |
| Harbin West Railway Station | ||
| Qiqihar | Qiqihar Railway Station | |
| Mudanjiang | Mudanjiang Railway Station | |
| Guangxi | Nanning | Nanning East Railway Station |
| Liuzhou | Liuzhou Railway Station | |
| Guilin | Guilin Railway Station | |
| Fujian | Fuzhou | Fuzhou South Railway Station |
| Xiame | Xiamen North Railway Station | |
| Quanzhou | Quanzhou Railway Station | |
| Guizhou | Guiyang | Guiyang North Railway Station |
| Shandong | Jinan | Jinan West Railway Station |
| Qingdao | Qingdao Railway Station | |
| Yantai | Yantai Railway Station | |
| Yunnan | Kunming | Kunming South Railway Station |
| Dali | Dali Railway Station | |
| Lijiang | Lijiang Railway Station | |
| Hainan | Haikou | Haikou East Railway Station |
| Sanya | Sanya Railway Station | |
| Sanya Phoenix International Airport Station | ||
| Tibet | Lhasa | Lhasa Railway Station |
| Inner Mongolia | Hohhot | Hohhot East Railway Station |
| Baotou | Baotou Railway Station | |
| Ordos | Ordos Railway Station | |
| Ningxia | Yinchuan | Yinchuan Railway Station |
| Qinghai | Xining | Xining Railway Station |
| Xinjiang | Urumqi | Urumqi South Railway Station |
| Hami | Hami Railway Station |
Booking and ticketing information of China train station

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Booking and ticketing for train stations in China can be done through several methods:
| Platform | Languages | Customer Support | Additional Services |
| 12306 | Chinese, limited English | Limited English support in working hours | Official platform |
| Trip.com | Multiple languages | Multilingual support 24/7 | Flights, hotels, travel packages |
| Train Stations | Chinese | In-person assistance, usually Chinese | Immediate ticket issuance |
| Travel Agencies | Limited languages | Multilingual support, personalised service | Tours, travel planning services |
Tips for navigating China train stations

Source: Unsplash
Before you arrive
- Book your train tickets ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Verify the train number, departure time, and platform number before you arrive at the station.
- Make sure to carry your passport or other valid identification to board the train.
Upon arrival at the station
- Before entering the platform area, you need to go through ticket inspection gate. Have your ticket and passport ready.
- Be prepared to place your bags through an X-ray scanner and walk through a metal detector for security check.
- Once through security, find your platform number. Large electronic displays (in Chinese and English) show departure times and platform numbers.
On the platform
- Line up according to your carriage number, and board the train quickly once it arrives.
- Store your luggage in the designated overhead racks.
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FAQ about China train station
How early should I arrive at a China train station?
It's recommended to arrive at least 30-60 minutes before your train's departure time to allow for ticket verification, security checks, and finding your platform.How do I find my platform at a China train station?
Look for electronic displays showing train numbers, departure times, and platform numbers. Follow signs in both Chinese and English to guide you to the correct platform.Is there overnight accommodation available at China train stations?
Most China train stations have nearby hotels or accommodations within walking distance or accessible by shuttle.



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