The official ticket selling web site of the Ministry of Railways is www.12306.cn.
Foreigners can either purchase a train ticket at the station ticket office or buy the ticket online through the 12306 official website or app. Through www.12306.cn, passengers can check the relevant train information. Train seat selection function was formally launched on Oct. 12 this year.
Foreign passengers should carry original or photocopy of valid identity documents (such as passports) and purchase the ticket directly at the ticket office inside the railway stations.
Foreign passengers can also purchase train tickets via the 12306 website after registering an account on the website with their passports. Later they can collect the ticket at a train station ticket office by presenting their passports. Please be noted that passengers cannot collect their train tickets with their passports at the automatic ticket dispensers.