700 items sent to lost-and-found at SZ North Railway Station daily

An image generated by Yuanbao AI.

With the Chinese New Year just a week away, the annual migration home is in full swing. As high-speed rail becomes the go-to option for many travelers, passengers often juggle multiple pieces of luggage — leading to a predictable surge in left-behind belongings. The lost-and-found office at Shenzhen North Railway Station is experiencing its busiest season.

Passengers can use the 12306 app to reclaim lost items.

Lu Jingjing, a staff member at the office, reported that since the Spring Festival travel peak began eight days ago, approximately 700 items are handed in daily. Fortunately, about 300 of these are successfully reunited with their owners each day.

The most commonly forgotten items include backpacks, suitcases, mobile phones, other digital devices, and boxes of local specialties intended as gifts for family and friends.

“We log every item received and make every effort to contact the owners,” Lu explained.

A netizen posts a photo of the water bottle he had lost and found with the help of the 12306 hotline. Sznews.com

How to reclaim a lost item

Use the 12306 app: On the homepage of the official railway service app, tap “Looking for lost items.” Enter your contact and ticket information, describe the lost item, and submit the inquiry. You can track the status using the button in the top-right corner of the page.

Call the hotline: Dial 12306, provide details about the lost item, your contact information, and the location where it was lost. Staff will reach out if it is found.

Seek on-site assistance: If you are still at the station or on the train, approach any railway staff member directly for immediate help.

Tips to keep your belongings secure

To avoid the stress of losing items, adopt these simple travel habits:

Designate spots: Always store critical items in the same, secure place. For example, keep your ID card in a specific zipped compartment of your bag and your keys in a dedicated jacket pocket.

Perform a seat check: Before disembarking from any vehicle, conduct a final “Seat, Floor, Overhead” sweep. Check your seat, the floor around you, and the overhead shelf.

Use photo backup: Snap a quick picture of your luggage setup at home and in your seat while traveling. This visual record helps confirm what you have with you.

Do a final T.R.A.V.E.L. check: Use this acronym for a last-minute review before you depart any location:

Tickets & Documents (Boarding passes, ID, reservations)

Recharged electronic devices & Chargers (Phone, laptop, power bank)

Accessories (Glasses, sunglasses, scarf, hat, watch)

Valuables (Wallet, cash, cards, jewelry)

Essentials (Keys, medications, lip balm, sanitizer)

Luggage & Last look (A final scan for left-behind items like chargers or water bottles)

By staying organized and vigilant, you can ensure a smoother, more relaxed journey home for the holidays.