What to Keep in Mind When Traveling by Train in China for the First Time
If this is your first time taking a bullet train in China, a few insider details will make your trip go much more smoothly. Let's look at the dining options, onboard facilities, and safety regulations.
Where to Find Food and Beverages
First, I recommend purchasing snacks before heading to the high-speed train station, as prices at the convenience stores inside the station tend to be slightly higher. Of course, if you are at a station in a major city, you will find chain outlets—such as McDonald's or Starbucks—where prices are standardized. Of course, if you are truly pressed for time, most long-distance G and D trains are equipped with a dedicated dining car. There, you can purchase boxed meals, snacks, soft drinks, and coffee.
Additionally, attendants regularly push food carts up and down the aisles, selling fresh fruit, ice cream, nuts, and hot tea. If you use the official 12306 app, you can even take advantage of a unique food delivery system. You can order food from actual restaurants located at major stations along your route, and station staff will deliver the hot food straight to your seat during the train's brief stop!
Every single carriage on a Chinese high-speed train is equipped with a hot water dispenser located near the restrooms. It provides boiling water free of charge. You will notice that many Chinese travelers carry insulated thermoses filled with tea leaves or bring their own instant cup noodles to prep right at their seats. Feel free to bring your own snacks and instant meals along!
Facilities on the Train
You will find large luggage racks directly above the seats for smaller suitcases, backpacks, and coats. For massive or heavy luggage, look for the dedicated baggage storage spaces located near the end doors of each carriage. Power outlets are standard on virtually all high-speed models. On newer Fuxing Hao trains, you will find standard multi-prong Chinese outlets along with USB ports positioned directly underneath your seat or between the cushions.
Every carriage has them. They usually feature both a Western-style toilet and a traditional Asian squat toilet. They are kept clean by onboard attendants who mop and tidy up throughout the journey.
Important Note: Always bring your own pocket tissues or wet wipes! While restrooms on high-speed trains usually have toilet paper, it can run out during long journeys, and it is always safer to have your own supply ready.
Prohibited Items
Security at Chinese train stations is incredibly strict—similar to airport security screening. To avoid having your personal items confiscated at the security check, keep these rules in mind:
Knives: Absolutely no knives of any kind are permitted. This includes small Swiss Army pocketknives, kitchen cutlery, and utility blades. If you have a small fruit knife, leave it behind, or it will be thrown away by security.
Aerosols: Spray cans are highly restricted. Items like hairspray, spray deodorant, sunscreen sprays, and body mists are typically capped at a maximum capacity of 100ml to 150ml per item.
Flammable Items: Lighters, matches, nail polish, and large bottles of pure rubbing alcohol are strictly banned.
Disruptive Goods: Live animals, except certified guide dogs, cannot be brought into passenger carriages. FAQ
How many miles of high-speed rail does China have?
China has built over 50,000 kilometers of high-speed rail lines, which translates to roughly 31,000 miles. This makes it the most extensive high-speed rail infrastructure network in the entire world, dwarfing the systems found in Europe and Japan combined.How much is a bullet train ticket from Beijing to Shanghai?
The ticket price for a G-type bullet train from Beijing to Shanghai varies slightly based on the speed of the train and the time of day. On average, a standard Second Class seat costs between 553 CNY and 673 CNY ($81 to $99 USD). A First Class seat usually costs between 930 CNY and 1,076 CNY ($136 to $158 USD), while a luxury Business Class seat runs from 1,748 CNY to 2,354 CNY ($256 to $345 USD).Is there a toilet on the China high-speed rail?
Yes, every single high-speed train carriage in China features clean, modern restroom facilities located at the ends of the cars. Most carriages offer a choice between a western-style sit-down toilet and an Asian-style squat toilet. There are also sinks with running water, mirrors, and baby-changing stations available on board. Remember to pack your own tissues just in case!
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