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Glossary

The Official China Rail Booking App

Every guide says to use the rail app, and you want to know what it is.

Plan my booking dates

12306 is the official train booking service of China’s national railway. The name comes from its website and app, and it is the source for most train timetables and tickets.

China State Railway Group announced on 28 November 2023 that foreigners with ordinary passports can verify their details and buy tickets online via 12306[1]. That change is why independent travellers can now book their own trains.

Where you will meet it on a trip

You will use 12306 when you plan any rail leg, from a short city hop to a long journey. To verify, enter your name, nationality and passport number, or upload a photo of the passport page, and then you can buy tickets[2].

One practical tip

Plan around the sale window. Train tickets usually go on sale 15 days before departure and cannot be bought earlier[3]. For a busy holiday, set a reminder for the opening day.

Some apps help you queue early. Trip.com can accept pre-orders before the window opens, but it only attempts the purchase when China Railway releases seats[4]. Our booking comparison sets the two side by side.

Want help lining up your booking dates with your route? Send us your cities and travel month and we will talk through the sale window with you.

Ask about 12306

Read next

  • TermWhat a G Train Is in China

    A plain explanation of China G trains, the premier high-speed rail tier, where you will meet them on a trip and how to pick the right one for your route.

  • TermWhat Real-Name Ticketing Means in China

    What real-name ticketing means in China: why trains and some sights tie your ticket to your passport, what that means at the gate and how to prepare.

  • TermTrain Seat Classes in China

    Second class, first class and business class on China high-speed trains explained in plain words, with seat layout, who each suits and what to check.

  • TermWhat a D Train Is in China

    What a D train means in China: the tier below G trains, either a daytime service with more stops or an overnight high-speed sleeper, and when it suits you.

Questions Malaysians ask

Can foreigners use 12306 now?

Yes. China State Railway Group announced on 28 November 2023 that foreigners with ordinary passports can verify their details and buy tickets online on 12306. Expect a short passport check the first time. Allow some time for it before the day you want to book.

How early can I buy a train ticket?

Tickets usually go on sale 15 days before departure and cannot be bought earlier, though rules can change and some guides cite longer windows on certain platforms. Put the sale date in your calendar, and confirm it on the app you plan to use.

Can I pre-order before the sale window opens?

Some third-party apps accept a pre-order before the window opens and only try the purchase when seats are released. That is not a seat held for you. Read the app terms, keep your plan flexible and have a backup train in mind.

Sources

  1. China Services Info (Xinhua), checked 2026-10-19
  2. China Services Info (Xinhua), checked 2026-10-19
  3. The Man in Seat 61, checked 2026-10-19
  4. Unusual Nomad, checked 2026-10-19

Rules, schedules and prices change. Confirm with the official source before you travel.

Thinking about China?

Want help lining up your booking dates with your route? Send us your cities and travel month and we will talk through the sale window with you.

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