Chinapedia | How to buy 'bullet train' tickets on 12306?

With the 144-hour visa-free transit policy and the increasing port of entry, "China Travel" has become the new buzzword as more foreign tourists visit China and share their travel experiences in China. According to the National Immigration Administration (NIA), the number of foreign visitors to China increased by 129.9% year-over-year to 17.25 million in the first seven months of this year.

The high-speed railway, or the bullet train, is a popular choice of transportation method for foreign tourists. China has the world's longest high-speed railway line, with 2,760 km in operation, and the world's fastest-operating train services, with a top speed of 431 km/h. Many foreign visitors shared their experience on China's bullet train and said "China's high-speed trains are UNBELIEVABLE", and "Chinese high-speed trains are incredible".

12306 is the official website and mobile application of China Railway Corporation. There is no booking fee when booking tickets through 12306 (other unofficial websites might charge a booking fee for each ticket).

To begin with, users need to register a 12306 account. Besides verifying email, users are also requested to put in their ID (passport) number. 

To complete registration, users need to upload a picture of their passport and a picture of the user holding the passport to verify their identity. This is because when passengers enter the railway station, they will go through a face verification machine and scan their ID instead of presenting a railway ticket. The verification process takes about 3-5 days.

After completing identity verification, users can purchase tickets on both the website and mobile App. By simply selecting departure stations/cities, destinations, and dates, users can travel across China. 

（English Editor: Ella Qu)

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