China has the largest high-speed rail network in the world, and for visitors it's often the easiest way to move between cities — faster than flying once you count airport time, and far more comfortable than long-distance buses. Here's what to expect.
How Fast Are We Talking?
Most bullet trains (marked "G" for the fastest services) cruise at 300–350 km/h. As an example, the roughly 1,300 km trip from Beijing to Shanghai takes around 4.5–6 hours by train, compared to a similar total travel time by air once you add check-in and transfers.
Booking Tickets
Tickets can be booked online in advance, and popular routes — especially around holidays or Canton Fair season — sell out early. When you travel with us, we handle train bookings as part of your itinerary, so your connections between cities like Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Guilin are already confirmed before you land.
At the Station
Chinese train stations use airport-style security screening, so arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure for major hubs. You'll need your passport for both ticket collection and security, and the boarding gates typically close a few minutes before departure — there's little room for running late.
On-Board Tips
- Second class seats are comfortable and perfectly fine for most trips
- Business class offers extra space on longer routes
- Food trolleys and station snack stalls are available, but bring water and snacks for longer legs
- Luggage racks fit standard suitcases; oversized bags are best checked separately
Why We Build Trains Into Itineraries
For multi-city trips — say, Beijing to Xi'an to Shanghai — the bullet train removes the hassle of domestic flight schedules and lets you see the countryside in between. It's also a smoother option for business travellers moving between meetings in different cities during Canton Fair season.
If you're planning a multi-stop Tour Package or a Customised Tour, let us know and we'll map out the most efficient train connections for your route.
