China updates train ticket purchasing for foreigners

A train runs on the Changchun-Hunchun high-speed line in Changchun, Jilin province. [Photo by Huo Chunguang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

China has recently optimized its train ticket purchasing and checking services for international travelers, the China State Railway Group Co said on Nov 28.

According to a release posted at the company's official WeChat account on Tuesday evening, holders of the current version of foreign permanent resident ID cards can register at 12306, the State-run train ticket booking platform, and purchase train tickets online like ordinary Chinese people holding identity cards.

Self-services such as checking personal information at railway station's turnstiles and checking in and checking out of the station will also be available to these holders, according to the company's release.

Also, international travelers holding ordinary passports can check their personal information online at the platform of 12306, by filling-in their information including names, nationalities and passport ID, from Tuesday. They can also upload pictures of their passport information to the platform for checkup.

The international travelers are allowed to buy train tickets after finishing the personal information verification. Previously, the personal information verification work of international travelers could only be done through on-site staff services at railway stations.

The company said in the release that the on-site staff services is also available in addition to the online services.

Earlier in September, the National Immigration Administration said that the nation will issue the new version of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card on Friday, Dec 1, and a valid current version of the document can also be used.