Tips for high-speed train travel with children

Are you planning to take your kids on a trip by high-speed train? You may have some questions about how to buy tickets, what the rules are, and what documents are required.

How to buy tickets?

There are different types of tickets for children, depending on age and the need for a seat.

• 6 to 14 years old: You can buy a discounted ticket.

• 14 years old and up: You are required to buy a full-priced ticket.

• Under 6 years old, not requiring a seat: free, however, you can only take one child for free. If you have more than one child under 6 years old, you need to purchase a discounted ticket.

Children's age is calculated based on the date of travel. The date, train number, and seat type of the discounted ticket should be the same as the adult's ticket. The destination should not be farther than the adult's destination.

Valid identification

You need to buy discounted tickets with the child's valid identification. Using the adult's identification is not valid.

You are required to bring the child's valid identification when you travel. This applies to both children with discounted tickets and those traveling for free.

Valid identification documents for children include:

• Permanent residence identity card for foreigners

• Foreign passport

• Foreign exit-entry permit

Children traveling for free

For children traveling for free, you need to declare it to the railway department in advance when you buy your ticket. If you purchased your ticket via the Railway 12306 App, you can declare children traveling for free on your order page.

The valid identification document of the child traveling for free that you use for the ticket declaration is considered the child's travel voucher.

The railway department does not provide seats for children traveling for free. If they occupy a seat, you'll need to buy a discounted ticket.

Entering the station

Children with discounted tickets need to go through real-name verification and ticket checking at the gate. If they cannot be recognized, they can go through the manual channel to verify whether their age meets the standard for discounted ticket sales. They also need to complete the real-name verification and ticket-checking procedures for entering and exiting the station.

A reminder for parents

Before you travel, please remember to bring your child's valid identification. This will help avoid any delay or trouble.

Have a wonderful trip with your children!