China High-Speed Train Guide: Tickets, Routes & Travel Tips

Not sure how to get around China fast? The China High-Speed Train makes it easy. For Filipino travelers, it’s the best way to move from one city to another quickly and without stress.

This guide walks you through the high-speed rail network, the most popular routes, and simple steps to book your tickets. With it, you can save time, skip the hassle, and enjoy a smooth journey across China.

🚆About the China High-Speed Train

China’s high-speed rail is among the largest in the world, reaching nearly 38,000 kilometers of tracks by 2020. By 2035, the plan is to expand it to 70,000 kilometers so that more than 90 percent of people, including travelers from the Philippines, can move quickly and easily across the country.

🚅How Fast is China’s High-Speed Train?

China’s high-speed rail is not only huge but also very fast. Different types of bullet trains run across the country, each designed for different routes and distances. Here’s a simple look at the main ones and their speeds:

💺Seat Classes on China High-Speed Trains

When you travel by China High-Speed Rail, you can choose from different seat classes depending on your budget and comfort needs. Here’s a simple breakdown:

📍8 Major High-Speed Rail Lines in China

China’s high-speed train system is built around eight main routes, often called the “Four Vertical and Four Horizontal” lines. These connect the country’s biggest cities, making long-distance travel fast and simple. For Filipino travelers, these are the best routes to know when planning trips around China.

1. Beijing – Shanghai Line

• Distance: about 1,318 km
• Travel time: 4.5 to 6 hours
• Why take it: This is the busiest and most famous line, linking Beijing with Shanghai. Trains run very often, almost every 10–15 minutes, so it’s perfect for both business and leisure trips.

2. Beijing – Guangzhou Line

• Distance: about 2,298 km
• Travel time: 8 to 10 hours
• Why take it: Runs north to south, passing big cities like Zhengzhou, Wuhan, and Changsha. A long ride, but you get to see how the scenery changes across provinces.

3. Beijing – Harbin Line

• Distance: about 1,200 km
• Travel time: 7 to 8 hours (sometimes faster)
• Why take it: This connects to Harbin, home of the famous Ice and Snow Festival. A must if you want to experience northern China’s winter and snow sculptures.

4. Beijing – Hong Kong Line

• Distance: over 2,400 km
• Travel time: around 9 to 10 hours (direct)
• Why take it: Brings you from Beijing all the way to Hong Kong, passing through Guangzhou and Shenzhen. A good alternative if you want to avoid domestic flights.

5. Shanghai – Kunming Line

• Distance: about 2,252 km
• Travel time: 10 to 12 hours
• Why take it: Links Shanghai with Kunming, known as the “Spring City.” Expect mountain and lake views along the way, perfect for nature lovers.

6. Shanghai – Beijing Coastal Line

• Distance: varies by route
• Travel time: 6 to 8 hours
• Why take it: Instead of going direct, this line follows the eastern coast, stopping at seaside cities like Tianjin, Qingdao, and Dalian. Great if you want seafood and coastal scenery.

7. Chengdu – Chongqing Line

• Distance: about 308 km
• Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Why take it: Short and busy route between Chengdu (giant pandas) and Chongqing (hotpot and Yangtze River cruises). Quick, affordable, and popular for side trips.

8. Lanzhou – Urumqi Line

• Distance: over 1,700 km
• Travel time: 10 to 12 hours
• Why take it: Connects Lanzhou to Urumqi in Xinjiang. You’ll pass deserts, grasslands, and parts of the Silk Road. A scenic choice for those who want adventure.

🚅 China High-Speed Train Routes

China’s high-speed rail is the biggest in the world, with trains running at 300 to 350 km/h. It makes traveling between cities fast, comfortable, and budget-friendly. Here’s a full list of the major routes:

🚄 Trip.com vs 12306: The Best Way to Buy Train Tickets

If you’re a Filipino traveler exploring China, one of the easiest ways to book high-speed train tickets is through Trip.com. It’s a trusted international travel platform with 24/7 customer service in different languages, a simple booking process, and support for international payments. You can even find discounted tickets and bundle them with hotels or flights, making trip planning much smoother.

🔍 12306 vs Trip.com — Which Should You Use?
When buying train tickets in China, you usually have two choices:

• 12306 – the official China Railway website
• Trip.com – a global travel platform made for international users

12306 is official and doesn’t charge extra fees, but it’s mainly in Chinese, has limited service hours, and often only accepts local payment methods. Trip.com is designed for convenience. It’s available in English, runs 24/7, supports different international payments, and has reliable customer service.

🆚 12306 vs Trip.com