How to collect train tickets in China
💡 Core Rule: Your ID is Your Ticket!
The most important update for train travel in China is that paper tickets are no longer required for boarding. Your valid ID document serves as your e-ticket.
Foreigners & HK/Macau/Taiwan Residents (Passport/Permit Holders): Proceed directly to the boarding gate. Staff will manually scan your passport or permit for entry.
Chinese ID Card & Foreign Permanent Resident Card Holders: Use the automated gates for faster access by scanning your card.
📄 Why Would I Still Need to Collect a Paper Ticket?
Collecting a physical paper ticket/receipt is now only necessary for two reasons:
Souvenir: As a memorable item from your journey.
Reimbursement Receipt: To obtain the official printed receipt (known as a "Reimbursement Receipt" or Bàoxiāo Píngzhèng) required for financial claims.
I. Where & When to Collect Your Receipt
📍 Collection Locations
| Location | Description |
| Self-Service Ticket Machine (TVM) | Fastest Method. Look for signs indicating "Automatic Ticketing" or "TVM." Ideal for those with easily scannable IDs (Chinese ID, Permanent Resident Card) and for collecting receipts. |
| Ticket Counter / Integrated Service Center | Universal Solution. Required if your ID cannot be scanned by the TVM (e.g., some passports) or if you need staff assistance for complex issues (changes, refunds). |
| Authorized Ticket Agents | Available in some cities, but may charge a small service fee (approx. ¥5 RMB). |
⏰ Collection Time
Any Time After Booking: You can collect your receipt as soon as your booking is confirmed (typically 2 hours after online payment).
Day of Travel: Arrive at least 1 hour before departure to ensure enough time for collection and security checks. Arrive 2 hours early during peak seasons (holidays).
After Travel: You can still print the Reimbursement Receipt for a trip up to 180 days after your journey date.
⚠️ Key Requirement: Original ID
You must bring the original ID document you used to book the ticket (Passport, Chinese ID Card, etc.). Copies are not accepted.
II. Step-by-Step TVM Collection Guide
The Self-Service Ticket Machines (TVMs) offer the quickest way to get your reimbursement receipt.
Find the TVM & ID Ready: Locate the machine and have your original ID ready.
Switch Language (Optional): Tap the "中文/English" button to change to English.
Select Action: Tap "Collect Reimbursement Receipt." (The process is the same for getting a souvenir paper ticket).
Select Date Range & ID Type: Follow the prompts to choose your travel date range and your specific ID type (e.g., Passport, Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card).
Scan Your ID: Place your ID document (Passport, Chinese ID, etc.) in the designated scanning area as instructed on the screen.
Select Tickets: The screen will display your eligible trips. Tick the box next to the ticket(s) you want to print the receipt for.
Collect Receipt: Press "Confirm/OK." Your receipt will be printed from the bottom slot. Don't forget to take your ID and the receipt!
III. Ticket Counter (Manual) Collection
If the TVM fails, head to the Ticket Counter (Look for "Integrated Service Center").
Prepare: Have your original ID ready.
Queue: Join the queue for ticketing/service windows.
Speak to Staff: Hand your ID to the staff and politely state in English or Chinese: "Hello, I would like to collect my paper ticket/reimbursement receipt." (Chinese: Nǐ hǎo, wǒ yào qǔ zhǐ zhì huǒ chē piào/bàoxiāo píng zhèng).
Receive: The staff will process the request and return your ID along with the printed receipt.