Traveling by train in China with children 2026: Ultimate Booking & Survival Guide

China is a great destination for the children to see a different civilization and meet her friendly people. But,  is train travel in china good for families? Yes, there are 7 good reasons to travel by train in China. 

Moreover, it is also a perfect option and unique experience for kids to know various aspects of this vast country, which will definitely broaden their horizons and have deeper understanding of diversities of cultures and people. Here below we provide useful tips and advice for a family tour in China by train.

Booking China Train Ticket for Kids: Free & Discounted Fares

How to Book Child Tickets Online and Offline

1. It is necessary to state in advance when purchasing a ticket for a child.
2. When buying train tickets in China, please use the valid identification document of the child (for foreign tourists, please use the passport) to purchase tickets. When taking the train, show the valid identification document.
3. The travel date, train number and seat type of the child ticket should be the same as those of the adult ticket held by the accompanying adult. The arrival station of the child ticket should not be later than that of the adult ticket.
4. When children are traveling for free and using individual seats, they should purchase child discount tickets.

Choosing the Best Seat & Berth for Your Family

First Class vs. Second Class: Which is Better for Families?

The second-class seats on Chinese high-speed trains usually consist of three seats in one row and two seats in another row, with an aisle in the middle. The second-class seats are the choice of most families, as they are cheaper and children may have a better chance of seeing other children. What are the disadvantages? The space is relatively crowded, and there is not enough space for luggage. Moreover, if it's a family of three, it's difficult to ensure that everyone sits together when buying tickets.

The first-class seats usually have two seats on both sides of the aisle, with a greater distance between them. The seats are wider and can be adjusted to a lying position, thus significantly improving comfort. If you need to hold a baby, there will be extra legroom. Additionally, inside the carriage, there are fewer passengers and the environment is quieter. Of course, the ticket price is significantly higher than that of the second-class seats. 

Therefore, at Easy Tour China, we generally advise our guests with children: If the journey is long (more than 4 hours) and there are infants (especially those who need diaper changes or feeding), go for first class. If the children are over 6 years old and the journey is short (within 3 hours), second class is a very cost-effective option.

>> Futher reading about: China Trains Types & Facilities

How to Request a Bassinet or Accessible Seat (Carriage 5)

The 5th carriage of the high-speed train is usually an accessible one, which can also be convenient for families with babies - for changing diapers for the baby on the diaper changing table. It is also close to the dining car, if you need to purchase food.

However, ordinary passengers cannot directly select it through the official APP "Railway 12306". What should they do? They can purchase it at the ticket window at the railway station or through a China travel agency such as Easy Tour China. We have professional ticket agents.

Overnight Sleeper Trains: Soft Sleeper Compartment vs. New "Capsule" Sleepers

For a family of 3 or 4, it is recommended to try an overnight sleeper train at soft berth class, which is a private compartment of 4 upper and lower berths. You can buy out the 4 tickets in this compartment to get privacy through your ticket agent, no matter how many you have, 2, 3 or 4 passengers in total. 

Now the latest model of high speed train sleeper carriage abandoned the original design of private compartments. Nicknamed as “Capsule Sleeper”, the upper and lower berths are lined up on both sides of the aisle, which is in modern and hi-tech style. Without a private room, we believe it is more suitable for the families with teen children.

>> Recommended 7 Days Beijing to Shanghai Tour by High Speed Train

Surviving the Train Station with Kids: Navigation & Safety Tips

Chinese train stations are usually large and crowded, which poses certain difficulties for parents with children. Based on our experience and that of previous guests, it is advisable to arrive at the train station 1 hour in advance. During public holidays in China (such as the National Day holiday), at least 1.5-2 hours in advance. Allow sufficient time for security checks, finding the ticket checking gates, taking children to the restroom, etc.

Use the station signs (usually in English) and the assistance of staff to find the ticket office, security check points, waiting rooms, ticket checking gates and baby care rooms.

At the ticket checking screen, watch the status of your train and the platform number. Use the manual channel for ticket checking and have the staff re-check your train number information to avoid boarding the wrong train.

What to Bring on the Train for Babies & Toddlers: Packing List to Check

Specific Tips for Traveling with Different Ages of Kids

Pregnant women

Unlike the airlines, China Rail service has no restrictions for pregnant women passengers to board the trains, though there is no discount for them. If you tend to have a seat or berth close to the door of carriage, you need to request the ticket office or online ticket agent to arrange a seat/berth you prefer. It is not possible to do it yourself through the online ticket system. Online booking service only allows you to choose window or aisle seat if tickets are available. 

It is recommended to book the first class tickets for these ladies if taking a high speed train as the seats are more comfortable and spacious. Please avoid traveling by train during the national holiday and the Spring Festival travel season, the train stations will be packed with passengers.

>> Further reading: 8 China Travel Tips for Pregnant Woman 

Traveling with infant and toddler

When you go to the train station to board a train in China, please take good care of your children since it is always busy in the station. It is recommended to use a baby carrier for the infant or toddler. It may not be wise to make a toddler follow up your step inside the station packed with passengers carrying big or small cases/bags, especially during the travel season. Baby strollers are not that convenient when you walk in and out of the stations, as you are required to go up and down via escalator or stairs. In a busy station, the use of a baby stroller can be complicated and time-consuming.

Please make sure you have everything baby and toddler may need during the journey like diapers, wipes, baby food/formula, burp cloths, nursing cover/blanket, pacifiers/toys, etc. If possible, you can book the tickets in Carriage No. 5 of the high speed trains (please confirm with your ticket agent or the ticket office), which is usually barrier-free with an extra space for wheelchair parking. A baby diaper changing table is installed in the spacious restroom.

Traveling with children of 4 years old or older

If you are doing a train tour in China with children of 4 or older, who are more active, and full of curiosity, watch your kids on board, as they might be easily knocked down by other careless adults along the narrow aisle. When someone is holding a glass/bowl of boiling hot water and passing by, warn your children to stay away.

If the train ride is long, don’t forget to bring some toys, books, snacks, electronic devices with story-telling, movies or games as kids will easily get bored when keeping sedentary for a period of time.

Before getting off the train, please make sure to pick up all your stuff. It will be very difficult to retrieve the articles left behind after you disembark the train based on our experience.

FAQ about Traveling by Train in China with Kids:

Is it safe to travel in China by train with kids?

Yes. If you look at the data of China's high-speed rail, you will find that it has a high punctuality rate, an extremely low accident rate, and the carriages are clean and the facilities are modern. It is very convenient, safe and comfortable for your family to travel by bullet train in China.

Can children travel alone?

According to the regulations of the China Railway Administration, except for local students who need to commute to school by train and children who are under the supervision of railway transportation enterprises during the journey, children under the age of 14 should travel with adult passengers.

Are there food/meals provided on the train? Is it good for children?

Yes, it includes boxed meals (Chinese or Western light meals), snacks, beverages, mineral water, and hot water. However, we generally recommend that international guests bring their own children's food: such as small snacks, fruits, bread, etc.

Recommended China Tours by Train for Families

• 13 Days Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Guilin - Shanghai Family Tour
• 9-day China Golden Triangle Tour for Families

Further reading: