Before you book
Use the exact passport name and number shown on the document you’ll travel with. China Railway’s 12306 platform permits eligible foreign-passport holders to buy tickets and complete identity verification; Trip.com is another option that may be simpler for some English-speaking travelers. Either way, keep the same passport for check-in.
At the station
Allow time for security and finding your departure gate. Check which station your ticket says: Kunming and Kunming South are separate, just as Lijiang and Dali are separate from their Old Towns.
Choose the staffed lane when necessary
If the automatic passport reader won’t accept your passport, use the lane with a staff member at security, boarding or exit. Some modern automatic gates can process eligible passports, so the universal claim “foreigners must always use a staffed lane” is too strong. A staffed lane is a dependable fallback.
- 请问人工检票通道在哪里？ — Where is the staffed ticket-check lane?
- 我用护照买的火车票。 — I booked this train ticket with my passport.
- 请问去这个检票口怎么走？ — How do I get to this boarding gate?
On the platform
Check the carriage number and seat shown on your booking. Platform announcements and electronic boards may use Chinese place names. If the electronic gates fail, a staff member can check your passport and booking information.
Official guidance
China Railway 12306 FAQ ↗ · China government foreign-traveler guidance ↗
Details and platform interfaces can change. Check official transport and attraction notices before departure. No paid booking or guided tour is included in the informational PDF.