China’s railway system has reached a major milestone in its digital transformation.
Starting from October 1, Chinese railway stations will stop issuing paper reimbursement receipts. Passengers will need to apply for e-invoices instead.
This change marks the complete phase-out of paper tickets, making China’s railway system fully digital.
The move affects millions of travelers who use China’s extensive rail network.
China’s railway system handled over 4.08 billion passenger trips in 2024, a 10.8 percent increase year on year, making this one of the world’s largest digital transformations in public transportation.
What Changes for Passengers
The transition to digital receipts is straightforward but requires some adjustment.
“The blue paper slips will no longer be available. Passengers can apply for e-invoices issued through 12306, the official railway ticketing website and app,” a customer service representative told Shanghai Daily.
Passengers now have specific timeframes and methods for obtaining their digital receipts:
- Time limit: Passengers have 180 days to apply, either after their trip or after paying cancellation or change fees
- Method: Digital invoices through the 12306 platform
- Language options: Available in both Chinese and English
How Ticket Buying and Boarding Work
The change only affects reimbursement. Ticket buying and boarding stay the same: Chinese passengers and foreign permanent residents swipe their ID cards, while foreign passengers use their passports at manual gates.
This means the actual travel experience remains unchanged.
The digital system has been in place for years, and passengers are already familiar with the boarding process.
Impact on Foreign Travelers
International visitors to China need to understand the new system.
“You need to register an account and use the English version of the 12306 website or app to request an e-invoice,” according to railway staff.
Foreign travelers should:
- Create a 12306 account before traveling
- Use the English (of Chinese if you are fluent in Mandarin) version of the platform
- Use their permanent ID cards or passports to check in and board the train, with no need to collect a paper ticket
Digital Support for International Visitors
A variety of services such as e-ticket sale and change and extra service booking are made available on the 12306 online ticketing system, with the annual average ticket sales accounting for more than 80% of the total ticket sales.
Solutions for Digital Challenges
Railway authorities recognize that some passengers may struggle with the fully digital system.
They have created helpful alternatives:
Railway staff said passengers can still print “Trip Information Reminders” at stations before departure, which are believed to be helpful for passengers who are not so familiar with digital tools.
It shows all key ticket details, including the train number, departure and arrival stations, seat and boarding gate, but cannot be used for reimbursement.
Additional support includes:
- Text message notifications with trip details
- Station assistance for digital registration
- Multilingual customer service
Meeting Diverse Passenger Needs
Some passengers online noted that paper tickets were also useful for checking departure time and gate, especially for older travelers.
The Trip Information Reminders address this concern while maintaining the digital-first approach.
Timeline of China’s Railway Digitization
China’s move to digital tickets didn’t happen overnight. The transformation took several years:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2018 | China began piloting paperless train tickets |
| 2020 | E-tickets had been rolled out nationwide, with paper tickets marked “for reimbursement only” |
| November 2024 | E-invoices were introduced alongside paper receipts during a transition period |
| October 2025 | Complete phase-out of paper reimbursement receipts |
China’s Railway System by the Numbers
China operates the world’s largest railway network, making this digital transformation particularly significant:
2024 Performance Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total passenger trips | Over 4.08 billion (10.8% increase from 2023) |
| Average daily passengers | 21.448 million |
| High-speed rail network length | 48,000 km (30,000 mi) by end of 2024 |
| Planned expansion by 2030 | 60,000 km (37,000 mi) |
Global Context
Of the 3,000 bn passenger-kilometres travelled across the world each year, 1,346 bn are travelled in China, making China the world’s largest railway passenger market.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The shift to digital tickets brings multiple advantages:
Environmental Impact
- Elimination of paper waste from millions of tickets
- Reduced printing and distribution costs
- Lower carbon footprint from transportation of physical tickets
Economic Efficiency
- Streamlined administrative processes
- Reduced operational costs
- Faster transaction processing
Passenger Convenience
- Immediate invoice availability
- Reduced waiting times at stations
- Better record keeping for business travelers
How to Navigate the New System
For passengers adapting to the fully digital system, here’s a step-by-step guide:
For Chinese Passengers and Foreign Permanent Residents
- Book tickets through 12306 app or website
- Use ID card for boarding
- Apply for e-invoice within 180 days after travel
- Download and save digital receipt for reimbursement
For Foreign Travelers
- Register account on 12306 English platform
- Book tickets online or through authorized agents
- Use passport for station entry and boarding
- Request e-invoice through English interface
- Keep digital records for expense claims
Industry Response and Adaptation
The railway digitization reflects broader technological trends in China’s transportation sector.
In cities, railways are making transport more convenient and regional coordination more efficient.
Passengers had made over 27 million trips between Guangdong and Hong Kong via the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed railway in 2024, a yearly increase of 37 percent.
Travel agencies and booking platforms have adapted their services:
- Enhanced digital customer support
- Updated booking systems for e-invoice generation
- Improved mobile app interfaces
- Better integration with corporate expense systems
Looking Forward: Future Developments
China’s railway digitization sets the stage for future innovations:
Planned Enhancements
- AI-powered customer service
- Blockchain-based ticketing security
- Integration with other transport modes
- Real-time crowd management systems
Expected Benefits
- Faster processing times
- Enhanced security features
- Better data analytics for service improvement
- Seamless multimodal transportation
Practical Tips for Travelers
To ensure smooth travel in the new digital environment:
Before Traveling
- Download the 12306 app in advance
- Create account with valid identification
- Familiarize yourself with the interface
- Check language settings if needed
During Travel
- Keep digital devices charged
- Save trip information offline
- Ask station staff for assistance if needed
- Print Trip Information Reminder if preferred
After Travel
- Apply for e-invoice promptly
- Save digital receipts securely
- Keep records for expense reporting
- Provide feedback on digital experience
Conclusion
China’s complete transition to digital railway tickets represents a significant achievement in transportation technology.
The change only affects reimbursement, ensuring that the travel experience remains familiar while modernizing administrative processes.
With about 4,080 million passengers in 2024, China’s railway system serves more people than any other in the world.
The successful implementation of this digital transformation demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale technological changes in public transportation.
For travelers, the new system offers improved convenience and efficiency once the initial learning curve is overcome.
The availability of digital support tools and multilingual interfaces ensures that both domestic and international passengers can adapt to the changes successfully.
As China continues to expand its railway network and improve services, this digital foundation will enable further innovations in passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Sources and External Links
- 12306 Official English Website – China Railway’s official booking platform
- China State Railway Group – Official railway operator website
- China Travel Guide – Railway Transport – Comprehensive travel information
- Global Railway Statistics – International railway usage data
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