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China Train Baggage Allowance

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free train ride, it is important to familiarize yourself with the baggage rules and restrictions imposed by the train authorities. These guidelines typically specify the dimensions, weight limitations, and prohibited items that are not allowed on board.

Carry-on Luggage Rules for Trains in China

According to regulations set by China Railway authorities, there are specific restrictions on the weight and size of luggage that passengers can bring on trains.

Free Weight Allowance

The free weight allowance for train travel can vary depending on the specific ticket type you have purchased. 

  • Adult: No more than 20 kg (44 pounds) per person
  • Child (including those traveling for free): No more than 10 kg (22 pounds) per person
  • Diplomat: No more than 35 kg (77 pounds) per person

Baggage Size Allowance

The baggage size allowance for train travel can vary depending on the train service. However, the weight of a single box or bag cannot exceed 20 kilograms (44 pounds).

For high-speed trains (G, D and C-category trains):

  • The total of the three dimensions cannot exceed 130 cm (51 inch).
  • A rod-shaped item cannot exceed 130 cm (51 inch).

For normal trains (Z, T, K and four-digit trains):

  • The total of the three dimensions (length + width + height) of each item must not exceed 160 cm (63 in).
  • The only specific restriction relates to rod-shaped items such as fishing rods in their cases or tubes containing paintings. These items must not exceed a length of 200 cm (79 in). While width restrictions are not explicitly stated, it can be assumed that "rod-shaped items" should have a diameter of less than approximately 10 cm (4 in).

security check

Tips:

1. When traveling by train, keep in mind that luggage weight and size restrictions are generally more lenient than those at airports. It’s often acceptable if your luggage slightly exceeds the specified dimensions or weight limits.

2. Please note that the luggage allowance policy does not apply to wheelchairs; they can be brought onboard at no additional cost.

What Cannot be Brought onto a China Train?

The following items are prohibited and cannot be brought onto a train in China:

  • Dangerous items: any weapons, such as knives and guns, and offensive items, including imitation guns, and any type of bullets
  • Explosives: items with an explosive quality, such as firecrackers, industrial alcohol (Alcohol volume percentage greater than 70%.) as well as drinking alcohol in loose packing, decoration paint, gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil.
  • Compressed gases: petroleum gas, coal gas, oxygen, hydrogen, etc.
  • Flammable liquids: alcohol, adhesives, thinners, spray paint, gasoline and other fuel oils, etc.
  • Highly-flammable solids: camphor, hexamine and other solid fuels, etc.
  • Poisons: arsenic trioxide and all types of "toxins", pesticide powder, termite powder, pesticide spray, etc.
  • Live animals, except for guide dogs.
  • Magnetic materials that may interfere with the train's signal

The following items can be brought onto a train in China, but in limited quantities:

  • Lighters and Matches: Passengers are allowed to bring no more than two lighters or two small boxes of matches onboard.
  • Drinking alcohol: Passengers are allowed to bring up to 3,000 ml of wine, provided the alcohol content is between 24% and 70%. Beverages with less than 24% alcohol content are not classified as alcoholic drinks.
  • Nail Polish: Passengers are allowed to bring up to 50 ml of nail polish and nail polish remover (delusterant) onboard.
  • Perfume and Spray: Passengers are allowed to bring perfume, floral water, mist spray, and other flammable liquids stored in pressure vessels onboard. You can bring one bottle of each type, with a maximum volume of 100 ml per bottle.
  • Hair gel and hair dye: Passengers are allowed to bring cold wave lotion,Hair gel, hair dye, mousse, insecticide, air freshener and other liquid stored in flowing pressure vessels onboard. You can bring one bottle of each type, with a maximum volume of 150 ml per bottle, and total volume cannot exceed 600 ml.
  • Portable Charger: Passengers are allowed to bring portable chargers and lithium batteries onboard, with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) per charger or battery. There is no limit on the battery for electric wheelchairs.
  • Cigarettes: Passengers are allowed to bring up to 50 cartons (500 packets) of cigarettes onboard.

Where to Store Baggage on China Trains?

China trains provide designated spaces for baggage storage, including overhead luggage racks and under-seat storage areas.

On High-Speed Trains

Passengers can place their baggage on the racks provided above the seats on China trains. The majority of suitcases can comfortably fit in these racks, excluding exceptionally large ones.

If you have a suitcase that exceeds 24 inches, it can be placed either behind the last row of seats or in the luggage closet located at the end of each coach. It is advisable to keep your luggage near your seat for convenience. Please avoid storing valuables in suitcases that you cannot keep within your line of sight.

luggage rack on high-speed trains

On Normal-Speed Trains

In soft sleeper and superior soft sleeper carriages, passengers can find additional luggage racks on the wall opposite the berths. There are also luggage closets located above the door inside the compartment, where baggage can be stored. For large and heavy suitcases, it is recommended to place them under the lower berth.

In hard sleeper carriages, luggage can be placed either in the racks on the wall opposite the berths or under the lower berth.

In seat carriages, space is limited, especially in hard seat or soft seat carriages. Luggage racks are available above the seats for storage. Another option is to place your luggage under the table between two rows of seats.

Baggage Consignment

If you have an excessive amount of luggage, oversized items, or even a bicycle, you can arrange for them to be transported as consignment. Each train station has a dedicated consignment office that offers luggage transport services. Simply visit the consignment office at the station to make the necessary arrangements for your items.

Consignment Fee

Please note that the consignment fee is separate from the ticket price and is determined based on the weight of your baggage and the travel distance.

If You Take a Normal-Speed Train

Most normal-speed trains have dedicated freight carriages where your luggage will be transported along with you. You can collect your luggage upon arrival at your destination.

If You Take a High-Speed Train

However, high-speed trains (G, D, C-category trains) do not have freight carriages. This means that if you are traveling on a high-speed train, your luggage will be transported on a separate normal-speed train either before or after your journey. If your luggage arrives at the destination earlier than you, the arrival station will hold it for three days without charge. If it arrives later, you will be notified by the train station regarding its arrival.

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