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China Train Baggage Allowance

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free process, 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.

How Much Luggage is Allowed on China Trains?

As per the regulations set by the China railway authorities, there are specific restrictions regarding the weight and size of luggage that passengers can carry.

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.

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 compared to airports. It is 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. Wheelchairs can be brought onboard at no additional cost.

What Things 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 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: no more than two lighters
  • Cigarettes: no more than 50 cartons
  • Drinking alcohol: at most 6 bottles with 50% or less vol. The bottles must be unpacked without removing the labels of product specifications and parameters.
  • Nail polisher, hair dye, Aerosol spray cans containing hairspray: less than 20ml (0.68 ounce).

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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