If you book an extension on our Trans-Mongolian trip to cities such as Xi’an or Shanghai, chances are you’ll be traveling by high-speed bullet train. These trains are among the most convenient and comfortable ways to get around China. Some of the rules may seem obvious, but we still ask you to familiarise yourself with them – especially when it comes to power banks and sprays, which are the items that most frequently cause problems at security checks.
Preparation Before Departure
- Documents: Always travel with the same passport you used to sign up for your trip. Using a different passport may cause problems and even prevent you from boarding.
- Time Management: Arrive at the station at least 45 minutes early. Security checks and finding your platform can take time. Check-in with your passport usually opens 30–15 minutes before departure and closes 5 minutes before the train leaves. If you are travelling on one of our tours, all transfers are carefully arranged to take these timings into account, so you can relax knowing you’ll arrive at the station with plenty of time.
- Luggage: Dangerous goods such as flammable or explosive materials, as well as controlled knives, are strictly prohibited. Carry-on luggage should not exceed 20kg and the combined dimensions should be under 130cm (roughly the size of a 24-inch suitcase). In practice, checks are not too strict, but oversized luggage can be inconvenient. Remember, you must handle your own luggage – there is no checked baggage service.
Rules During the Journey
- Seat by Ticket: Sit in the carriage and seat shown on your ticket. Avoid occupying seats from higher classes (business or first class) if you have a 2nd class ticket.
- Keep Quiet: Speak softly, use headphones, and avoid disturbing others.
- Safety: Don’t walk around unnecessarily or lean on doors while the train is moving. Pack your luggage before arriving to avoid leaving things behind.
- Smoking: All trains are non-smoking. Stops are short – often only 1–2 minutes – so stepping out to smoke may result in being left behind. It’s best not to get off at stops unless necessary.
- Handling Special Situations. If you feel unwell or encounter an emergency, contact the train attendant immediately. Each carriage is equipped with a first-aid kit and emergency equipment.
Items Restricted on High-Speed Trains
This is where many travellers run into issues. Be especially careful with power banks, sprays, and aerosols, as they are the most common items flagged during security checks.
- Power Banks & Lithium Batteries: Must be properly labeled (“3C” certification). Each device must not exceed 100Wh capacity. Larger or unlabeled batteries may be confiscated.
- Perfumes, Sprays, Gels (Non-Aerosol): Limited to one item per type, each container no larger than 100ml.
- Aerosol Containers (hairspray, mousse, insecticide, etc.): Limited to one item per type, each container max 150ml, total volume not exceeding 600ml.
- Nail Polish & Remover: Total amount must not exceed 50ml.
- Matches & Lighters: Up to 2 small boxes of matches and 2 ordinary lighters are allowed.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Allowed if sealed, clearly labeled, and with alcohol content between 24%–70%. Maximum 3 liters total.
- Other Items: Anything prohibited by local laws and transport regulations.