China’s high-speed rails are the envy of the world, criss-crossing the nation at speeds of up to 350 kilometers an hour. Tickets are relatively affordable and people can quickly pick them up at automated tellers... but only with a Chinese ID.
But expats rejoice: there’s no need to wait in crowded lines to pick up your train ticket. Order through WeChat and you can have the ticket delivered for only RMB20 more. Just book a couple days before your journey and switch your phone to Chinese for the ordering.
Step 1: Switch Your Phone to Chinese
But you can keep your WeChat set to English (Settings > General > Language) for convenience.
Step 2: Select Your Train Ticket
Click into your wallet, then select 'Rail & Flights.'
Choose the appropriate departure and arrival cities, as well as the date (month followed by day). To view high-speed rail tickets only, check the box on the right before hitting the green button.
Screengrabs via WeChat
Step 3: Add/Modify Passengers
Once you've chosen an itinerary, you'll reach the tricky part: even if the system recognizes you from a previous order, you must select the highlighted button below to trigger the delivery option. Switch off that first button, too, unless you’re cool with standing.
Screengrab via WeChat
Step 4: Add Your Info
If this is your first order, select passport (护照) from the pull-down menu. Add your passport number, name as it appears there, then date of birth and gender.
If your info is already there, great! Just click the green button at the bottom.
Screengrab via WeChat
Step 5: Choose Ticket Delivery
In the window that pops up, select the green option for delivery
Screengrab via WeChat
Step 6: Confirm Delivery Details
Confirm your mobile number is correct at the top, choose your seat, and confirm your delivery address is correct. If this if your first delivery, click through to add an address.
Screengrab via WeChat
Step 7: Add Delivery Address
If necessary, add your name and mobile number. Select your city and district from the pull-down menu, and add the Chinese characters for your building address.
Screengrab via WeChat
Step 8: Complete Your Order
Click through the green buttons to purchase your ticket. Switch your phone back to English and never worry about lining up for train tickets in China again.
[Cover image via fading/Wikimedia]
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