Go2China
Best Chinese Alternatives to
Setup Guide
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Book Before You Leave
Trainline covers UK and European rail only, so buy any European train tickets before arriving in mainland China.
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Create Your Account
Sign up with your email before departure, since email verification and payment may be harder to complete from inside China.
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Add Payment Method
Link a non-Chinese credit or debit card. Chinese payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are not accepted on Trainline.
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Save Tickets Offline
Download or screenshot your tickets and confirmation emails before travel, as the app may load slowly in mainland China.
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Use 12306 for China
For domestic Chinese trains, use the official China Railway 12306 app or Trip.com instead, since Trainline serves no China routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Trainline to book trains in China?
No. Trainline covers UK and European rail only and serves no domestic China routes. For travel within mainland China, use the official 12306 app or Trip.com to book train tickets.
Does the Trainline app work in China?
The app may load slowly or have connectivity issues from mainland China. Book your European tickets before departure and save confirmations offline for easy access.
Can I pay with Alipay on Trainline?
No. Trainline accepts non-Chinese credit and debit cards but does not support Alipay or WeChat Pay. Set up your payment method before traveling to China.
Should I download Trainline before visiting China?
Yes. Install the app and complete your account setup before departure, since verification and payments are easier outside China and the app serves no domestic routes.
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