China’s extensive high-speed rail network makes travelling around the country quick, comfortable, and dependable for Malaysian visitors. In this article, we explain how Malaysians can use 12306, the official China Railway booking platform, including step-by-step instructions for registration, ticket purchasing, and refunds—so your journey stays simple from start to finish.

12306 Guide- Overview

12306 is the official website and mobile application of China Railway Corporation, designed for online train ticket booking across China. Launched in 2007, it has grown to become the largest railway ticketing platform in the world, handling millions of transactions every day. For Malaysian travellers, 12306 is the most reliable and secure way to book train tickets, ensuring you get official fares without additional fees from third-party agents. The platform allows users to search train schedules, book tickets, select seats, and make payments online. It also offers convenient services such as ticket cancellation, rescheduling, and e-ticket management, making train travel in China simple and stress-free.

The name “12306” comes from the railway customer service hotline in China, making it easy to remember.

Why 12306 is Useful for Malaysian Travellers:

Safety & Security of 12306

The 12306 app is operated directly by China Railway, ensuring that it is a fully official and trusted platform for train ticket bookings. All transactions on the platform use secure payment encryption, protecting your personal and financial information during online payments. For Malaysian travellers, this means you can confidently book high-speed or conventional train tickets without worrying about scams or fake tickets, as long as you download the app from official sources—either the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the official 12306 website.

Essential Safety Tips for Malaysian Travellers Using 12306

• Use Official Channels Only – Download the app only from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the official 12306 website to avoid unsafe versions.
• Secure Your Account – Choose a strong password, link your email and mobile number, and enable any available security features in the app.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Payments – Make online payments using a secure personal connection or mobile data to reduce the risk of interception.
• Verify Transactions – Always double-check your booking confirmation in the app or via email to ensure your ticket is valid.

How to Register 12306

By 12306 On Web:

Step 1: Access the Official Website
Go to the official 12306 website and select “English” from the language option at the top right corner. Using the English interface will make registration and navigation easier for Malaysian travellers.

Step 2: Begin Registration
Click on “Register” to open the registration page. Fill in your personal details accurately, including:

• Nationality
• Full name as shown on your passport
• Passport number
• Email address
• Mobile number

Step 3: Complete the Process
After entering all required information, click “Next Step” to continue. Follow the prompts to verify your account via email or mobile number, and set a secure password. Once completed, your 12306 account will be ready for booking train tickets across China.

By 12306 On Mobile App:

• Step 1: The mobile app is defaulted in Simplified Chinese. To change language, click “我的” icon at the bottom right corner on the app.
• Step 2: Click "Set up" icon at the right top corner to enter the setting page.

• Step 3: Find "Language Settings" in the detail page.
• Step 4: Choose "English" and click on “确定” to proceed.

• Step 5: Click on "My" at the bottom right corner in 12306 mobile app.
• Step 6: Then Click on the button "Register" to continue

• Step 7: Fill in your contact info, including name, ID number, date of birth, username, password, etc.
• Step 8: Select "I have read and agreed with the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy of 12306.cn" and click on "Next" to register.

• Step 9: The system will generate a reminder message after completing the registration. An activation email will be sent to the registered email address. You can only buy tickets after you have activated your account through email.
• Step 10: Clicking the link in the activation email will direct you to the 12306 home page. It indicates your account activation has been successful.

How to Buy Tickets on 12306

On Website:

1. Choose Departure and Arrival Cities

• In the “From” field, type Shanghai (上海).
• In the “To” field, type Beijing (北京).
• This sets your route from Shanghai to Beijing.

2. Select Your Travel Date

• Click the date box (shown as Thu, Jun 06 in the picture).
• Pick your preferred travel date from the calendar.

3. Filter Your Search (Optional)

• On the left side, you can refine results:
• • Train Type: Choose “G/C/D” for high-speed trains or “Other” for conventional trains.
  • From Station: Pick “Shanghaihongqiao” or “Shanghai” main station.
  • To Station: Pick “Beijingnan” (Beijing South) or other arrival stations.
• Leave boxes unchecked to see all options.

4. Review Train Options

• The main panel lists trains, such as G104 and G102.
• For each train you can see:
• • Departure time (e.g., 06:27) and arrival time (e.g., 13:12).
  • Total travel time (e.g., 6h45m).
  • Departure station (Shanghai Hongqiao) and arrival station (Beijingnan).

5. Check Seat Classes and Prices

• Each train shows seat categories: business-class, first-class, and second-class.
• Prices are listed in Chinese yuan (e.g., ¥1958 for business-class).
• Some seats show discounts and how many tickets remain (e.g., “7 left”).

6. Book Your Ticket

• Click the “Book” button beside the seat class you want.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to log in, confirm passenger details, and make payment.

On App:

tep 1: Search for Your Preferred Train

• Enter your departure city, destination, and travel date, then click “Search.”
• A list of available high-speed (bullet) trains will appear. Review the departure times, travel duration, and prices.
• Choose the train that suits your schedule and click “Book.”

Step 2: Add Passenger Details

• Your own information, provided during account registration, is automatically saved under “My Passenger.”
• To buy tickets for friends or family, add their details in advance:
  Important Notes:
• 1. Go to “My 12306” → “My Passenger.”
  2. Click “Add New Passenger.”
  3. Enter their full name (as on passport), ID or passport number, and a valid mobile number.
• • Each account can store up to 15 passengers, but only 5 passengers with “To Be Verified” status are allowed at any time.
  • Passengers must pass real-name verification.
  • Email addresses and mobile numbers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan are accepted as contact methods.
  • Up to 5 passengers may share the same mobile number.

Step 3: Confirm Ticket Information

• Under “Passenger Information,” tick the box for each traveller.
• Choose the ticket type (e.g., adult or child) and seat class (Business, First, or Second).
• Double-check the departure time, seat class, and passenger details before submitting your order.
• 
  Tips for Malaysian Travellers:
• • Each passenger can purchase only one ticket for the same train on the same day.
  • You may buy a maximum of 5 one-way tickets or 5 sets of return tickets per order.
  • Seats are assigned randomly by the system; specific seat selection is not guaranteed.

Step 4: Make Payment

• After order submission, you’ll be redirected to the payment page.
• Review all ticket details carefully, then click “Pay.”
• For Malaysians, choose “International Card” to pay with Visa or Mastercard, or select “China UnionPay” if you have a UnionPay card.

Step 5: Complete the Transaction

• Once payment is successful, click “Payment Completed.”
• You’ll see a “Transaction Completed” confirmation page.
• Your e-ticket is now linked to the passport you used for booking—simply scan your passport at the station gate on the day of travel.

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12306 Ticket Refund Guide

Source: MTR

If your travel plans change, you can request a refund online through the 12306 website or mobile app, or in person at any China Railway ticket counter. The refund amount depends on how early you cancel before the scheduled departure.

Refund Fees by Cancellation Time

Refund Deadlines

• Mainland China Departures: Refund or change must be completed at least 30 minutes before departure.
• Hong Kong West Kowloon Departures: Refund or change must be completed at least 45 minutes before departure.
• After Train Departure: Refunds are not available once the train has left.

How to Apply for a Refund

1. Online (Recommended):
2. • Log in to your 12306 account via the website or app.
   • Go to “My Orders” and select the ticket you wish to cancel.
   • Click “Refund” and confirm. The system will show the refund amount after fees.

1. At a Railway Station Counter:
2. • Bring your passport and the original payment card (if used) to any station ticket window.
   • Request a refund from the staff.

Tips for Travellers:

• Refunds are credited back to the original payment method (e.g., international credit card or Alipay/WeChat Pay).
• Processing times for international cards may take a few days.
• Cancel as early as possible to avoid higher fees and to free up seats for other passengers.

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Trip.com vs. 12306 – Which is Better for Travellers?

When booking train tickets in China, both Trip.com and 12306 are widely used. However, for Malaysian travellers who value convenience, language support, and flexible payment methods, Trip.com often comes out on top.

Important Website for Foreign Visitors in China

Source: City News Service

The 12367 is an official immigration service hotline and support platform run by the NIA. It was launched in April 2021 as a “one-stop customer service center” for both Chinese and foreign nationals dealing with immigration and entry/exit issues. The 12367 Immigration Service Hotline is China’s official 24/7 support line operated by the National Immigration Administration, offering reliable assistance to both foreign visitors and residents. Launched as a one-stop immigration service center, it provides guidance on visas, residence permits, entry and exit procedures, passport matters, and other administrative requirements. The hotline is available by phone, online platform, mobile app, and mini-programs, making it easy for users to get help anytime and from anywhere. It also offers multilingual support including English, Russian, Japanese, and Korean allowing foreigners to receive information in their preferred language. Since its launch, 12367 has handled millions of inquiries from travellers around the world and maintains a high satisfaction rate, making it one of the most important and dependable resources for navigating immigration procedures in China.

In addition to transportation services, the National Integrated Online Government Service Platform provides vital support for foreign nationals. Operated by the National Immigration Administration, it features a dedicated Foreigner Service section where visitors can request appointments, track application progress, and verify identification details. The platform also offers 24/7 online consultation, allowing users to submit inquiries or provide feedback at any time, supported by the official 12367 hotline. Travellers can access a wide range of services, including checking visa information, reviewing residence or stay permit details, managing appointment times, and obtaining information related to the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card. It also supports passport-related matters for foreigners who hold China’s permanent resident identification cards.

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