As a foreign traveller in China, knowing the local train luggage rules can help you have a smooth journey and avoid unexpected troubles at the station. We have compiled what you need to know about China's train luggage policies, from how much you can carry to where to store your bags onboard.
This guide covers six key points: standard luggage allowances, prohibited items on trains, restricted carry-on items, checked baggage rules, pet transport policies, and practical storage solutions onboard. With this knowledge, you can pack your bags with confidence and travel by China train with ease.
🧳China Train Luggage Allowance
All passengers on Chinese trains enjoy a free luggage allowance, but size restrictions differ between high-speed and ordinary trains. Special provisions apply to wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices. Below are the official weight and size limits:
| Category | High-Speed Rail | Ordinary Trains |
Free Weight Allowance | Adults: 20kg | Same |
Max Size (L+W+H) | ≤130cm | ≤160cm |
Pole Items (e.g. fishing rods) | ≤130cm (≤20kg) | ≤200cm (≤20kg) |
Wheelchairs/Baby Strollers | Folded or unfolded (exempt from size limits) | Same |
Electric Scooters/Skates | Must be hard-case packaged | Same |
🚫 Prohibited Items on China Trains
You cannot bring these items in checked or carry-on luggage:
1. Firearms & Ammunition
- Military guns: Pistols, rifles, machine guns
- Civilian guns: Air rifles, hunting rifles, stun guns
- Imitations/replicas of any firearms
2. Explosives
- Ammunition: Grenades, mines, flares
- Pyrotechnics: Fireworks, firecrackers, smoke bombs
- Detonators: Dynamite, blasting caps
3. Controlled Weapons
- Knives: Daggers, switchblades, butcher knives
- Other: Police batons, crossbows, pepper spray
4. Flammable Substances
- Gases: Hydrogen, propane, butane (except medical oxygen)
- Liquids: Gasoline, alcohol >70%, paint thinner
- Solids: Magnesium powder, solid alcohol
5. Toxic Chemicals
- Pesticides, mercury, cyanide
- Industrial poisons: Arsenic, chlorine gas
6. Corrosives
- Acids: Sulfuric acid, nitric acid
- Alkalis: Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide
7. Radioactive Materials
- Uranium, medical isotopes (above safe limits)
8. Biohazards
- Highly pathogenic microorganisms (viruses) and infectious samples that can infect humans
9. Other Dangerous Items
- Strong magnets (disrupts train signals)
- Rotten food/chemicals with strong odors
- Unidentified suspicious objects
🎒China Train Restricted Carry-on Items
When travelling by Chinese trains, some common items can be carried onboard but with quantity and volume restrictions. Liquids, batteries and other common items are allowed within the specified quantities. The following are official restrictions for onboard items:
| Item | Allowance | Special Conditions |
Power Banks | ≤100Wh (27,027mAh) | Excludes lithium wheelchair batteries |
Cigarettes | ≤50 cartons | - |
Alcohol | ≤3000ml total | 24°-70% ABV, sealed & labeled |
Disinfectant Wipes | 75% alcohol allowed | No liquid alcohol bottles |
Cooking Oil | Permitted (peanut/rapeseed/etc.) | - |
Lighters/Matchboxes | ≤2 lighters or ≤2 matchboxes | - |
Perfumes/Cooling Gel | ≤100ml per item (1 piece each type) | Flammable ingredients restricted |
Sprays (sunscreen/etc.) | ≤150ml per bottle (max 600ml total) | Pressurized containers only |
Nail Polish | ≤50ml total | - |
Seafood | Permitted | Must be food-grade & sealed |
Guide Dogs | Allowed | With working certification |
| Train Route | Duration | Book Online |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong to Guangzhou | 47m | Book Ticket |
| Hong Kong to Shenzhen | 14m | Book Ticket |
| Guangzhou to Shenzhen | 29m | Book Ticket |
| Shanghai to Hangzhou | 39m | Book Ticket |
| Shanghai to Suzhou | 23m | Book Ticket |
| Chengdu to Chongqing | 1h 2m | Book Ticket |
| Shanghai to Nanjing | 1h 38m | Book Ticket |
| Beijing to Tianjin | 1h 2m | Book Ticket |
| Wuhan to Changsha | 1h 11m | Book Ticket |
| Train Route | Duration | Book Online |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing to Shanghai | 4h 18m | Book Ticket |
| Beijing to Xi'an | 4h 10m | Book Ticket |
| Hong Kong to Beijing | 8h 10m | Book Ticket |
| Hong Kong to Shanghai | 8h 6m | Book Ticket |
| Beijing to Guangzhou | 7h 17m | Book Ticket |
| Beijing to Chengdu | 7h 30m | Book Ticket |
| Shanghai to Chengdu | 11h 11m | Book Ticket |
| Beijing to Harbin | 4h 47m | Book Ticket |
| Beijing to Kunming | 10h 55m | Book Ticket |
🧳→🚄Items Allowed in Checked Luggage Only
Some items cannot be carried onboard, but may be transported in checked luggage for safety reasons. This includes certain sharp objects, tools, and small live animals. Below are the specific items allowed only in checked baggage:
| Category | Examples | Notes |
Sharp Objects | Kitchen knives (>60mm blades), scissors, box cutters | Must be securely wrapped |
Blunt Objects | Baseball bats, pool cues, hockey sticks | No length restrictions |
Tools | Axes, hammers, saws, welding torches | Agricultural tools need to be checked in |
Live Animals | Small pets (cats/dogs/birds) | Requires health certificates |
🐈China Railway Transport for Pets🐕
As mentioned previously, only certified guide dogs with valid working permits can travel in passenger cabins. For other pets like cats and dogs, advance booking through 12306's Pet Transport Service (宠物托运) service is required. Please check the detailed pet transport regulations below.
Eligible Pets for China Railway Transport
- Allowed Animals:
- Domestic cats and dogs only
- Must be family-raised (no wild animals)
- Size Limits:
- Weight: ≤15kg (33 lbs)
- Shoulder height: ≤40cm (16 inches)
- Health Requirements:
- Vaccinated and disease-free
- Not pregnant, nursing, or under 15 weeks old
- No aggression history
Pet Transport Restrictions
- Banned Breeds:
- 47 types of aggressive dogs
- Mixed-breed dogs with aggressive traits
- Wild cats (protected species)
- Health Conditions:
- Pregnant cats/dogs
- Puppies/kittens under 15 weeks old
- Nursing or sick pets
- Booking Rules:
- Only for passengers with same-train, same-route tickets
- One pet per booking (must be healthy & home-raised)
Approved Pet Transport Routes (2025)
Starting June 20, 2025, China Railway has expanded its pet transport pilot program to 38 bullet trains across 8 major routes (including Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Guangzhou, Shanghai-Kunming, and Beijing-Harbin lines), serving 25 stations.
Small cats and dogs that meet size/health requirements can travel now with their owners on select services.
| Route Name | Stations |
Jinghu Line | Beijing South → Jinan West → Nanjing South → Shanghai Hongqiao → Hangzhou East |
Jingguang Line | Beijing West → Shijiazhuang → Zhengzhou East → Wuhan → Changsha South → Guangzhou South → Shenzhen North |
Beijing West → Shijiazhuang → Zhengzhou East → Wuhan → Nanchang West | |
Hukun Line | Shanghai Hongqiao → Hangzhou East → Nanchang West → Changsha South → Guangzhou South |
Jingha Line | Beijing West → Beijing → Beijing Chaoyang → Shenyang North → Changchun West → Harbin West |
Dalian Branch | Beijing Chaoyang → Dalian North |
Anshan Branch | Beijing → Anshan West |
Kunming Line | Shanghai Hongqiao → Hangzhou East → Nanchang West → Changsha South → Guiyang North → Kunming South |
Chengdu Line | Beijing West → Shijiazhuang → Zhengzhou East → Xi'an North → Chengdu East |
Qingdao Line | Beijing South → Qingdao |
Pet Transport Pricing (2025 Pilot)
During the trial period, discounted rates at 30% off standard prices apply for pets travelling with owners on the same route. Here are the distance-based fees, including free basic insurance:
Distance | Standard Price (¥/pet) | Discounted Price (¥/pet) |
≤1,000km | 558 | 360 |
1,001-1,500km | 658 | 460 |
1,501-2,000km | 958 | 660 |
>2,000km | 1,258 | 860 |
✅ Includes free ¥2,000 insurance | ||
How to Book Pet Transport on China Railways
1. Online Application
- Book via 12306.cn at least 2 days before travel
- Select "Pet Transport" and link to your train ticket
2. Required Documents
- Your ID/passport
- Health certificate from a vet (issued within 3 days)
- Vaccination records
3. At the Station
- Arrive 2-6 hours early
- Bring:
- Pet in a secure carrier
- All documents
- Complete check-in at baggage office
4. Travel Day
- Pet travels in designated cargo area
- You and your pet arrive together
Confused about train travel in China? Come check out our guide for foreigners!
👜Where to Store Luggage on Chinese Trains?
High-Speed Rail (Bullet Trains)
- Overhead racks: For small bags (≤22 inches/20kg)
- End-of-carriage areas: Large luggage zones (suitcases >20kg)
- Seat gaps: Backpacks/briefcases at your feet
- Behind last row seats: Extra space for medium bags
Image source: Travel China Guide
Ordinary Trains
- Under beds: Best for large suitcases (sleeper cabins)
- Upper berth racks: Small/medium bags (watch weight limits)
- Aisles/tables: Very limited space (expect crowding)
- Under seats: Fits bags ≤24 inches (larger ones won’t fit)
Image source: Travel China Guide
China Train Luggage Policy FAQs
Q: How much luggage can I bring on a train in China?
A: Adults get 20kg free allowance (children 10kg), max size 130cm (HSR) or 160cm (ordinary trains).
Q: Are suitcases allowed on trains in China?
A: Yes, within size/weight limits. Large suitcases go to end-of-carriage storage.
Q: What items are banned?
A: Weapons, flammables, toxic substances - full list on 12306.cn or Trip.com.
Q: Can I bring my pet on the China high-speed train?
A: Only guide dogs are allowed in the cabin. Other pets need to book pet transport in advance.
Q: What are the rules for checked baggage?
A: Max 50kg/suitcase (200cm total size). Travels on your train.
Q: When will my checked baggage arrive?
A: Within 3 days for ≤600km trips, +1 day per extra 600km.