China Train Luggage Policy 2026: Size, Allowance, Restrictions & Pet Rules

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.

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🧳China Train Luggage Allowance and Size Limits

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:

🚫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:

🧳→🚄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:

🐈China Train Pet Transport: Rules, Costs, and Eligible Routes🐕

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
  • Passengers can bring a maximum of two pets on the same train. (must be healthy & home-raised)

"Aichongxing" (Love Pet Service) Pet Transport Service Coverage

Launched as a pilot programme in June 2025, China Railway's pet transport service has since undergone two major expansions.

As of May 2026, the service now covers 121 high-speed railway stations nationwide, including major hubs such as Guangzhou South Station. It supports two modes of travel:

1. Owner-accompanied pet transport (30% off rate applies when the owner travels on the same train)
2. Unaccompanied pet transport (for pets travelling alone)

A significant expansion on April 8, 2026 brought the total to 121 stations and 228 train services, all clearly marked with a "Pet" symbol for easy identification.

The network includes nearly all provincial capitals and planned cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Wuhan, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. Eligible small cats and dogs meeting size, health, and vaccination requirements can now travel on these selected services.

Pet Transport Pricing (2026 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:

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
• An animal quarantine certificate is required (the certificate must be valid on the day of transport).
• 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 China 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 Travel Guide