In anticipation of the upcoming summer travel rush, railway authorities have introduced a new travel pass product specifically for child passengers. Starting from yesterday, children can now purchase these rail travel passes and benefit from the existing child fare policy, making family and parent-child travel more convenient and affordable.
Railway services typically issue single-use tickets for specific dates, train numbers, seat classes, and stations. To cater to more diverse travel needs, since 2021, authorities have gradually introduced multi-ride and periodic passes on select routes. These products are not tied to specific train services, allowing holders to make multiple trips between designated stations and seat classes within their validity period.
Currently, there are two types of 90-day validity passes offering 10 or 20 rides, and 11 types of 30-day validity passes offering between 10 and 60 rides. These cover 74 popular routes and 780 stations, including the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway, Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, Xiamen-Shenzhen High-Speed Railway, Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway, and Chengdu-Chongqing Intercity Railway. Compared to standard tickets, these passes offer varying degrees of price discounts, with greater savings for higher ride counts, effectively meeting the needs of commuters and business travelers. Passengers can purchase these through the "Commute & Business Travel" section within the "Multi-Ride & Periodic Passes" area on the 12306 website or mobile app.
In June 2023, leveraging routes rich in tourism resources, railway authorities launched a rail travel pass product primarily for adult passengers. Operating on a "buy once, ride in segments, valid for 15 days" model, purchasers can independently select 2 to 10 travel segments between specified stations. Each segment is for a single, one-way trip with a designated seat class, all enjoying discounted fares, with the lowest being 15% off the average ticket price for the same route and seat class across different trains. This offers better value compared to purchasing separate segment tickets and suits flexible travel plans, allowing for sightseeing along the way and a mix of fast transit and leisurely exploration.
Following this recent optimization, child passengers are now also eligible to purchase these rail travel passes. The fare for children is set at a 50% discount of the adult price, effectively applying a discount on top of the existing pass discounts. Each travel pass order can include up to nine passengers, facilitating family and group travel. However, a child passenger must be accompanied by at least one adult and must still be within the eligible age range for child fares when using the pass. After purchase, the pass must be activated within 30 days (inclusive of the purchase day). Activation occurs when any segment is successfully booked or when the passenger checks in for a train. Unactivated passes will expire automatically and be fully refunded via the original payment method. These passes can be purchased in the "Tourism" section within the "Multi-Ride & Periodic Passes" area on the 12306 website or app.
Two methods are available for boarding with a rail travel pass: "advance seat reservation" and "direct boarding with ID." For advance reservation, after purchase, seat bookings can be made via the 12306 website/app or at self-service ticket machines using the passenger's original valid ID. Child passengers must be booked together with their accompanying adult via the 12306 website/app. Once a seat is reserved, the passenger can board by presenting their original valid ID for check-in. If plans change, the reserved seat should be cancelled before departure at no charge; failure to cancel counts as a used ride.
For direct boarding with ID, when there are available seats on the intended train, passengers can check in through automatic gates or manual checkpoints using their original valid ID. This will automatically assign a seat, and the seat information will be sent via SMS to the passenger's registered phone number by the 12306 system. Child passengers must board through manual checkpoints, where staff will verify they are accompanied by an adult before allowing entry.
In related news, recent high school graduates can now enjoy special benefits on a designated tourist train service. With the conclusion of the national college entrance exams, graduates are encouraged to embark on a relaxing short trip. From tomorrow until August 30th, this year's high school graduates can present their exam admission ticket to board the specially themed "Jinlv Shiguang Hao" train and enjoy a triple benefit package including a complimentary cabin upgrade, free cool beverages, and limited-edition cultural and creative souvenirs.
Graduates who purchase a standard adult ticket for this train can receive a free upgrade to the special Car 10 based on their exam ticket availability. This unique carriage features semi-reclining seats and is equipped with 5D viewing screens on all surfaces except the floor, displaying alternating scenes like vibrant city nightscapes and deep-sea vistas to provide a distinctive travel experience. It is important to note that these complimentary upgrades are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis according to remaining ticket availability on the day.
After the upgrade, before departure, students can also claim their cultural souvenir and beverage. At the "Time Post Office" in Car 5, presenting the exam ticket entitles them to a special commemorative postcard for the train, which can be stamped on-site with a custom "Embark on a Highlight Moment" commemorative seal, capturing a memory of their summer. Finally, with the postcard in hand, they can proceed to Car 6 to collect a limited-edition cool beverage, officially beginning their short journey.
Beyond catering to graduates, the themed train also offers activities for other young travelers. Until June 28th, it will host jellyfish science lectures featuring expert instructors from a major marine resort, who will explain the growth habits and species characteristics of jellyfish, allowing passengers to easily explore marine mysteries during their trip. Simultaneously, a traditional fish-rubbing art experience will be available onboard. Visitors can create their own fish-pattern rubbings, appreciating this intangible cultural heritage and experiencing the unique fusion of folk culture and marine themes.