China Train Luggage Allowance: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Taking high-speed trains between cities in mainland China is a preferred mode of transport for many travelers. However, if it's your first time, you might overlook one small detail: the mainland China train luggage allowance. Mainland China's high-speed trains have stricter safety regulations.

In this article, Trip.com will provide a comprehensive guide on security rules governing high-speed trains in mainland China, along with information on procedures and prohibited items, so you can travel with ease and confidence.

Mainland China Train Luggage Allowance: A Quick Guide to Size & Weight Limits

Baggage Weight & Size Standards

The free baggage allowance per person is:

• 10 kg for children
• 20 kg for general passengers
• 35 kg for diplomats

As for size limits, the sum of the length, width, and height of each item must not exceed 160 cm, while rod-shaped items must not exceed 200 cm.

Also, any wheeled transport, including toddler walkers or small electric scooters, must be securely packed in hard-shell packaging before boarding.

What Items Are Not Considered Luggage?

Items such as foldable wheelchairs and infant collapsible strollers are exempt from standard baggage weight and size restrictions.

What If My Luggage Exceeds the Limit?

Overweight items are subject to an additional luggage fee. Oversized objects that cannot be broken down, as well as living animals, will be charged based on the total weight.

If you accidentally bring overweight items, don't worry! If you catch it early, you can use the checked baggage service to avoid extra overweight baggage fees.

The limit for China high-speed rail checked baggage is 50 kg, and the sum of the length, width, and height of the item must not exceed 200 cm, with a minimum sum of 60 cm. This checked baggage will be transported on the same train as you or sent ahead in advance.

China Train Luggage Allowance: Security Check Process & Tips

Station Security Check Steps (ID Scan → Luggage X-ray → Mobile/E-ticket Verification)

The security check process for high-speed rail in mainland China is quite similar to boarding a flight.

• First, you'll need to send your luggage through an X-ray scanner
• Next, you'll pass through a metal detector gate
• Finally, you'll present your ID and ticket for verification

Always double-check that the name on your ticket matches the name on your identification documents to avoid any issues with the verification process.

Additionally, allow time for security checks, as you might find yourself waiting in line for at least an hour during weekends or holidays.

China High-Speed Train Prohibited Items

Items that won't pass security include dangerous goods such as weapons, knives, explosives, flammables, corrosives, and radioactive materials.

Additionally, highly magnetic items that could interfere with the train are also not allowed.

Items that cannot be carried in your hand luggage but are permitted in checked baggage include:

• Everyday knives (kitchen knives, scissors, utility knives, etc
• Agricultural tools
• Self-defense sprays not exceeding 50ml
• Guide dogs
• Small living animals with quarantine certificates placed in specialized containers
• Hermetically sealed seafood products

Mainland China Train Luggage Allowance Carry-on Restrictions

• Up to 3,000 ml of alcohol aerosol containers not exceeding 150 ml (with a total cumulative volume of no more than 600 ml)
• A maximum of 2 lighters
• Power banks or lithium batteries under 100 Wh

There is a very detailed list of these restricted items, so we recommend checking the official mainland China high-speed rail website before you set off to avoid any accidental run-ins with the regulations.

China High-Speed Rail Liquid Restrictions

You can bring standard daily liquid toiletries (like shampoo, contact lens solution, etc.) on board without any issues, and there are no specific restrictions on general food and drinks.

However, avoid bringing food with strong odors, such as some kinds of noodles. If you do carry food with a strong smell, make sure to seal it tightly to prevent the odor from escaping, and do not consume it on the vehicle.

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China High-Speed Train Luggage Storage: Review of Luggage Locations & Dimensions

Large luggage storage areas are located at both ends of the carriages (near the carriage connections) on the high-speed trains. You can store larger items (suitcases over 26 inches/66 cm) here. However, space on these large luggage racks is limited, so they can fill up quickly when the train is crowded.

For smaller suitcases or personal items, you can use the overhead luggage rack. It comfortably fits a (20-inch/50.8 cm) suitcase, but since it's above your seat, be mindful of your own safety and that of fellow passengers when stowing your bags.

Finally, there's also space under your seat where you can tuck away smaller items or a carry-on bag.

Quick reminder: Since high-speed trains in China can get quite crowded, it’s a good idea to attach an ID tag to your suitcase to prevent other passengers from accidentally taking it. To keep your belongings safe from theft, you might also want to use a small padlock or a bike lock to secure your luggage to the rack.

The Baggage Rules Travelers Most Often Overlook

Image source: China Chang'an Net

Power Bank Restrictions: Rated Capacity Should Be Clearly Marked

While power banks are generally allowed in your carry-on luggage, you still need to follow specific regulations regarding capacity and quantity. Any power bank you carry with you must be clearly labeled and have a rated capacity not exceeding 100 Wh.

Bringing Alcohol or Perfume: Content & Volume

Check the relevant regulations before bringing alcohol and perfume; otherwise, they may be confiscated.

Liquids containing alcohol must be well-sealed in their original packaging with clear labeling. Only alcohol with a concentration between 24% and 70% is permitted, and the total volume must not exceed 3,000 ml.

So, if you're carrying homemade liquor or alcohol with a concentration higher than 70%, it's considered a prohibited item, and you won't be allowed to bring it on China's high-speed trains!

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