More paws on board!
By Billy Jiang
As of June 20, pet owners in China now have more options when traveling by high-speed rail, thanks to the expansion of a trial program offering same-train pet transport services.
READ MORE: Pets Now Allowed on Shanghai-Beijing High-Speed Railway
After a successful initial rollout in April between five stations and 10 train services along the Beijing–Shanghai line, the program is now expanding to 8 high-speed rail lines, covering 25 stations and 38 train services, including key hubs on the Beijing–Guangzhou, Beijing–Harbin, and Shanghai–Kunming routes.
Under the program, each passenger may bring one healthy domesticated dog or cat weighing no more than 15kg and with a shoulder height under 40cm.
But if you're picturing your pup perched beside you, think again.
Pets do not travel in passenger cabins; instead, they're transported in a separate, climate-controlled compartment equipped with dedicated carriers and round-the-clock staff supervision.
Image via China Railway Express
From the images shared by China Railway Express, the designated containers resemble compact airfreight boxes—clean, sturdy, but certainly not luxurious.
While functional and safe, they might feel more like a pet cargo bay than a pampered journey.
Image via China Railway Express
Each unit is temperature monitored, and the whole process follows a strict 'separate but same-trip' model, meaning pets and owners depart and arrive on the same train, just not together.
Travelers must book both their own tickets and the pet transport service via the official 12306 app, using the "宠物托运 (Pet Transport)" function.
Required documents include a valid ID, train ticket, and Animal Health Certificate.
Upon arrival, passengers will receive a notification via SMS or call to collect their pets at the destination.
The Full List
High-Speed Rail Pet Travel Lines
Beijing South - Ji'nan West - Nanjang South - Shanghai Hongqiao - Hangzhou East
Beijing West - Shijiazhuang - Zhengzhou East - Wuhan - Changsha South - Guangzhou South - Shenzhen North
Beijing West - Shijiazhuang - Zhengzhou East - Wuhan - Nanchang West
Shanghai Hongqiao - Hangzhou East - Nanchang West - Changsha South - Guangzhou South
Beijing West - Beijing - Chaoyang (Beijing) - Shenyang North - Changchun West - Harbin West
Chaoyang (Beijing) - Dalian North
Beijing - Anshan West
Shanghai Hongqiao - Hangzhou East - Nanchang West - Changsha South - Guiyang North - Kunming South
Beijing West - Shijiazhuang - Zhengzhou East - Xi'an North - Chengdu East
Beijing South - Qingdao
The railway authority said they will increase disinfection efforts during the hot summer season and improve handling processes to ensure better comfort and safety.
So if you've dreamed of taking your furry companion on a cross-country ride, it's now officially possible—just make sure they're okay with a solo cabin experience.
Have you traveled with your furry companions on China's high-speed rails? Share your story with us.
READ MORE: Furry Summer Getaway: Pet-Friendly Hotel Guide - Part 1
Follow ThatsShanghai on WeChat for the latest pet travel updates and tips for life on the move with your furry best friend.
[Cover image via Unsplash]
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