Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 6 hrs ago
China to add online railway invoice option for ticket buyers
From December 1, China’s railway service will change how passengers get electronic invoices for train travel.
Ticket buyers will be able to issue an invoice online for the passenger through the official 12306 website or app.
They can do this within 180 days after a journey, refund or ticket change.
The change builds on China’s use of electronic invoices for passenger rail travel, which began on October 1, 2025.
Passengers can choose a new white-background design or keep the blue one, with the information on the invoice unchanged.
The rules also make clear that railway operators issue the invoices and that 12306 is the only official online channel for obtaining them.
Station ticket offices and self-service machines will remain available, and railway authorities are testing the system ahead of the change.
China will add an online option allowing ticket buyers to issue electronic railway invoices for passengers through the 12306 website or app from December 1, 2026.
The option will be available within 180 days after a journey ends or a refund or ticket change is processed.
Passengers can choose between the existing blue-background invoice and a new white-background design.
Railway authorities say 12306 is the only official online channel for railway ticket sales and electronic invoices.
Offline invoice applications at station ticket windows and self-service machines will remain available.
- Who
- China’s railway authorities and the State Taxation Administration are changing the service. Ticket buyers will be able to issue invoices for passengers.
- What
- An online option for ticket buyers to issue electronic railway invoices for passengers will be added to 12306.
- When
- The changes take effect on December 1, 2026.
- Where
- Through the 12306 website and app, with offline applications still available at station ticket windows and self-service machines.
- Why
- The changes aim to make invoices easier to obtain and better meet passengers’ varied travel needs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Electronic invoices began to be used across China’s railway passenger transport sector.
The State Taxation Administration and China State Railway Group announced the service changes.
The new online option and other service changes are due to take effect.
- Effective date
- December 1, 2026
- Online channel
- 12306 website and app
- Invoice deadline
- Within 180 days after a journey ends or a refund or ticket change is processed
- Invoice designs
- Blue-background and new white-background styles
- Offline options
- Station ticket windows and self-service machines