i read everywhere that it is only possible to buy tickets / make reservation of tickets

Question

I read everywhere that it is only possible to buy tickets / make reservation of tickets only in the station where you start the journey.  If I travel f.i. from Chengde to Datong and I have to change in Beijing then I won't be able to book the train ahead from Beijing to Datong.  How do people do these kind of things then?  During my 1 month visit to China I will face this problem more than once I see.  It also seems that it's not possible to book a train in Pingyao to proceed my journey 2 days later to Xian.  How do I organize these train trajects if one can only a make  booking at the stations where the train departs and only 4 days in advance?Is there no way to make bookings in another city than in the departing city?  Is there then no office somewhere where I could make all or some of the bookings for several journeys on several days?

Mr.Qi · Answer

Hi, Mr Marc. I do not know if you will make a stayover at Beijing or just get to the train to Datong right away. If you would go to Datong straightforward, I can share this experience with you: I once made a transfer on the way from Shanghai to Xian for some reason. Without getting out of the transfer station, I got to find the other train and explain to ticket checker that I am in hurry and would like to buy a ticket on the train. If you would stay for few time in the transfer city, you can by the ticket in the railway station just when you get off the train. In deed, there are usually many ticket office within the city and hotels can also help you arrange this.

Mr.Di Resh · Answer

Mr. Marc,This is a response to all your messages.  There are ticket stations here in Chengde that will allow you to buy train tickets to anywhere including Datong.  You cant get them at the train station you must use the agent which cost 5yuan.  I would not recommend the buses from Chengde to Beijing only the train and black cars.  If you need any help let me know happy to help. take care and good luck.-Di

Mrs.Jones · Answer

Hi where do you find the agent that costs 5Y???

Mr.Sangild · Answer

DO NOT WORRY. No need too book in advance. Just go to the train stations ticket office and tell them where you want to go and when. I have travelled around China 8-times by train - never booked a ticket and never had any problems. If you dont speak Chinese, just get someone to help you write on a piece of paper what kind of ticket you want and when. For the more daring, who just want a hard-seat, just get on the train and get a ticket there.

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