Train Ticket from Chengdu to Changsha

According to my experience, booking in advance is highly recommended.

Hello,
Thanks for our prompt reply
How far in advance? Will a day before good enough?
Is there a shortage of train ticket?

Thanks again,
Nancy

As I know, people usually book the ticket in advance aorund 10 days ahead. There are only three trains running for the journey, so maybe the tickets would be sold out.

I suggest if you have an iphone to download the 'china trains' app. My experience is that booking tickets should be done at least two days or more to get a hard sleeper and one day to get a hard seat. But on same day booking you risk only getting a standing room only ticket and that is not a pleasant experience for overnight trips