Passport issue

If i want to travel from Ningbo to Beijing can I do it without a passport?It will be held for residence permit issuance so i will not have it.So I can just buy the tickets and collect them when I have a passport
and after travel without or with a copy.Is the passport requested when boarding?Or in the train?
I know I should have a passport when travelling but i need to make that trip.Also if I want to change a date
or returning can i do it without?