SNAFU: ID Required for Train Ticket Purchase
Implemented June 1, all passengers are required to produce ID, to purchase tickets for Express trains, "C" "D" and "G".
For foreigners without a residence card that means you have to produce your passport to verify the passport number to be entered, which will be visible
if a scan of the ticket is made.
Unlike airlines tickets, the train tickets are only sold 10 days prior to the
departure. You can't book on line, you can't use a machine to book the ticket, as the machines won't read passports.
Want some one to buy a ticket for you in advance of your travel to China,
not anymore.
Better plan on wasting a lot of extra time with this idiotic requirement.
So much for the billion dollar HSR system, skip the hassle and buy an airline
ticket, will save you money and grief.