Originally Posted by
mosburger
My major problem last time at Beijing main station wasn't the ticket pick up but getting back to the hotel from the station.
Agreed. Whenever I go to a train station, especially in Beijing, the only way I'm leaving is by train (unless I'm arriving by train).
I think many visitors don't appreciate how easy the kiosk drill is in comparison to will call. Sure, booking well in advance makes sense on trains that sell out quickly, but I've never had problems buying tickets on the jinghu line the day prior (even the single digit trains typically have good availability).
That having been said if 889's hypothesis that picking up Ctrip tickets at kiosks turns out to be true, this is a best of both worlds (advance booking plus convenient) strategy.