Originally Posted by
moondog
Yes, as in putting your (blue) ticket into the entry gate or showing your (red) ticket to the lady who stands next to the entry gate. My experience is mostly limited to Shanghai departures (the subways are predictable/reliable so I am comfortable optimizing in order to minimize time wasted in the train stations).
Different characters. you resemble my risk loving dad.
I for my part have inherited a cautious, perfectionist approach from my mom, especially as I'm riding Chinese trains more often with clients and biz partners than not these days.
Would never even try to arrive at any Chinese train station later than 20 minutes before departure as you can well spend several of those precious minutes in the security line at the larger ones. Then, maybe you just have to head to platform 27 on the other side of a vast and fully crowded departures hall...
Preferably I'll be there 30 minutes before departure (before security that is) And, in my case, if applicable, the departure will be on a night train so the station should be relatively quiet and calm.