Ok - its fast approaching that time again that I need to make a booking for me and the wife for a train ride from Shanghai to Beijing (and one a week later to Xi'an.

I'm aware of the 12306 app and all set up to use. Similarly I'm fine with the trip.com option, which if I am able to guarantee 2 first class tickets seated together, I'd use that option, but from memory of using last year, you only get to chose a window or aisle seat - not 2 together. I actually swapped seats with a couple last you who booked through Trip, but had seats apart and I was asked If I minded moving so they could sit together (which I did.) That uncertainty bothers me. I know using the 12306 app, I am able to chose my seats - but as it'll be over 200Yuan, the whole fare gets hit with a 3% charge. That in itself is not a problem, but knowing Ive already spent a fair bit, it wont be long before all transactions get hit - even sub 200RMD.

So..... my basic question - has anyone booked using Trip and can confirm you were able to book 2 seats together?

I annoyingly prebooked our flights from Xi'an to Shenzhen with Spring - and as mentioned, can now see I could have booked business for what we paid for those flights! Always trying to learn!

Ride is for 13 September, so not long before reservations can be made. The train in question, I see does sell out - so what is the actual time bookings will open for that date? I's assuming it might be 0001 on the 31 August (14 days prior) but I've learned to never make assumptions. If I used Trip, would I be able to change seats in 12306?

So looking forward to returning. I'm also flying back in October to cover a few areas missing on this trip.