The official rules
- Adults: 20 kg total. Children: 10 kg.
- High-speed trains: no single item over 130 cm in the sum of dimensions.
- Conventional trains: 160 cm sum of dimensions.
- Folding bicycles and scooters must be bagged and under the size limit.
- No checked baggage on high-speed trains. You carry everything.
What actually happens
Nobody weighs your bag. Security checks the contents, not the mass. A 26-inch case and a carry-on will pass without comment. A surfboard will not.
Storage: overhead racks sized for cabin bags, plus a luggage rack at the end of each carriage for large cases. There is no assistance and no lift. If you cannot lift your case to shoulder height, book first class (wider aisles) or travel with someone who can.
What security will take
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Power banks | Allowed up to 100 Wh (a 20,000 mAh bank is ~74 Wh). Must be labelled. |
| Aerosols | Up to 150 ml, and the container must be labelled. |
| Lighters, matches | Prohibited on high-speed trains. |
| Alcohol | Up to 2 bottles (1 L) sealed, 24–70% ABV. |
| Knives | Anything with a locking blade is confiscated. |
| Drone | Allowed on the train, but heavily restricted at attractions. |
The practical packing rule
One case you can lift and one backpack you can put under the seat. If your itinerary has four rail legs, a large hard case becomes a daily liability — every station involves stairs, escalators and a crowd. This is the single strongest argument for packing lighter than you think you need.
Frequently asked
Is there a baggage allowance on Chinese trains?+
20 kg for adults on paper, rarely weighed. The real constraint is 130 cm total dimensions for high-speed trains.
Can I bring a power bank on a Chinese train?+
Yes, up to 100 Wh and it must be clearly labelled. Unlabelled banks are confiscated.
Are there luggage racks?+
Overhead racks for cabin bags and end-of-carriage racks for large cases. No porters and no lifts.