China DIY Travel
China DIY Travel
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China DIY travel provides domestic train ticket booking service for any journey within China in any class or type of train. Give us your name and passport number, no need to pay in advance. We will get you the Eticket and ask you to pay afterwards. It is safer, easier and cheaper!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
590 reviews
Excellent
578
Very good
8
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Daniella De Gouveia Pinto
3 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I had a fantastic experience with China DIY Travel. From start to end they were friendly, organised and informative, and the email response time was as short as could be. The bullet train is very comfortable and I highly recommend it, especially the 4.5 hour version. The company is truly geared for international transactions. I live in Japan and paid with a PayPal linked bank account. Great job, China DIY Travel.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stormin_99
Munich, Germany4 contributions
Mar 2020
Very helpful in providing train tickets! We booked an overnight train from Kunming to Lijiang (Yunnan) towards the end of the covid crisis. The team was very supportive and responsive to questions. If you don't speak/read any Chinese, it is very worth to use DIY Travel. Commissions are transparent and very reasonable. I will use again.
Written March 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stabras Traveller
14 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
What a great team!
Responsive, efficient, professional! Easy to order, attention to detail, pay in our preferred currency (Australian dollars) and simple and very useful instructions to collect our tickets. They made our trip to China unforgettable right from the start.
Thank you for your service!
Responsive, efficient, professional! Easy to order, attention to detail, pay in our preferred currency (Australian dollars) and simple and very useful instructions to collect our tickets. They made our trip to China unforgettable right from the start.
Thank you for your service!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dib-biswas
Kolkata (Calcutta), India63 contributions
May 2017 • Family
Not many people may not be agree with me but my expectation was not met based on top reviews it received from almost all.
I am giving unbiased opinion and based on my own experience. First about the good thing: They have very good instructions on the procedure with video uploaded on YouTube including station specific guides.
Now coming to my own experience. I have pre booked soft sleeper on night train from XI'an to Chongqing. Once booked the communication was good they assured me in mail that I shall got my tickets. After that I have found that in this specific train (#K1002) , soft sleeper are being booked within couple of hours on only Friday and rest of the days seats were available. I specifically informed them to book asap as my journey was on Friday. I felt assured based on its reputation but surprises came on the day of releasing the tickets. Once released I found that soft sleeper were available but selling fast. Within couple of hours all sold out. I mailed them asking weather my ticket was booked. i got below response:
"The soft sleeper ticket of K1002 still are not released, can you accept hard sleeper? If you prefer soft sleeper, can you accept K1573 (20:55-07:25), this train departs from Xian south stationit is 2 hours away from Xian city with limited public transportation, so you need to taxi, it is about 100RMB. Please let me know which one you prefer, or we can wait for some days to check if the soft sleeper ticket of K1002 will be released."
Its surprising they don't know if certain tickets are released or not and misguiding by suggesting to wait for some days where actually seats were released and sold out.
It would have been worse if I waited for some days because after few days even hard sleeper went sold out. I took the hard sleeper instead on that day itself.
My point is for certain routes on certain days its very difficult to get tickets and I understand that but giving misleading information by such a reputed company is not at all acceptable.
For rest of the trains I preferred Travel China Guide which was very nice.
I am giving unbiased opinion and based on my own experience. First about the good thing: They have very good instructions on the procedure with video uploaded on YouTube including station specific guides.
Now coming to my own experience. I have pre booked soft sleeper on night train from XI'an to Chongqing. Once booked the communication was good they assured me in mail that I shall got my tickets. After that I have found that in this specific train (#K1002) , soft sleeper are being booked within couple of hours on only Friday and rest of the days seats were available. I specifically informed them to book asap as my journey was on Friday. I felt assured based on its reputation but surprises came on the day of releasing the tickets. Once released I found that soft sleeper were available but selling fast. Within couple of hours all sold out. I mailed them asking weather my ticket was booked. i got below response:
"The soft sleeper ticket of K1002 still are not released, can you accept hard sleeper? If you prefer soft sleeper, can you accept K1573 (20:55-07:25), this train departs from Xian south stationit is 2 hours away from Xian city with limited public transportation, so you need to taxi, it is about 100RMB. Please let me know which one you prefer, or we can wait for some days to check if the soft sleeper ticket of K1002 will be released."
Its surprising they don't know if certain tickets are released or not and misguiding by suggesting to wait for some days where actually seats were released and sold out.
It would have been worse if I waited for some days because after few days even hard sleeper went sold out. I took the hard sleeper instead on that day itself.
My point is for certain routes on certain days its very difficult to get tickets and I understand that but giving misleading information by such a reputed company is not at all acceptable.
For rest of the trains I preferred Travel China Guide which was very nice.
Written May 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
book_of_dreams
Australia145 contributions
Dec 2019
We booked our China high speed trains through China DIY. They were excellent form start to finish, made the process easy in a step by step manner and offered excellent service. Highly recommended.
Written December 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jackie2015624
London, UK6 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
I am just completing the process of buying tickets for a month of solo train travel in China. This is a challenge as you have to buy each ticket 60 days in advance and they go fast. Some of my travel is during a national holiday.....
Without DIY Travel, it would not have been possible. They buy each ticket as the deadline comes up and charge a very reasonable fee per ticket.
The process starts with a detailed and careful consultation about your requirements. You give three options for each journey, and at this stage DIY gets back to you with advice about likely availability and tips on how to get the journey you want. This is essential knowledge of the system they have.
Once the tickets start arriving, DIY informs you of each one, confirms pricing and gives you outstanding information. This includes:
a voucher for each ticket with instructions in Chinese for the booking clerk at the station,
a copy of each ticket info,
information on how to read your ticket,
Info on how to pick up tickets at a railway station in China, with detailed descriptions of the stations you are going to and the location of the booking office, including videos,
a note in Chinese telling a taxi driver to take you to the right station (important when cities have several stations, and
lots of additional information (e.g. where to eat in Beijing).
All communications are very fast and reliable. They must work through the night as you often hear from them at crazy times in Beijing.
DIY is making my plans happen. Thank you Helen and Lynn!
Without DIY Travel, it would not have been possible. They buy each ticket as the deadline comes up and charge a very reasonable fee per ticket.
The process starts with a detailed and careful consultation about your requirements. You give three options for each journey, and at this stage DIY gets back to you with advice about likely availability and tips on how to get the journey you want. This is essential knowledge of the system they have.
Once the tickets start arriving, DIY informs you of each one, confirms pricing and gives you outstanding information. This includes:
a voucher for each ticket with instructions in Chinese for the booking clerk at the station,
a copy of each ticket info,
information on how to read your ticket,
Info on how to pick up tickets at a railway station in China, with detailed descriptions of the stations you are going to and the location of the booking office, including videos,
a note in Chinese telling a taxi driver to take you to the right station (important when cities have several stations, and
lots of additional information (e.g. where to eat in Beijing).
All communications are very fast and reliable. They must work through the night as you often hear from them at crazy times in Beijing.
DIY is making my plans happen. Thank you Helen and Lynn!
Written August 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobandLauraGuildford
London, UK2 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
Firstly I would like to thank C DIY T, we were traveling all around Asia and did not have the time or the means to book our train tickets in advance. Helen sent us all the information and lots of other helpfull tips and translations including a restaurant guide. We found this information invaluable and refered to it many times, China is not like any other place we have traveled and you can be overwhelmed and swept away with the thousands of other commuters.
We paid by PayPal and were sent e-tickets when they were booked, we then printed all the information out because in China they block some websites, so we did not want to rely on the internet.
The speed and ease of using C DIY T was great and assured us of a guaranteed ticked to Xian see the terracotta warriors.........We only had a few days to see Beijing and Xian so one problem could have ruined our trip. The best tip I can give you is use the translated information you get and if you get stuck or can't find your way always ask someone in an official capacity "in uniform" or the student type with the Harry potter glasses with no lenses in, they might speak English and a few of them even took us to the ticket office or bus stop etc etc.
The overnight train to Xian was an interesting journey, you can go to the soft seat lounge or VIP lounge and relax if you can find a seat, check the information board and if in doubt ask an official, again we were luky to share a cabin with an English speaking student, soft sleeper is good, 4 bunk beds, small no bathroom but does the job, eat or buy some food before you travel because the prices of the "harrods" trolley !!!,
One last thing getting to see the terracotta warriors, GET THE BUS NUMBER 5/ 603 or 914/915 TURN LEFT OUTSIDE THE XIAN STATION, BUSSES ARE CLEARLY MARKED TERRACOTTA WARRIORS ON THE SIDE..........BETWEEN 7 and 9 yuan RMB........SO CHEAP AND EASY DONT GET A TAXI THEY WILL CHARGE OVER 200 yuan RMB, any other information you need let me know,
Anyway once again Helen many thanks for helping us realise our dream.
We paid by PayPal and were sent e-tickets when they were booked, we then printed all the information out because in China they block some websites, so we did not want to rely on the internet.
The speed and ease of using C DIY T was great and assured us of a guaranteed ticked to Xian see the terracotta warriors.........We only had a few days to see Beijing and Xian so one problem could have ruined our trip. The best tip I can give you is use the translated information you get and if you get stuck or can't find your way always ask someone in an official capacity "in uniform" or the student type with the Harry potter glasses with no lenses in, they might speak English and a few of them even took us to the ticket office or bus stop etc etc.
The overnight train to Xian was an interesting journey, you can go to the soft seat lounge or VIP lounge and relax if you can find a seat, check the information board and if in doubt ask an official, again we were luky to share a cabin with an English speaking student, soft sleeper is good, 4 bunk beds, small no bathroom but does the job, eat or buy some food before you travel because the prices of the "harrods" trolley !!!,
One last thing getting to see the terracotta warriors, GET THE BUS NUMBER 5/ 603 or 914/915 TURN LEFT OUTSIDE THE XIAN STATION, BUSSES ARE CLEARLY MARKED TERRACOTTA WARRIORS ON THE SIDE..........BETWEEN 7 and 9 yuan RMB........SO CHEAP AND EASY DONT GET A TAXI THEY WILL CHARGE OVER 200 yuan RMB, any other information you need let me know,
Anyway once again Helen many thanks for helping us realise our dream.
Written February 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa S
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
Sep 2013 • Family
We recently visited China during their peak holiday week.
We were concerned that we wouldn't be able to get the train tickets we required however Helen was a miracle worker and managed to get the exact tickets we required.
Communication was excellent as were the instructions we were given to get to the train station, pick up the tickets and board the train. All went like clockwork.
The commissions charged were way lower than other agencies and payment was very easy.
I highly recommend China DIY Travel for their service and professionalism.
We were concerned that we wouldn't be able to get the train tickets we required however Helen was a miracle worker and managed to get the exact tickets we required.
Communication was excellent as were the instructions we were given to get to the train station, pick up the tickets and board the train. All went like clockwork.
The commissions charged were way lower than other agencies and payment was very easy.
I highly recommend China DIY Travel for their service and professionalism.
Written October 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travellover6128
San Francisco, CA2,958 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
Using DIY china china is definitely a good way to book train tickets in china. Helen responds quickly to any requests and everything is emailed over promptly on payment. We especially liked the directions of how to navigate the stations, which were very handy for the sprawling space of Beijing West station and the chaos of Xi'an station.
As another reviewer has mentioned the fees can add up using this service. By the time you pay the fee to DIY china, then the PayPal fee, then the conversation fee on the credit card (only AUD $ and USD accepted) it can add up to a significant amount. However it is necessary if you want to avoid the hassle and take a chance of buying tickets on the day.
We also didn't get seats together on one of our journeys, which was a shame. Not sure if this needs to be specified at the time of booking?
As another reviewer has mentioned the fees can add up using this service. By the time you pay the fee to DIY china, then the PayPal fee, then the conversation fee on the credit card (only AUD $ and USD accepted) it can add up to a significant amount. However it is necessary if you want to avoid the hassle and take a chance of buying tickets on the day.
We also didn't get seats together on one of our journeys, which was a shame. Not sure if this needs to be specified at the time of booking?
Written September 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy B
Bargara, Australia179 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
We can not recommend China DIY travel highly enough. They made train travel in China an absolute breeze. We booked a series of trains Beijing-Shanghai-Xi’an-Chengdu-Guilin-Yangshuo-Nanning quite far in advance. They purchased the tickets on the days they said they would and we were able to pick up all the tickets at our first stop, Beijing.
The additional information they provide including videos about the stations and messages in Chinese text to give ticket clerks and taxi drivers is fantastic.
The additional information they provide including videos about the stations and messages in Chinese text to give ticket clerks and taxi drivers is fantastic.
Written September 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are staying in Macau for one night, flying in from Shanghai. We need to travel to Hongkong from Macau can i please have some advice on Ferry options or the new bridge crossing?
Written January 9, 2020
I agree it's easier by the ferry, but buses are available but but more time wasting.
Written January 9, 2020
John R
Chicago, Illinois
Hi there, If we book second class ticket to Shanghai from Beijing can we book a 2 seats next to each other? Also is it possible to book a return ticket? Beijing>Shanghai>Beijing?
Written November 3, 2019
China DIY will always try to book seats next to each other. You get the choice to up or down grade your seats if the ones you want aren't available. Chinese trains don't do return tickets. You need to book two separate trips. All long distance trains require reservations so you need to decide exactly when you want to travel. There is little difference between first and second class on the high speed trains.
Written November 20, 2019
Hi, I've just requested a train ticket from Guangzhou to Sanya on 7 Nov. My return to Guangzhou is around 13 or 14 Nov, how easy is it to change the ticket?
Written October 9, 2019
E mail and ask, Helen and the team are very fast and efficient always willing to go the extra mile.
Written October 9, 2019
Hi, I've just requested a train ticket from Guangzhou to Sanya on 7 Nov. My return to Guangzhou is around 13 or 14 Nov, how easy is it to change the ticket?
Written October 9, 2019
China DIY is the best. I had them change my train tickets 3 times. You will be charged a fee, sometimes. Call them for assistance or email them. They are available every hour of the day or night.
Written October 10, 2019
I would like to travel from Beijing to Shanghai, in an overnight bullet train in a 4 berth for myself, husband and two children aged 13 & 11. Can you please advise and help with this booking?
Written September 6, 2019
Contact DIY Travel. They make it simple
Written September 7, 2019
Hallo from Germany. We (2 Pax) would like to travel on 5th of Nov. 2019 from Bejing to Datong and on 8th of Nov. from Datong to Pingyao by train. Is it possible? If so, could you arrange this and how can we get our tickets. We`ll arrive in Bejing on 31th of Oct.
Written July 8, 2019
Hi , yes, possible, Beijing to Datong: K695 Datong to Pingyao 2463. Pls go to our website china diy travel ( I don't think I could post link here), and submit your order form. we will review your order, and ask you to reconfirm in email. Once you confirmed, we will put in the log and purchase when the tickets are released. you only pay after we book your tickets as your trip is beyond 20days.
Written July 16, 2019
Dk Lam
Chinatown, Singapore
I would like to travel from guangzhou airport to taicheng by bullet train is it possible and do you have to book the tickets in advance appreciate kind advice
Written February 19, 2019
Hi, Sorry for the late reply.
1: Guangzhou airport has no bullet train station, you need to take subway/taxi/shuttle bus from the airport to the train station.
2: I could not find Taicheng train station. could you please specify the province, the city closeby or some tourist attraction in that place? so I will do some research for you.
3: yes, we accept bookings in advance. You don't need to wait till 30days to submit the order form. We accept orders at any time. We will review your order, make suggestions if needed, and ask you to reconfirm in the email. When the tickets are released, we will book asap so you will have better chance to get the tickets. If your train is beyond 18days, you only pay after we book your tickets.
You can send your questions to our email address ( you can find from our website as I could not put link here). We answer emails much faster than in the forum.
Thank you!
Helen
Written February 24, 2019
Hi, would you recommend me to buy the highspeed railway tickets online in singapore. i am flying in to beijing on 20 sept and thinking of taking the train to shanghai on 23 sept. If i do, how and when can i collect my physical ticket. Thanks
Written September 12, 2018
Hi there.
We booked and paid for our tickets with China DIY Travel who were very good. They emailed us the necessary documentation and you take this and your passport with you to Beijing South Station to uplift your tickets. They suggested if you have time go and purchase your tickets a day earlier which we did. There was a huge crowd and we waited in a que forever only to be told we had to go to another window. You can pick up your tickets on the day of travel but make sure you leave yourself plenty of time.
Written September 13, 2018
Hi, I'd like to try the high speed train from Beijing. Please advise to which city I should take and what kind of activity I can do in that city. I plan to take half to one day trip.
Thanks in advance!
Written March 21, 2018
I'm sorry, but we didn't visit Beijing last year.
Written July 11, 2018
Hi, i would like to know more details and charges for travelling in Beijing (private tour) for 4 adults
3 days itinerary and price.
Written January 3, 2018
I have only used China DIY Travel to book train reservations within China. For tours I have had great success with Viator, or checking the trip advisor blogs. We used Beijing Hikers for a one day trip out to hike the wall at Jinshanling, which was excellent, but otherwise we just used the subway to get around in Beijing and relied on Audio tours at them main sites.
Written January 24, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.