Shijiazhuang (Railway Station)

Passengers should note that the station has a complex structure with several levels. The East and West Squares help with orientation, serving as the main entry and exit points. The waiting hall is located on the second floor, platforms on the first floor, while exits and metro transfers are found on the underground level. Thanks to well-thought-out navigation, transferring from a train to city transport takes minimal time.

To plan your trip and clarify details about the station's operations, please use the following contact information:

• Official Website: www.12306.cn (China's unified railway portal).
• Information Hotline: 12306 (national hotline, service may be in Chinese).
• Address: Liyan Road, Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China.
• Opening Hours: The station is open 24 hours a day; however, ticket offices and some services may have technical breaks during the night.
• Left Luggage: Available in the waiting areas and on the basement level; typically operates from 06:00 to 23:00.
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with lifts, escalators, and dedicated restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility; an assistance service is available (must be booked in advance).

You can reach Shijiazhuang Railway Station via several convenient methods, as it is excellently integrated into the city's transport network.

The fastest option is the metro. Shijiazhuang Railway Station is served by Line 2 and Line 3, making it easy to reach from most parts of the city and the North Railway Station. Metro exits lead directly to the station's underground level, which is very convenient in any weather.

Numerous city buses also run to the station, stopping at the East and West Squares. If you prefer a taxi, the journey from the city centre will take about 20–30 minutes (costing approximately 20–30 RMB), though travel time may increase during peak hours. Special "Drop-off" zones are provided on the elevated ramps for passenger disembarkation.

The station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait before your journey. The main hall features spacious waiting lounges with ample seating, as well as VIP lounges for business class passengers. For ticket purchases and exchanges, both traditional counters with staff and automated terminals are available (please note that most machines accept only Chinese ID cards, so international travellers with passports often need to visit the counters).

Free hot water dispensers (boiling water) are available throughout the station — an essential amenity for travel in China. There are also clean washrooms, including cubicles for people with disabilities. Wi-Fi is available, but a Chinese phone number may be required to connect. Charging stations for mobile devices can be found in the waiting halls, although the number of sockets may be limited during peak times.

It is hard to stay hungry at Shijiazhuang Station. A food court with various dining options is located on the waiting hall level and the mezzanine. Here you will find famous international fast-food chains such as KFC and McDonald's, where you can grab a quick and familiar bite.

For those wishing to try local cuisine, there are Chinese chain restaurants offering beef noodles and rice dishes with various toppings. The average bill for a substantial meal will be around 30–50 RMB. If you are short on time, numerous mini-markets sell snacks, drinks, and, of course, instant noodles, which you can prepare right in the waiting hall.

The history of railway transport in Shijiazhuang is inextricably linked to the development of the city itself, which is often called "the city brought by the train". The current building of the New Shijiazhuang Station was commissioned in December 2012, replacing the old station which could no longer cope with the growing passenger flow.

The opening of the new complex was a major milestone, coinciding with the launch of the Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed railway. The large-scale reconstruction of the transport system allowed for the separation of freight and passenger flows, as well as moving railway tracks underground within the city limits, which significantly improved the urban environment. Today, it is one of the most modern transport hubs in Northern China.

To ensure your journey goes smoothly, we recommend arriving at the station at least 1.5 hours before your train departs. In China, thorough luggage screening and document checks are conducted at the station entrance, which can create queues, especially during public holidays.

Always keep your passport with you: it is required not only for entry and boarding but also for collecting a paper ticket at the counter if necessary. Pay attention to luggage regulations: flammable items, knives, and aerosols exceeding 120 ml are prohibited. If you have a night transfer, keep in mind that waiting halls can be cool, so it is worth bringing a warm jacket. Watch the information boards closely: boarding usually closes 5 minutes before departure.