Xingtai (Railway Station)

Xingtai Railway Station is an important transport hub in Hebei Province, connecting the city with the country's largest metropolises. Located on the historic Beijing-Guangzhou railway line, the station serves thousands of passengers daily, offering convenient connections to both the north and south of China.

Passengers should note that the station has clear zoning: ticket offices are usually located to one side of the main entrance, while the waiting hall is in the centre. Clear signage in Chinese and English helps with navigation inside. To reach the platforms, passengers use underground passages or overhead bridges, so please keep an eye out for signs displaying your train number.

• Official Website: www.12306.cn (the unified portal for China Railways, available in English).
• Address: Xiangdu District (formerly Qiaodong), Xingtai City, Hebei Province, China. The station is located in the central part of the city.
• Inquiry Phone: +86 12306 (unified hotline, service primarily in Chinese).
• Opening Hours: The station is open 24 hours, although ticket counters may have technical breaks during the night.
• Luggage Storage: Available in the main hall or at specialized points near the entrance (marked as Left Luggage).
• Accessibility: There are ramps at the entrance and designated waiting areas for passengers with reduced mobility.

Getting to Xingtai Railway Station is quite simple, as it is located within the city limits. The most popular method is via city buses. Numerous routes pass through the station square, connecting the station with residential areas and shopping centres. The stop is usually located in the immediate vicinity of the exit.

If you prefer comfort, use a taxi. Boarding takes place at a specially designated line in front of the station building. A trip from central hotels will take just 10–15 minutes and is inexpensive by local standards. Always ask the driver to switch on the meter.

For those staying in nearby hotels in the Xiangdu District, a walking route is possible. The sidewalks here are wide, and the station building itself and the station square serve as prominent city landmarks to guide you.

The station in Xingtai offers a standard set of services for a comfortable wait for your train. The building houses several spacious waiting halls equipped with seating. For passenger convenience, there are hot water dispensers — an integral part of Chinese travel culture, where you can prepare tea or noodles for free.

The ticketing area is equipped with both traditional counters with operators and automatic self-service terminals (most of which accept only Chinese ID cards). Also available on the station premises are:

• Restrooms: located in the waiting halls, free of charge.
• Electronic Boards: displaying the current schedule in English and Chinese.
• Small Shops: selling press, beverages, and snacks.
• Device Charging: power outlets are available in some waiting areas, though their number may be limited.

If you need a bite to eat before your journey, there are several options at Xingtai Station and in its vicinity. Inside the building, small kiosks operate where you can buy water, biscuits, vacuum-packed food, and, of course, instant noodles. This is the most budget-friendly and popular "hot lunch" option among local travellers.

For a more substantial meal, it is better to go out to the station square. Around the station, there are many cafes and eateries:

• Chain Fast Food: you will often find Chinese equivalents of Western chains (such as Dico's), serving burgers and chicken.
• Noodle Shops: small establishments offering hearty beef noodles for around 15–20 RMB.
• Convenience Stores: chain mini-markets with ready-made meals (bento) that can be heated on the spot.

The history of Xingtai Railway Station is closely linked to the development of North China's transport network. As part of the vital Beijing-Guangzhou (Jingguang Railway) line, the station has served as a key point for passenger and cargo transport for decades, contributing to the industrial growth of Xingtai city.

Over the years of its existence, the station has undergone several stages of modernisation. Initially a small station, the growth in passenger traffic required an expansion of areas and infrastructure updates. Reconstructions have allowed for improved capacity, updated facades, and the implementation of modern safety systems, while preserving the station's role as an important link in the life of the city.

The main advice for passengers in China is to arrive early. At the entrance to Xingtai station, as everywhere in the country, thorough luggage screening and document checks are conducted. Queues can be long, so allow at least 1 hour before your train departs.

Important details:

• Tickets: International tourists often need to collect a paper ticket at the counter by presenting their passport (if electronic registration was not successful).
• Boarding: Access to the platform (Check-in) opens 15–20 minutes before and closes 5 minutes prior to departure. Do not be late!
• Luggage: It is forbidden to carry knives, flammable sprays, and certain types of high-capacity batteries.
• Waiting at Night: If you have a night transfer, stay closer to the illuminated areas of the waiting hall or near police officers patrolling the station.