Zhengzhou (Railway Station)

It is important for passengers to know that the station is a massive complex featuring both East and West squares. The Main Entrance and the majority of bus stops are located at the East Square, where the famous Erqi Tower stands. Inside the building, navigation is available in English, and electronic boards will help you find the correct waiting hall. Be prepared for the sheer scale: transferring between platforms may take some time, so please follow the signs displaying your train number.

• Official Website: 12306.cn (the unified portal for China Railways, available in English).
• Information Hotline: +86 371 12306 (general hotline; English support may be limited).
• Address: 82 Damengzhai, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China (Chinese: 郑州市二七区大同路).
• Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, though ticket counters may have technical breaks during the night.
• Luggage Storage: Available at the station (usually marked as Left Luggage); the cost depends on the size of the baggage.
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with ramps and elevators for passengers with reduced mobility; an assistance service is available (please contact the duty staff).

Getting to Zhengzhou Railway Station is quite simple, as it is located in the very centre of the city.

The most convenient method is the Metro. The Zhengzhou Railway Station metro stop is served by Line 1 (Red Line) and Line 10. The metro exits lead directly to the station squares, allowing you to avoid street traffic.

City buses are a budget-friendly option, with dozens of routes converging at the East and West squares. However, if you have a lot of luggage, this may be inconvenient during peak hours. A trip by taxi from the Central Business District (CBD) will take about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. It is highly recommended to show the driver the station name in Chinese characters (郑州站) to ensure you are not taken to the Zhengzhou East Station.

If you are walking in the city centre, for example, near the Erqi Memorial Tower, you can reach the station on foot in 10–15 minutes.

The station provides a wide range of services to ensure a comfortable wait. The main space is occupied by numerous waiting halls, separated by destination and ticket class (including soft seats for VIP passengers).

Large ticket halls are available for purchasing and exchanging tickets. Please note: automatic terminals often only accept Chinese ID cards, so international tourists with passports are advised to use the staffed counters (there is usually a designated window for English speakers).

Other amenities include:

• Hot water dispensers (boiling water) — free of charge, available in every waiting hall (don't forget your thermos).
• Charging stations for mobile devices (may be paid).
• Luggage storage lockers.
• Restrooms (both Western-style and traditional squat toilets).
• Waiting areas for passengers with reduced mobility and mothers with children.

It is impossible to go hungry at Zhengzhou Railway Station. There are numerous dining outlets located both inside the building and on the station squares.

For a quick snack inside the station, there are shops selling snacks, drinks, and the ever-present instant noodles. You will also find well-known fast-food chains such as KFC, McDonald’s, and Dicos, where you can find familiar food and coffee. The average price here is quite reasonable.

If you have time before your train, we recommend trying the local pride — Hui Mian stewed noodles in one of the small restaurants near the station. This is a hearty and affordable dish that is a signature of Henan cuisine.

The history of Zhengzhou Railway Station is inextricably linked with the development of the city itself. In fact, Zhengzhou transformed from a small county centre into a metropolis precisely because of the railway.

The station was founded in the early 20th century, in 1904, as part of the Pinghan line (now Beijing-Guangzhou). A key moment was the intersection here of China's two most important main lines: the Longhai (east-west) and the Jingguang (north-south). This made the station a strategic hub.

Over the past century, the station has undergone several large-scale renovations to cope with the constantly growing passenger flow. It acquired its modern appearance after updates in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, becoming a symbol of the region's transport power.

Travelling through such a major hub requires preparation. The main advice: arrive early. It is recommended to be at the station at least 1.5–2 hours before departure, as queues for entry and security checks can be very long.

Security and Documents: A thorough luggage check and identity verification are conducted at the entrance. Always keep your passport to hand — it will be needed both for entering the building and for boarding the train (use the Manual Check Channel).

Boarding: Watch the electronic boards closely. Boarding usually begins 20–30 minutes before and ends 5 minutes prior to the train's departure. Do not be late for the ticket gates.

If you have a night transfer, be prepared for the station to be crowded at night, and seating may be scarce. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowds.