The short answer
- Most major attractions and museums sell timed, real-name tickets linked to your passport. Many sell no tickets on the day.
- The Forbidden City releases tickets 7 days ahead at 20:00 Beijing time. Popular dates sell out fast.
- The Shaanxi History Museum releases tickets 5 days ahead at 17:00, only through its WeChat account. A no-show blocks you for 180 days.
- High-speed train tickets go on sale 15 days ahead. Foreign passport accounts on 12306 need identity verification first.
- Landing China books for you the moment tickets are released, through official channels, in your name.
Why foreign visitors get stuck
- Tickets sell out in minutes. The Forbidden City, the Shaanxi History Museum and other top sights release a fixed number of tickets at a fixed time. On busy dates they are gone almost at once.
- Many booking channels are Chinese-only. Official booking often runs through a WeChat mini-program or WeChat account, with menus in Chinese.
- Phone verification. Some systems send a code to a Chinese mobile number, or reject foreign numbers.
- Payments fail. Foreign cards are often declined on Chinese booking pages, even when Alipay or WeChat Pay is set up.
- Slow or unstable connections from abroad. Pages that load slowly at the release time mean missed tickets.
- Train account checks take time. A 12306 account for a foreign passport must be verified before you can book, which can take several working days.
- Name mismatches. The name on the ticket must match your passport exactly. A wrong order of names is a common reason for refused entry.
When tickets are released
| Attraction or service | Release | How to book | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Beijing | 7 days ahead, 20:00 | Official ticketing site or WeChat mini-program | No tickets on the day; closed Mondays except public holidays |
| Shaanxi History Museum, Xi'an | 5 days ahead, 17:00 | WeChat account 陕西历史博物馆 only | Free but booking required; no-show bans for 180 days |
| Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an | Book as soon as dates are firm | Official website or WeChat account | Real-name; arrive 30 minutes before your slot |
| High-speed trains | 15 days ahead | 12306 (English platform) or Trip.com | Passport is your ticket at the gate |
| Concerts | Varies by show | Official ticketing platforms | Real-name; many platforms need a Chinese phone number |
What you need
- Your passport, with your name exactly as printed.
- Your dates and preferred times, plus a second choice.
- For trains: the route, date and class of seat.
How Landing China books for you
- We know each platform's release time and rules, and we are ready the moment tickets go on sale.
- We book through official channels only, in your name, using your passport details.
- You pay the official ticket price, plus our service fee, agreed in writing before we start.
- If your first choice is gone, we suggest the best alternative dates, times or sights.
- Your passport details are used only for your bookings.
We can book tickets on their own or as part of a journey. Message us your dates, or plan your trip first with our free trip planner.
Questions
Can foreigners buy Forbidden City tickets?
Yes, with a passport, but only online in advance. Tickets are released 7 days ahead at 20:00 Beijing time, there are no tickets on the day, and each passport can book one ticket per day. Bring the same passport to the gate.
Why can't I book on Chinese ticketing apps from abroad?
Many official booking channels are WeChat mini-programs or Chinese-language sites. Some ask for a Chinese phone number to receive a verification code, some reject foreign cards, and connections from abroad can be slow at the exact moment tickets are released.
How long does 12306 verification take for a foreign passport?
You upload a photo of your passport and a photo of yourself holding it. China Railway has said verification of foreign passports generally takes 3 to 5 working days, so register well before your trip. You can also verify in person at a station.
Can you guarantee a ticket?
No one can guarantee a ticket for a sold-out date. We book the moment tickets are released, through official channels only, which gives you the best chance, and we suggest alternative dates or times if needed.
Do you resell tickets?
No. We book in your name through official channels at the official price and charge a separate service fee. Real-name tickets cannot be transferred, and resold tickets are often invalid.
Rules change. We re-check this guide regularly; confirm details before you travel or ship.
