Qiang Huang
I've lost count of how many times I've herded a group of excited travelers onto the Hangzhou to Jiaxing train. It's a short hop—just 30 minutes on the high-speed rail—but trust me, getting those tickets wrong can turn a smooth trip into a sweaty mess. Let me save you the headache.
Whether you're heading to Jiaxing for the famous South Lake, the historic water town of Xitang, or just passing through, the train is hands down the best way. No traffic jams, no bargaining with taxi drivers, and the stations are surprisingly foreigner-friendly once you know the tricks.
Why the Train is Your Best Bet
First off, let's talk alternatives. A taxi from downtown Hangzhou to Jiaxing city center will cost you around 300–400 RMB and take up to 2 hours depending on traffic. A bus? Cheaper but slower—about 1.5 hours for 50 RMB, but you're stuck with a fixed schedule and limited luggage space. The high-speed train, on the other hand, runs every 20–30 minutes, costs about 35–50 RMB for a second-class seat, and takes only 30–40 minutes. You can't beat that.
Pro tip: Always choose second-class (二等座) for short trips. The comfort is perfectly fine, and you'll save a few bucks for snacks at the Jiaxing South station convenience store.
How to Book Your Hangzhou to Jiaxing Train Ticket
Now here's where most tourists hit a wall. You can't just swipe a foreign credit card at the ticket counter—China's railway system has its own payment ecosystem.
Option 1: Online Booking (Recommended)
Use Trip.com or Klook if your Chinese isn't up to scratch. These platforms accept international credit cards, display English schedules, and let you book with your passport number. The interface is intuitive—I've booked for dozens of clients without a single issue. Just note that you'll need to collect your paper ticket at the station or use the e-ticket (more on that below).
For the brave: 12306.cn is the official Chinese railway website. It's cheaper (no service fee) but the English version is clunky, and you'll need a Chinese phone number to register. If you have a local SIM or a friend in China, go for it. Otherwise, stick with Trip.com.
Option 2: At the Station Counter
Yes, you can buy tickets in person, but be prepared. The queue at Hangzhou East station can be 20 minutes long during peak hours. You'll need your passport (original, not a copy) and cash or a Chinese mobile payment app like Alipay or WeChat Pay. Most counters do not accept foreign credit cards. I always tell my guests to bring at least 200 RMB in cash just for this.
Insider advice: If you buy at the station, use the self-service ticket machines. They have an English interface and accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, and even some international cards (Visa/Mastercard occasionally work). Look for the red-and-white machines—they're the newer model.
E-Ticket vs Paper Ticket
As of my last visit, most high-speed routes now support e-tickets. After booking online, you'll receive a QR code or a booking number. At the station, you don't need to print anything—just scan the QR code (or your passport) at the turnstile. However, some smaller stations like Jiaxing South may still require a paper ticket for foreign passports. To be safe, always print a paper ticket at the station's self-service machine before boarding. It only takes a minute and saves you from a frantic last-minute search for a counter.
Station Survival Guide: Hangzhou East & Jiaxing South
Both stations are modern and well-signposted in English. But here's the thing: they're big. Really big. And you don't want to be sprinting through a 500-meter concourse with a suitcase.
Hangzhou East Station (杭州东站)
Address: Dongning Road, Jianggan District, Hangzhou (杭州市江干区东宁路). Show this to your taxi driver: 杭州东站.
Navigation tip: Google Maps is a nightmare in China—it'll show you wrong coordinates and no real-time updates. Use Apple Maps (built-in on iPhones) or download AMap (高德地图) which has an English mode labeled "AMap Global". It's what I use daily.
The station has 4 main entrances. For trains to Jiaxing, you'll typically depart from the South Square (南广场) departure hall. The security check is quick—expect 5–10 minutes on weekdays. There's a Starbucks and a KFC inside if you need a coffee fix before boarding.
Pro tip: If you're arriving at Hangzhou by metro, take Line 1 or Line 4 to Hangzhou East Station station. Exit from Gate B or C—both lead directly to the arrival hall. Don't follow the crowd exiting through the main hall unless you want an extra 10-minute walk.
Jiaxing South Station (嘉兴南站)
Address: 1515 South Lake Road, Nanhu District, Jiaxing (嘉兴市南湖区南湖大道1515号). Local taxi drivers know it well.
Smaller than Hangzhou East, Jiaxing South is a breeze. One single exit leads to a taxi rank and bus stop. There are only two waiting halls—check the electronic board for your train's platform. The station has free Wi-Fi (connect via SMS verification, which works with international numbers).
From the station to South Lake: Take Bus No. 1 (direction: South Lake Scenic Area) for about 20 minutes. Or a taxi will cost around 25 RMB and take 15 minutes. Avoid touts offering "VIP tours" at the exit—they overcharge shamelessly.
Train Schedule & Fare Comparison
| Train Type | First/Last Departure | Frequency | Travel Time | Second-Class Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed (G/D trains) | 06:20 – 21:30 | Every 20–30 min | 30–40 min | 35–50 RMB |
| Bullet train (C trains) | 07:00 – 20:00 | Every 1 hour | 45–55 min | 28–35 RMB |
Note: G/D trains are the fastest and most comfortable. C trains are slightly slower but cheaper. I always recommend G or D unless you're on a tight budget.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Ride
After escorting dozens of groups, here are the details I wish I'd known when I first started.
- Bring your passport everywhere. You need it to buy tickets, board the train, and even enter some Jiaxing attractions. Make a photocopy too—if you lose the original, the copy helps at the embassy.
- Download a VPN before you arrive. If you haven't installed one, your WhatsApp, Google, and Instagram won't work in China. Get one like ExpressVPN or Astrill and test it before departure.
- Cash is still king for small purchases. Many Jiaxing shops and street vendors don't accept cards. Break a 100 RMB bill at the station convenience store for smaller notes.
- Pack light. The luggage racks on G-trains are above the seats—if your suitcase is too heavy, you'll struggle. Use the luggage storage area at the end of each carriage.
- Don't miss the last train. The final departure from Hangzhou to Jiaxing is around 21:30. If you miss it, you're looking at a 250 RMB taxi ride. Set an alarm on your phone.
Pro Tip: If your train is delayed (rare but happens), check the official China Railway app or ask staff. Delays over 30 minutes may qualify for a free ticket change at the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
I've been guiding this route for over five years, and every time I see a tourist struggling with a ticket machine, I stop to help. The Hangzhou to Jiaxing train is a gem—fast, cheap, and scenic (you'll pass rice fields and canals). With these tips, you'll glide through the process. Enjoy your trip!
This content is based on personal guiding experience and has been fact-checked by the editorial team.
Took the high-speed from Hangzhou to Jiaxing with my family last Sunday. The ride was incredibly smooth, and we followed the article's advice to buy tickets two days in advance – no issues at all. Kids loved the quick journey (only 27 minutes!) and the snack cart had good options. A stress-free, affordable way to travel. Will use this guide again!
This guide is a gem! I'm a frequent traveler between these two cities, and the pro tips here – like booking a window seat on the left side for lake views – made my trip extra special. The train was spotless, WiFi worked perfectly, and I even saved 30 yuan by following the discount code tip. Absolutely nailed it!
Honestly a bit disappointed. The article made it sound super convenient, but when I tried to buy a ticket through the suggested website, it kept crashing. Ended up waiting in line for 20 minutes at the station. The train itself was fine – quiet and fast – but the whole 'fast tickets' promise fell flat for me. Not the smoothest experience.
Decent ride but not flawless. The train itself was punctual and comfortable, but the 'expert tips' in this article didn't cover how crowded the East Station can get during holidays. I wish they'd mentioned early arrival or alternative departure points. Still, it got me to Jiaxing quickly – just don't expect a stress-free queue.
Used this guide for my weekend trip from Hangzhou to Jiaxing – absolutely spot on! The fast train took only 30 minutes, and the tips about booking through the official app saved me from the chaos at the station. Super clean carriages, smooth ride, and the staff were incredibly helpful. Highly recommend reading this before you go!
As a rail enthusiast, I was impressed. The CRH6 train was modern, quiet, and the acceleration was smooth. The article mentioned the exact platform numbers and check-in cutoff times, which helped me catch the tight connection from my previous bullet train. The view over the Qiantang River just outside Hangzhou is a treat. Best ¥20 I’ve spent this month. Highly recommend this route and this guide.
Took our two kids on this train yesterday. The article’s tip about booking seats in advance was spot on – we got a row of four together. Train was clean, air-conditioned, and smooth. The kids loved counting the tunnels. Arrived right on time, and the ride was so short it didn’t even feel like travel. A perfect day trip option. I’m saving this article for future trips!
This train is an absolute gem for budget travelers! Followed the article’s advice to buy a standing-room ticket for even cheaper – stood near the door and watched the green fields blur by. Got to Jiaxing in 35 minutes flat, no delays. The station connections are super easy too. Five stars, would recommend to anyone visiting the area.
Pretty solid ride from Hangzhou to Jiaxing. The article’s pro tip about avoiding peak hours really saved me – I went on a Tuesday afternoon and had almost the whole car to myself. Only issue was the WiFi; it kept dropping, so I couldn’t stream anything. Still, 40 minutes and only ¥30? Can’t complain much. Would use this route again.
Took the train based on the tips in this article, but honestly the “fast tickets” part didn’t work out for me. I bought a ticket online like it said, but the QR code wouldn’t scan at the gate and I had to queue at the counter for 15 minutes. The ride itself was fine – clean seats and on time – but the stress before boarding killed the mood. Decent for the price, but the article oversells the convenience.
Wow, huge shoutout to whoever wrote this. I almost booked a slow train but this article pointed out that the G-series takes only 30 minutes! The little tips like bringing snacks onboard and the exact platform locations for each line saved me a ton of hassle. Absolutely worth a read before you go.
Loved this guide! As a solo traveler who doesn't speak Chinese, I was nervous about the train system. This article broke everything down so simply — even showed which ticket counters had English signs. The real-life photo of the waiting hall was super helpful too. Made my trip stress-free!
Exactly what I needed! Booked my ticket in under 5 minutes after reading this. The clear comparison between bullet trains and regular ones was spot on, and the tip about grabbing seat numbers near the aisle? Game changer. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Jiaxing.
Solid overview for a first-timer going from Hangzhou to Jiaxing. Liked the breakdown of train types, but I wish there was more detail on buying tickets via WeChat or the counter for non-Chinese speakers. Still, it saved me some time figuring out the fastest options. Good enough!
I gotta say this article was a bit underwhelming. The tips felt pretty generic and the ticket prices listed were off by almost 20 yuan compared to what I saw at the station. Also, the 'pro tips' section barely covered how to avoid the weekend rush. Not terrible, but I expected more accurate info.