Yan Zhou
What's Inside
I still remember the first time I took a group of tourists from Shanghai to Jiaxing. We nearly missed the train because everyone was stuck trying to pay for metro tickets with cash. Here’s the thing: traveling in China today is smooth if you know the digital ropes. The Shanghai to Jiaxing high speed train is hands-down the best way to cover the 100 km between these two cities. It takes only 27 minutes from Hongqiao to Jiaxing South. No traffic jams, no flight delays, just pure efficiency. Let me walk you through everything you need to know, from booking to stepping off the train.
Why the High Speed Train is Your Best Bet
Compared to driving or taking a bus, the high speed train saves you time and hassle. Driving from Shanghai to Jiaxing usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours if you hit the G60 expressway at the right time, but rush hour can stretch that to 3 hours. Buses are cheaper but slower (about 2 hours), and they drop you at the long-distance bus station outside the city center. The train, on the other hand, goes directly from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (connected to Hongqiao Airport and Metro lines 2, 10, and 17) to Jiaxing South Railway Station, which is just 20 minutes by taxi from downtown Jiaxing.
| Transport Mode | Travel Time | Cost (approx.) | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Speed Train | 27 min (~50 min including waiting) | Second class: ~¥40 | Direct, punctual, comfortable |
| Driving (toll road) | 1.5–2 h (or 3 h in peak) | Toll ~¥30 + gas | Need Chinese license or driver |
| Bus | 2 h | ~¥35 | Drop-off inconvenient |
How to Book Shanghai to Jiaxing High Speed Train Tickets
Booking is straightforward if you use the right platforms. I recommend sticking to two methods:
- Trip.com (English app): the most foreigner-friendly. You can pay with international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Enter your passport number during booking. No need to print the ticket; you’ll scan your passport at the gate.
- 12306.cn (official Chinese site): cheaper by a few yuan but only accepts Chinese payment methods (Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Chinese bank cards). The English version is clunky. Use this only if you have a local friend to help.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Trip.com and select “Trains”. Search “Shanghai Hongqiao” to “Jiaxing South”.
- Pick your date and preferred departure time. You can filter by “G” trains (high speed) only.
- Choose seat class: Second class (cheap, good enough for a 27-min ride), First class (wider seats, power sockets), or Business class (lie-flat seats — totally unnecessary for such a short trip).
- Enter your passport details (name exactly as on passport, passport number, nationality).
- Pay with your card. You’ll receive an e-ticket (a QR code). Save the screenshot.
- On travel day, go through security at Hongqiao station, find the waiting area for your train number, and scan your passport at the automatic gate when boarding starts.
What to Expect at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Shanghai Hongqiao is a massive transport hub. If you’re coming from Pudong Airport, take Metro Line 2 (about 1 hour) or a taxi (¥150-200, 40 min). From downtown, Metro Line 10 is fastest. Once inside, follow signs to the “Departures” level (the upper floor). Have your passport ready for the security check (bags go through X-ray).
Payment and internet: Most shops and restaurants inside accept Alipay/WeChat Pay only. There are a few ATMs near the entrance, but they may not accept foreign cards. Make sure your Alipay is linked to an international card before you come. For internet, the station has free Wi-Fi (SSID: “SR-WiFi”), but you need a Chinese phone number to receive a verification code. Use your home carrier’s roaming or a travel eSIM. Google Maps is unreliable; use Apple Maps or download the AMap Global app (supports English). I always tell my groups: if you need a taxi from Hongqiao, don’t go to the official taxi queue on the ground floor — instead, use Didi (the Chinese Uber) within the app. You can set the pickup point to a specific gate, like “Gate 28 East”.
Onboard Experience: Seat Classes and Amenities
The train is clean and punctual. The 27 minutes fly by. Here’s what you get per class:
| Class | Price (approx.) | Seat Configuration | Power Socket | Snack Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second class | ¥40 | 3+2 seats | Under seat (some rows) | No |
| First class | ¥70 | 2+2 seats, more legroom | Between seats (standard) | Free water & snack pack |
| Business class | ¥120 | 1+1 lie-flat seats | Yes | Full meal & drink |
My recommendation: For 27 minutes, second class is perfectly fine. Just grab a window seat (A or F) to see the green fields of Zhejiang. First class is worth it if you want guaranteed power socket and quietness. Business class is overkill unless you’re coming from a long trip and need a nap.
One thing that surprises many tourists: the toilets are western-style and relatively clean (much better than on buses). But they can get crowded near departure, so use the station restroom before boarding.
Arriving in Jiaxing: Getting from Jiaxing South Station to Your Hotel
Jiaxing South Station is modern but small. You’ll exit through one gate. Immediately you’ll see taxi signs.
Options:
- Taxi: The official taxi queue is outside. To downtown (e.g., Nanhu Lake area) costs ¥30-40 and takes 20 minutes. Make sure the driver uses the meter. Most older drivers don’t speak English, so show them the address in Chinese: 嘉兴市南湖区 (Jiaxing Nanhu District).
- Didi: If you have the app, it’s even easier. Set pickup as “Jiaxing South Station” and drop-off as your hotel. Pay through the app (avoid cash confusion).
- Bus: Local buses 93, 97, and 99 go from the station to downtown. They cost ¥2 (need Alipay transport card or cash). Not recommended with luggage.
Top Things to Do in Jiaxing After Your Train Ride
Jiaxing is famous for its water towns and revolutionary history. With just a day, here’s my itinerary (optimized for a 27-min train arrival at 8 AM):
- South Lake (Nanhu) — 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM. Free entry to the lakeside park; the boat ride to the island costs ¥20. Take the boat early to avoid crowds. The lake is where the first Chinese Communist Party congress concluded (on a boat). Don’t forget your passport if you want to enter the memorial hall (free but requires registration).
- Xitang Water Town — 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. From South Lake, take a taxi (¥80, 40 min) or bus K222 (¥12, 1 hour). Xitang is less commercialized than Zhouzhuang. Entry ¥95. The best photo spots are on the bridges around 2 PM when the light is soft. I always stop at “Old Grandma’s Stuffed Tofu” stall near the east gate—only ¥5 and incredible.
- Yuehe Historical Street — 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Back in downtown, this pedestrian street is perfect for evening strolls and snacks. Try the “Jiaxing Zongzi” (sticky rice dumplings) at Wufangzhai—the pork version is my favorite. Prices around ¥8 each.
If you have a second day, add Wuzhen Water Town (40 min by bus from Jiaxing), but that’s a separate trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
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