CHINA will provide foreign travelers with more convenient railway services, including easier online ticket purchasing and self-service check-in, according to China State Railway Group Co. Ltd.

The move comes after the country decided to issue a new version of the foreign permanent resident ID card starting from Friday. Holders of the new card will enjoy the same self-service and online services as Chinese citizens, the company said.

Moreover, railway authorities also launched an online identity verification service for foreign passport holders Tuesday.

The new developments aim to streamline the process of ticket booking and check-in services for international travelers. This update includes access to self-service check-ins and check-outs, along with the ability to review personal information at the railway station’s turnstiles.

Prior to adopting online identity verification service, foreign travelers had to physically present their passports for verification at railway station counters after purchasing tickets online. This requirement has now been replaced with a more convenient online process where passport holders can upload their passport information page for verification. Once the verification process is complete, travelers can complete their online purchase, eliminating the need for personally going to station counters.

These advancements in railway services coincide with China’s significant strides in expanding its railway network. The country’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has led to extensive overseas infrastructure investment and construction in BRI countries, particularly railway project constructions. Meanwhile, the railway linking the cities of Lijiang and Shangri-La in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province recently opened to traffic, bolstering the country’s high-speed railway network.

The improvements in railway services for foreign travelers are a testament to China’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity and facilitating international travel. The latest developments not only address the previous inconveniences foreign travelers faced, but also underscore China’s efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible railway network.

Meanwhile, multiple cities across China have launched various services to make daily life more convenient for its expat residents. In Beijing, since Feb. 1 this year, foreigners working in the city have been able to simultaneously apply for work and residence permits. This service, offered by the Beijing municipal authorities, has shortened the processing time from seven to five working days.

In Shanghai, the city launched the “International Services Shanghai: A Guide to Shanghai for Expats” handbook this September, to serve as a “pocket guide” and a “compendium” for expats working and living in the city. (SD-Xinhua)