What size luggage and power banks can I take on Chinese trains?

At a glance

• China Railway lists 20 kg for ordinary passengers,10 kg for children including free-travel children, and 35 kg for diplomats. Each individual item is limited to 20 kg. [1]
• The general size limit is 160 cm for length+width+height, with a 200 cm provision for rod-shaped items; on EMU trains the stated limit is 130 cm. [1]
• Qualifying foldable mobility wheelchairs and accompanying infants' folding strollers are outside the listed ordinary allowance. [1]
• The published restricted-items list requires clear markings on power banks/lithium batteries and a maximum 100Wh per ordinary unit, with an exception stated for powered wheelchairs. [2]
• Domestic-flight 3C rules are a separate air-travel requirement. Inspect every flight leg as well if the same bag travels by air. [3]

What to do next

1. Before packing, identify whether each train is an EMU/high-speed service and compare its allowance with any flight or local-link limits on the same trip. Use the tightest relevant requirement when choosing a bag you will carry throughout.
2. Measure the packed bag's outside length, width and height, including protruding parts, and add them together. Weigh each item and the travelling passenger's total rather than relying only on a suitcase's marketing label.
3. Inspect each power bank's printed watt-hours and condition. Keep the marking readable and pack it to avoid damage or accidental shorting; resolve an unclear rating with the operator before bringing it to the security checkpoint.
4. For ordinary daily-use knives and scissors, a blade longer than 60 mm cannot be carried on board; controlled knives are prohibited both on board and as checked luggage. The length threshold is not a blanket permission for every shorter sharp item. [2]
5. For non-pressurised toiletries containing flammable ingredients, such as perfume, each container must be no larger than 100 ml, with one item of each kind. Nail polish and nail-polish remover have a separate combined 50 ml limit. [2]
6. For self-spraying pressure containers such as hair spray or mousse, each container must be no larger than 150 ml, with one item of each kind and no more than 600 ml combined. These are container-capacity limits; a partly empty oversized container does not qualify. Remove unsuitable items or arrange a permitted separate transport option before departure. [2]
7. At the station, allow time for baggage screening and follow staff instructions about an uncertain item. Keep passports, medicine, payment and essential devices accessible while larger bags are placed through the scanner.
8. On board, use the designated luggage areas without blocking doors, aisles or other passengers. Keep track of your bags and plan how to retrieve them before the train reaches your stop.

If your situation is different

You carry a wheelchair or stroller: identify whether it falls within the published exception and arrange assistance or equipment handling where needed. Give staff the actual dimensions and battery specification for a powered mobility device.

Your bag exceeds the limit: contact the operator or a supported luggage service before travel. Compare repacking, shipping or another transport choice instead of assuming paying an unspecified fee at the gate will solve every oversized item.

You connect to a flight: apply the airline's current battery, liquids, weight and cabin/check-in rules separately. Rail acceptance does not establish flight acceptance.

You carry a bicycle or unusual large equipment: obtain the exact packing and service rule for that item. A general luggage allowance is not enough information to promise it can be brought onto a particular train.

Common mistakes

• Measuring only one side of the suitcase: use the stated sum of dimensions.
• Checking total weight but ignoring the per-item limit: inspect both.
• Applying the flight rule as the entire railway rule: review each transport mode.
• Blocking the aisle with a bag you cannot stow: choose manageable luggage and use designated spaces.

Quick questions