Overseas travel is not always easy and relaxing. The time difference, heavy baggage, and lack of rest may cause forgetfulness. It is only natural that you may get off the train and realize that you have left something on it, especially when taking an overnight train.
If you are unfortunate enough to do this, please stay calm because this kind of thing happens on trains every day. Just follow the steps below to find your missing belongings.
Three Steps to Finding Your Left Belongings on a Chinese Train
Step 1. Find the Lost and Found Office at Your Arrival Station
It’s better if you realize that you have left something on the train before leaving the station. Please go to the Lost and Found Office (失物招领出) as soon as possible to tell the clerks what item(s) you left on the train (in order to prevent dishonest passengers from taking your belongings).
If you’re unable to find the Lost and Found Office, please ask any of the clerks at the station for its location:
“Excuse me, I left something on the train; could you tell me where the Lost and Found Office is?”
“你好，我落了一些东西在车上，请问失物招领处在哪儿?”
Step 2. Provide Your Train, Car, and Seat Numbers
After receiving your case, the office clerk will call the train attendant to find your belongings. You need to provide your train, car, and seat numbers to help him/her find them quickly.
You can get all the train information on your ticket
Please don’t worry about the language barrier; you just need to show your ticket to the clerk as all of your train information is printed on it.
How to Read a Chinese Train Ticket
Step 3. Wait to Get Your Belongings
Generally, if your belongings haven’t been taken by other people, the train attendant will find them successfully.
You may need to wait for the train to return to the station if it’s already departed, and this can sometimes take several hours.
You can continue your journey and go back to the station at the specified time. Please leave your phone number with the office clerk and he/she will call you when your lost belongings have arrived.
What to Do If I Have Already Left the Station and Realize I’ve Left Something on the Train
If you have already left the station and then realize that you have left something on the train, please call China Railway’s official service number: 12306.
The steps you need to follow afterward are the same as we’ve previously detailed — provide the operator with all of your train information, and then wait for an answer.
* Please note that the 12306 hotline doesn’t provide an English service. If you booked your train ticket(s) via our China Train Booking app, you can call us to deal with the problem for you.
