Starting from March 1, 2017, passengers who plan to take an intercity or interprovincial long-distance bus in China will need to show valid ID documents when buying tickets, checking into the bus station and getting on the bus. Each ticket will carry information about the passenger. Those who can't provide such documents won't be allowed to get on the bus. Passengers who buy tickets for someone else will need to show the ID documents of both parties.

Buy bus ticket at a window

Check in to get on the bus

   For foreigners, they can use any of the following documents: passport, passport loss certificate issued by a China Exit and Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau, Chinese temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, China Exit and Entry Permit, diplomat certificate, certificate issued by the embassy or consulate of the passenger's country in China, seaman's book, the foreigner's identity proof issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of China.

 For Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Residents: passport or mainland travel permit.

 Those who don't have the above documents can go to the police station near the bus station to get an identity certificate.
  Foreign travelers or expats in China can only buy tickets at the Bus Station's ticket windows or outlets, or through an agent. Currently, self-service ticket machines are only available to Chinese ID card holders. Besides, there is no English-language website selling bus ticket at the moment.
  In the past, one ID document could be used to buy as many as five tickets for the same bus. Since the implementation of the real-name system, one ID document will only be valid to buy one ticket on the same bus.
  Previously, children under 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) could take the bus for free and did not need to buy a ticket. However, according to the new rules, an adult can take one child under 1.2 meters (including infant) for free if the child does not occupy a seat. When the adult buys the ticket, he or she should also claim a ticket for the child by showing the child's passport or birth certificate.

TCG reminds all passengers to take their passports or other identity certificates when taking a long-distance bus. Remember to handle tickets carefully as they carry personal information.