China’s railway passenger network will fully adopt the e-invoice system starting October 1, 2025, during the National Day holidays. Consequently, paper reimbursement vouchers will no longer be available. This e-invoice system transition marks a major step in the railway sector’s digital transformation. Experts say the e-invoice system simplifies processes, improves security, and enhances convenience for passengers nationwide.
Moreover, the digital invoice platform ensures accessibility for passengers who struggle with online tools. This includes elderly travelers and those without internet access. Railway authorities provide offline channels. Passengers can request invoices at ticket windows or self-service machines. After receiving a “scan-to-invoice slip,” travelers or authorized agents scan the QR code via the 12306 app, complete required information, and generate the electronic invoice.
Zhu Lijia, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Governance, said the transition from paper tickets to electronic tickets, and now to the e-invoice system, reflects technological and information management improvements. He added that the e-invoice system is environmentally friendly, harder to forge, and easier to verify. As a result, it helps prevent fraudulent practices.
Since June 2020, China Railway phased out paper tickets and fully adopted electronic tickets nationwide. Then, on November 1, 2024, the sector began promoting digital invoicing. During a transition period lasting until September 30, 2025, both paper vouchers and digital invoices were accepted. This approach allowed passengers to become familiar with the digital invoice platform.
Following a 2024 announcement by the State Taxation Administration, Ministry of Finance, and China Railway, the e-invoice system now operates nationwide. Passengers can request invoices within 180 days of completing their journey. This also applies after refunds or ticket changes. Requests can be submitted using the 12306 app, ticket windows, or self-service machines.
Ticket purchasers or agents can request e-invoices for multiple tickets, refund fees, and ticket-change fees. Once issued, passengers can check, download, or receive invoices via the 12306 app, personal income tax app, or email. If errors occur or company details change, passengers can request re-issuance up to three times through the e-invoice system.
Passengers using group tickets for tourism, students, or research trips must follow purchaser procedures for invoice issuance. Emergency non-real-name tickets, special circumstance paper tickets, and cross-border tickets will continue following paper voucher rules outside the digital invoice platform.
Overall, digital invoicing represents a major modernization step for China’s railway passenger sector. By boosting efficiency, security, and sustainability, the digital invoice platform improves travel experiences for millions of passengers. It also highlights the railway sector’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation.
