Recently, the same message has been going around in a lot of family group chats: train tickets for parents are now discounted.
According to China Railway, the national railway group has further optimized its off-season ticketing discount for senior passengers. People aged 60 and over who buy tickets for travel between October 18 and December 30, 2026, on trains marked with the character “敬” (jìng, meaning respect) in the 12306 system can enjoy a 10 percent discount stacked on the current fare. Discounted tickets have been going on sale progressively since October 4.
As of this article’s deadline (October 4, 2026), the discounted tickets were still being listed; the exact range of eligible trains and the details of application are subject to official announcements from China Railway 12306.
The discount does not depend on which day of the week you travel, and it is not available year-round. Officially it is an “off-season ticketing discount,” with the off-season covering the travel period from October 18 to December 30. In short, three things must line up:
- The person: aged 60 or over, buying the ticket with one of the eight specified identity documents (a list is in the Q&A at the end);
- The ticket: a train marked with the “敬” character on 12306;
- The time: departure date between October 18 and December 30, 2026.
Meet all three, and you get the 10 percent discount.
How is the 10 percent calculated? It means paying nine-tenths
First, the arithmetic: a 10 percent discount means paying 90 percent of the price. On a 100 yuan ticket you pay 90 yuan and save 10.
Then there is the “stacked” part: the discount applies on top of the current executed fare (the fare actually being charged for that train, which in many cases is already discounted), which is why it is called a stacked discount.
One more group can stack another layer: passengers aged 60 or over who also hold a disabled veteran’s certificate, a disabled police officer’s certificate, or a certificate for disabled personnel of the national comprehensive fire and rescue service can take a further 10 percent off their existing preferential fare. On 100 yuan: the first 10 percent brings it to 90 yuan; if they also hold a disabled veteran’s certificate, another 10 percent brings it to 81 yuan.
How to buy? Five steps (written checklist)
If you qualify, the system automatically applies the 10 percent discount at checkout—no application and no quota to grab. Using the 12306 app as an example; the website and station counters work the same way:
- Add the passenger: open the 12306 app, go to “Passengers” and add the older person’s details, entering the name and ID number accurately;
- Search trains: enter the origin, destination and travel date on the home page, and look for the “敬” marker next to the train number. Trains without it are not part of the discount;
- Place the order: select the older person as the passenger and submit; the system calculates the 10 percent price automatically;
- Verify: check the order details and the passenger’s own ticket page for the words “senior discount” (长者优惠). If it is there, the discount has been applied;
- Pay: check the train, class and price, then pay.
Money saved—don’t forget the points
If the older person has registered as a Railway Frequent Traveler member (which can be activated in the 12306 app), this trip also earns points. Senior frequent travelers who buy and complete a journey earn three times the points of an ordinary member, which is 15 times the ticket face value: ordinary members earn 5 times face value, and senior members earn three times that (5 × 3 = 15).
Points are worth 100 to 1 yuan and can be used for train tickets or for upgrading a seat.
Three common misconceptions, cleared up
“You have to travel midweek to get the discount”—outdated. That was the old pilot scheme tried in May and June this year. According to China Railway, the new rules no longer restrict travel to midweek; any day within the discount period works.
“Ten percent off means 90 percent cheaper”—no. It means paying 90 percent, so 100 yuan becomes 90, a saving of 10.
“All trains are included”—no. Only trains marked “敬” are included; see the Q&A below for how to check and who to ask.
A few reminders for parents (more important than saving money)
- Buy tickets only through the official China Railway 12306 website, app and station counters. The discount is applied automatically by the system and no one needs to “handle” it for you. Ignore any call or link claiming to “charge a fee to get the senior discount” or offering “internal channels to lock in a 10 percent ticket”;
- Never give an older person’s ID number or other document details to strangers, and never enter them on unfamiliar websites or mini-programs;
- For seniors who have trouble using a phone, China Railway has also introduced a telephone booking service for older passengers, according to media reports; call the 12306 customer service line for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Which older people qualify?
A: Those aged 60 or over who buy with one of these eight documents: resident identity card, Hong Kong/Macau resident residence permit, Taiwan resident residence permit, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, foreign permanent resident identity card, temporary identity certificate, or household register.
Q: Do I need to apply for the discount?
A: No. Book a train marked “敬” and the system automatically prices it at 10 percent off; the order details and the passenger’s own ticket page will show “senior discount.”
Q: How do I know whether my train is included?
A: When searching trains on 12306, check whether there is a “敬” marker beside the train number. If unsure, ask 12306 customer service or the station counter; the 12306 search result is authoritative.
Q: Where can I buy?
A: Online or offline—the 12306 website, the 12306 app, and station counters.
Q: Can children buy tickets for their parents?
A: The discount is determined by the passenger. As long as the passenger is 60 or over, uses a specified document and travels on a “敬” train, the discounted price applies, and “senior discount” appears on that passenger’s own ticket page. Children can add the older person as a frequent passenger first, then follow the five steps above.
In closing
This discount covers an off-season stretch of autumn and winter travel—useful for visiting family, seeing a doctor or taking a trip. If your parents have travel plans, forward this to them, or follow the steps and book the tickets for them.
Feel free to share in the comments: is anyone in your family planning a train trip soon? If you run into problems with the steps, leave a message and we will reply where we can.
One last reminder: policy details are subject to the latest official announcements from China Railway 12306, and look for the “敬” marker when buying.
This article is travel information (not health-related content). The policy information is current as of the publication date, October 4, 2026; details such as applicable dates, train ranges, discounts and points rules are subject to the latest official announcements from China Railway 12306 and the railway authorities. Please buy tickets through official China Railway 12306 channels and beware of “ticket-grabbing” or “agent” scams. This article does not constitute any trading advice.
Source: https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1878751345099526402