An epidemic of a coronavirus, which is also known as COVID-19 (previously 2019-nCoV) and was first identified in Wuhan, is affecting Chinese mainland and 150 other countries and territories around the world. As of March 18, 2022, 440,807,756 cases of infection have been confirmed (420,134 cases have been confirmed in China).
What is COVID-19?
The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), as the new strain of coronavirus that recently emerged in late 2019 was originally called, is capable of spreading from person to person. On Feb. 11, the virus was officially named SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes COVID-19, short for coronavirus disease 2019. It is from the same family of coronaviruses that caused SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome). The incubation period ranges from 0 to 14 days.
SAR-CoV-19 causes mild symptoms including malaise, a sore throat, a dry cough, and a fever. Severe cases can lead to difficulty in breathing and fatal pneumonia. Although there is no specific medicine or vaccine available, many people who were infected have recovered on their own or with care to help relieve the symptoms and support vital organ functions.
The novel coronavirus spreads primarily through air droplets generated when a person coughs or sneezes, for example. The coronavirus droplets only stay in the air for a short time but can stay viable and contagious on smooth surfaces, such as door handles or elevator buttons, for a few hours or even a few days.
Our Full Refund Policy for Your Train Bookings
We understand that you may be concerned about the ongoing coronavirus outbreak in China. We provides a full refund guarantee for all customers:
1. According to China Rail policy, if you got paper tickets before Feb. 6, 2020, your tickets can be canceled without paying cancellation fee, tickets should be canceled before the train departure. We have helped many of our customers cancel their tickets which issued before Feb.6, 2020 and offered them a full refund (except train tickets to/from Hong Kong). China Highlights cares for your health and safety, we understand your decision to cancel your trip during the coronavirus outbreak. So we fully refund your payment, including the service fee you paid, for such bookings.
2. If your tickets have been issued and you haven’t collected them, please send us a cancellation request via email at least 24 hours prior to the departure time (you can send an email to your travel advisor or to vivi@chinahighlights.com). Please call us if it is urgent or if you don’t receive our reply in 12 hours. We will proceed with the cancellation and refund your payment in full (including the service fee).
If you have collected your paper tickets, cancellations can only be made by yourself at the train station. Please cancel your tickets before the departure time. After cancellation has been made, you will receive a receipt and the money will be refunded to our account. E-mail us with a copy of the receipt and we will refund your money accordingly.
3. For bookings departing after March 10, 2020, we will send you a reconfirmation e-mail before purchasing your tickets. Your tickets will be issued after we receive your reconfirmation. We will fully refund your payment (including the service fee) if you would like to cancel before we purchase your tickets.
4. We still accept orders for future train journeys. Most areas in China will likely be safe for travel in May or June. For future bookings, we will also reconfirm with you before purchasing your tickets. We will also refund your payment in full (including the service fee) if you would like to cancel before we purchase your tickets.
Please feel free to contact us (send an e-mail to vivi@chinahighlights.com) for further operation or any questions.
COVID-19's Effect on Train Travel in China
The outbreak of novel coronavirus is inevitably affecting train travels in China. The World Health Organization has declared the new coronavirus to be a global health emergency. All international trains to/from China, including China-Russia trains, China-Mongolia trains, China-Vietnam trains, China-Kazakhstan trains and China-North Korea trains, have been canceled amid coronavirus outbreak. Hong Kong cuts trains to Chinese mainland in attempt to limit spread of novel coronavirus. The reopening time of these trains has not yet been decided.
When Will It Be Safe to Travel to China?
With the current situation, it is not recommended to travel to China before the end of February. The situation may be under control in March or April. The coronavirus outbreak should be winding down if it is controlled.
Don't Travel to China in February
We suggest you cancel or delay your train travel plans until after February as the number of cases is rising quickly and the virus is still spreading in more than 30 Chinese provinces and cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangdong and Zhejiang.
Governments are advising citizens against traveling to China during the current coronavirus outbreak. Authorities have imposed restrictions or closure of tourist attractions in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guilin, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, and Huangshan, among other regions. The reopening times of these attrations has not yet been decided. All unnecessary gatherings have been canceled until at least the end of February.
Plan to Travel in March and April with Caution
Expectations are that the novel coronavirus situation will be under control in March or April but keep an eye on your country's travel advice as things may change quickly. Traveling to cities in ubei Province still needs to be avoided, however.
We will provide up-to-date information on our website and Facebook page. Feel free to contact us for any China travel advice before you make your plans.
Train Travel Tips During the Coronavirus Outbreak Period
It is recommended that you avoid using public transportation, such as airplanes, trains, the metro, and buses, during the coronavirus outbreak period.
The coronavirus risk is high in crowded places, such as airports and train stations. However, if you are already in China and need to take a train, precautions need to be taken to protect yourself.
1. Wear a face mask. While on the train or in the train station, wearing a mask properly can reduce the risk of infection. A specialized mask, also known as an N95 respirator, offers more effective protection against the new coronavirus. A regular surgical face mask is also acceptable if an N95 respirator is not available.
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap/hand sanitizer and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the restroom or touching an elevator rail or buttons.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth before washing your hands. This is because the new coronavirus can transfer to you from your hands after touching surfaces that are contaminated with the virus.
4. Take your own hand sanitizer and disposable wet tissues with you. Soap or hand sanitizers are not usually available in train stations or on trains. It is a good idea to carry your own.
Other travel tips during the coronavirus outbreak period, please click:
