If you are traveling to China for the Olympics, be prepared to queue for everything, especially traveling around the country. Train stations are often located a little outside of the main centers of cities and towns. Going to the station, lining up and buying a train ticket can sometimes waste up to half a day. Stations in China can be a fairly daunting experience. I have waited in a long line one time only to be told I was in the wrong line.

Fortunately you can buy tickets through travel agents. Most hotels will have a small travel agency. For the small price of their fee, around 20-30 RMB it can be a huge time saver and could even save you money if you factor in getting a taxi to and from the station.

I have never had a problem with buying tickets from these agents. Just check the ticket when you receive it for the time and date. It is also important to know exactly which station your train departs from. Most big cities will have at least two big train stations, often a north and south station or an east and west station. Also give yourself plenty of time to get to the station and find the right platform.

I would never buy a ticket from someone hanging around the station. They could sell you a fake ticket or just run off with your money.