Items not allowed on Chinese trains

Question

Last year when taking the high speed train in China at the security check the people seized a spray can of dry shampoo of 200ml. But later a spray can of dry shampoo of 100ml was not seized. So I wonder if perhaps there is a rule that they only allow spray cans up to 100ml. Does anybody know which items exactly are not allowed on Chinese high speed trains?

Answer

When travelling on high-speed trains in China, security checks are strict, and certain items are prohibited for safety reasons. The rules are similar to those for air travel in some respects, but there are specific regulations for trains.

General guidelines for items not allowed on Chinese high-speed trains include:

Explosives, flammable items, and highly combustible materials (including fireworks, gasoline, lighter refills in large quantities, and aerosol cans over a certain volume).
Sharp objects that could be used as weapons (knives, scissors with long blades, box cutters, axes, etc.).
Corrosive chemicals and toxic substances (strong acids, alkalis, pesticides in concentrated form, etc.).
Guns, ammunition, and replicas of firearms.
Large quantities of liquid or pressurized aerosols above 100ml, which may be considered dangerous. Your experience with the 200ml dry shampoo being seized and the 100ml allowed fits this rule—generally, aerosols and liquids over 100ml are prohibited.
Items that may be deemed hazardous to passengers or the train itself (gas stoves, camping fuel canisters, industrial tools, etc.).

Practical tips for travelling on Chinese high-speed trains:

Check all your carry-on items before arriving at the station. Liquids, gels, and aerosols should be in containers of 100ml or less if you want to pass security easily.
Pack sharp tools or other questionable items in your checked luggage if possible.
If in doubt, check the China Railway official website or ask station staff, as enforcement may vary slightly between stations.
Some everyday items like small aerosol deodorants, dry shampoo, or shaving cream are generally fine if under 100ml.

In summary, the 100ml limit you observed is consistent with the general policy on pressurized containers. Avoid carrying prohibited items, and always pack larger aerosols in checked baggage or leave them at home to avoid confiscation.

Items not allowed on Chinese trains

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