luggage weight at Xian HST station

Question

Hi just wondering if they weigh your luggage and carry on at the Xian high speed train station like they do at the airport?

Answer

At Xi'an High-Speed Train (HST) stations, the luggage policy is generally more relaxed than at airports. Unlike airports, trains do not have strict weight limits enforced at the boarding gates for most travelers, but there are some guidelines.

Here’s what you should know:

Checked baggage: There is no formal checked baggage service like at airports. Passengers carry their luggage onto the train themselves.
Weight guidelines: The general guideline is that each passenger can bring luggage up to 20–30 kg in total (including carry-on) without issue. Oversized or very heavy bags may be subject to security inspection or additional scrutiny.
Security check: All luggage, including carry-on, goes through an X-ray machine at the station entrance. Very large, heavy, or unusual items might be manually checked, but this is rare.
Carry-on size: Bags that can fit in overhead racks or under the seat are fine. Extremely large suitcases may need to be stored at the end of the carriage.

In practice, most domestic travelers bring standard-sized suitcases and backpacks without problems. If you are traveling with very heavy luggage, consider using a luggage storage or delivery service, which is widely available in China, including at Xi'an train stations.

So, unlike airports, luggage is not routinely weighed, but the security staff may check for safety and practicality for storage onboard.