New Direct Train Service
As of July 1st, 2025, China Railway has implemented a new train schedule that significantly improves connectivity between Sanya and Shenzhen. The Z8006/7 and Z8008/5 trains, which previously operated only between Shenzhen East and Haikou, have been extended to reach Sanya Station, providing a convenient overnight journey between these two major cities.
Train Schedule Information
Shenzhen East to Sanya (Train Z8006/7)
- Departure: 18:42 from Shenzhen East Station (深圳东站)
- Arrival: 13:10 next day at Sanya Station (三亚站)
- Total Journey Time: 18 hours 28 minutes
- Intermediate Stops: Guangzhou (广州), Maoming (茂名), Zhanjiang West (湛江西), Haikou (海口)
- Service Frequency: Daily operation
Sanya to Shenzhen East (Train Z8008/5)
- Departure: 12:06 from Sanya Station (三亚站)
- Arrival: 06:22 next day at Shenzhen East Station (深圳东站)
- Total Journey Time: 18 hours 16 minutes
- Service Frequency: Daily operation
Booking Platform and Methods
Official English Booking Channel
In addition to the 12306 app, foreign users can book directly via the official English website: https://www.12306.cn/en/ (this method can be a bit frustrating with constant “System is busy. Please try again later” errors).
Booking Hours on 12306
Ticket sales run daily from 05:00 – 01:00 (except Tuesdays, when sales end at midnight).
Primary Booking Platform: Railway 12306 App
The Railway 12306 (铁路12306) app is the official platform for purchasing train tickets in China. The app is produced by China Railway and does not charge additional fees, making it the most cost-effective option for booking train tickets.
Chinese Name: 铁路12306 (Tiělù 12306)
App Store Search Terms: Search for “12306” in the App Store
Step-by-Step Booking Guide Using Railway 12306 App
Step 1: Download and Register
- Download the app: Search for “12306” in WeChat or your app store
- Create an account: Register using your valid identification documents
- Verify your identity: Complete real-name verification as required by Chinese regulations
Step 2: Set Up Passenger Information
- Add passengers: Navigate to “我的” (My Account) → “乘车人” (Passengers)
- Input passenger details: Add all travelers who will be booking tickets (maximum 15 passengers per account)
- Verify information: Ensure all passenger information passes real-name verification
Step 3: Search and Select Trains
- Enter departure station: Input “深圳东站” (Shenzhen East Station) or search using pinyin “shenzhen”
- Enter destination: Input “三亚站” (Sanya Station) or search using pinyin “sanya”
- Select date: Choose your travel date
- Click “查询车票” (Search Tickets)
Step 4: Choose Train and Seats
- Select train number: Choose Z8006/7 for Shenzhen to Sanya or Z8008/5 for Sanya to Shenzhen
- Choose seat class: Select your preferred seat type and class
- Click on seat selection: Pick specific seats if available
Step 5: Passenger Selection and Confirmation
- Click “选择乘车人“ (Select Passengers)
- Choose all travelers: Select all passengers for this journey
- Review booking details: Verify all information is correct
- Click “提交订单“ (Submit Order)
Step 6: Payment
- Complete payment: Use supported payment methods (Alipay, UnionPay, etc.)
- Receive confirmation: Get your booking confirmation and e-ticket
Important Chinese Characters and Search Terms
When using the Chinese Railway 12306 app, you’ll need to recognize these key Chinese characters:
Station Names
- 深圳东站 (Shēnzhèn Dōng Zhàn) – Shenzhen East Station
- 三亚站 (Sānyà Zhàn) – Sanya Station
App Navigation Terms
- 查询车票 (Cháxún Chēpiào) – Search Tickets
- 选择乘车人 (Xuǎnzé Chéngchērén) – Select Passengers
- 提交订单 (Tíjiāo Dìngdān) – Submit Order
- 我的 (Wǒ de) – My Account
- 乘车人 (Chéngchērén) – Passengers
Train-Related Terms
- 火车票 (Huǒchē Piào) – Train Ticket
- 出发地 (Chūfā Dì) – Departure Location
- 到达地 (Dàodá Dì) – Destination
Key Features of the Journey
This train service offers a unique travel experience as it crosses the Qiongzhou Strait via ferry, allowing passengers to experience traveling by sea while remaining on the train. The journey provides an overnight travel option, allowing you to “sleep one night and arrive” at your destination.
Booking Tips and Important Notes
Advance Booking
- Tickets can be booked up to 14 days in advance
- Online booking is available from 05:00 AM to 01:00 AM (Tuesday: 05:00 AM to midnight)
- Booking closes 30 minutes before departure for mainland stations
Payment and Collection
- E-tickets are available for contactless travel
- Multiple payment methods accepted including Alipay and UnionPay
- International travelers may need to collect physical tickets at the station using their passport and booking confirmation number
Travel Documentation
- Valid passport required for booking and travel
- Real-name verification mandatory for all passengers
Station Information
Shenzhen East Station (深圳东站)
- Chinese Name: 深圳东站
- Location: Longgang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
- Facilities: Modern station with 11 platforms serving multiple railway lines
- Metro Connection: Connected to Buji Station on Shenzhen Metro Lines 3, 5, and 14
Sanya Station (三亚站)
- Chinese Name: 三亚站
- Location: Tiandu Town, Sanya, Hainan
- Facilities: First-class railway station with 4 platforms and 8 lines
- Services: Starting and ending point for multiple railway lines serving Hainan Island
Related article: Sanya Implements New Hotel Cancellation Rules to Improve Tourist Experience
