Tips & Answers · Community post
What items are not allowed on Chinese trains?
annaa99Shared Aug 21, 2026Hi! I’ll be taking the train twice during my trip to China and I’m a bit confused about the rules for luggage.
I’ve heard that some normal everyday items, like hairspray or other spray cans, might not be allowed on trains. Does anyone know what the current rules are for these?
I’m also wondering about a small Swiss Army/pocket knife. Is it allowed in your luggage, or will it be taken away at the security check?
Would appreciate any recent experiences with train security in China.
Thanks! ☺️
Comments (1)
Under normal circumstances, clearly prohibited items include flammable and explosive goods such as alcohol, gasoline, fireworks and similar articles, as well as dangerous objects that could harm others, for example restricted-controlled knives. Your Swiss Army knife is not on this prohibited list and can be taken on trains without issue. Controlled knives refer to blades that exceed clear civilian-use length limits — this is fairly straightforward to understand.
During security checks at railway station entrances, if you carry drinks in your bag, security staff may ask you to take a sip from the container before you are allowed through. Other items such as hair-spray are permitted, provided they remain in their original, intact packaging.