How do I get a refund for train tickets online?

Going from Beijing to Harbin, how do I get train tickets in advance?

• I'm planning to go from Beijing to Harbin around Chinese New Year, which I know is quite crowded and hard to get tickets since everyone is going 'home'. I'd like to get train tickets in advance, what ways do I have? I do have a friend in Beijing now, could they help me with that? After arriving at Beijing I'm spending a day then planning to take the night train to Harbin, so there isn't much time for me to buy tickets.

• Answer:

  Yes, you can get your Beijing friend to buy the ticket on your behalf in the train station or ticket agency. You have to give him photo copies of your passport .I would suggest that you take the EXPRESS ( bullet train) if not you find yourself stuck in a normal train for maybe 18 hrs express will only takes half the time. If you take a flight it will takes maybe 11/2- 2 hrs but if u are unlucky than flight can delay you for hours never give any reasons for delays in China. It's very,very cold at that time of the year please gear yourself up with good winter wear. I had experience of -40c .we hardly walk outdoor. Hope this help. Happy holidays.