Chinese travel agencies still sell train, plane and bus tickets, but today most travelers book directly online through platforms like Trip.com/Ctrip or the official 12306 app rather than going through an in-person agency. Only pay once you've received the tickets, and never pay a deposit or the full price in advance. Check the ticket carefully on receipt and always ask for a receipt. Agencies typically charge a fee of around 50 yuan or about 10% of the ticket price for train or bus tickets.
Foreign-invested travel agencies (joint ventures) have been allowed since 2003, and since late 2005 wholly foreign-owned travel agencies have also been permitted.
