If you got your ticket online, then picked it up at a ticket counter, it will usually bear the remark 网, which refers to the Internet, as in online booking.. If you see the characters 工, 中, 农, 招, or 建, this means you’ve used a credit or debit card issued in China. A discounted ticket (for example, on routes with low demand), will show 折.

Here are some other remarks you might see. These have been ordered by the complexity of the first Chinese character first, then followed by the length of the text.

• 专 = Concessionary ticket for disabled passengers.
  This is reserved for those with severe injuries who qualify to travel at a reduced rate on trains.
• 优 = Priority ticket.
  Usually shown on group tickets along with the 团 indicator. Groups have priority in train travels.
• 团 = Group ticket.
  You must use this in conjunction with a qualifying group ticket.
• 学 = Student ticket.
  For students only — you will need qualifying valid student ID as well.
• 孩 = Children’s ticket.
  This will be shown on tickets where children buy half price tickets.
• 残 = Disabled passenger ticket.
  For disabled travellers only, most likely for disabled Chinese servicepersons and police officers.
• 挂失补 = Replacement ticket.
  If you hold a replacement ticket, this will be shown. Report immediately to the Chief Conductor on trains to get your travel record. More info »
• 中转签证 = Transfer ticket.
  This shows that you are holding a transfer ticket and have completed transfer registration as required.
• 仅供报销使用 = Reimbursements only.
  This ticket refers to a completed journey and must not be used for travel.