Proof of identity mandatory for buying rail tickets from Jan 1

BEIJING / Chengdu - A system of acquiring railway tickets against proof of one's identity will come into effect nationwide, beginning Jan 1. But it might not guarantee a ticket for everybody who wants to head back home during the coming Lunar New Year rush, according to experts' opinion.

China railway authorities said passengers wishing to buy tickets for journeys on Jan 1 and afterwards would have to produce their identity cards across the country.

The real-name ticketing system allows every purchaser to buy five tickets at most through ticket agencies or at rail stations.