(Yicai Global) Nov. 22 -- China's Ministry of Railways will kick off the trial operation of the WeChat Pay function on the official railway ticket booking website 12306.cn, following the introduction of an online meal ordering service, the cancellation of transaction fees for off-site ticket purchases and the promotion of independent seat selection function in high-speed railways, China Railway Corp. (CRC) told People's Daily Online.

Travelers can pay for their tickets on 12306.cn or its mobile app via WeChat Pay. Ticket windows and self-service ticket machines in China's major cities will add this option in the future, a CRC insider said.

The website and app have been able to accept Alipay since 2013. They also take major bank payments.

The online meal ordering service has met wide acclaim. The inclusion of WeChat Pay channel into railway ticket purchase indicates the CRC is working to link up with internet enterprises, and it will strive to improve service functions and technology guarantees so that travelers can enjoy better journeys, said the insider.