China's railway authorities have warned that the cost train tickets will rise on average between 15 to 20 percent during next year's Spring Festival holiday season.

They say the routes that will be most affected will be those departing from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Prices will go up from January the 14th, 8 days before the festival.

Ticket prices on some trains departing from Zhengzhou, Shanghai, Nanchang and Chengdu will first fall about 10 percent from January the 21st to the 23rd, and then go up after the 24th.

Railway officials say ticket prices on the busiest routes are allowed to float higher during peak travel periods. The price hikes will remain in place for no more than 15 days from January the 24th.

During the festival, charges applying to ticket return will be the same as usual. Tickets can be returned for a refund up to 6 hours before departure.

(CCTV.com December 5, 2003)