Riding Trains in China with Children

Can a 9 year old child ride free of charge in the trains in China?
Elizabeth
United Arab Emirates

There have been some recent changes to China's Railway Policy. The last changes were effective December 1, 2010. Concerning traveling with children, the fares are determined according to the child's height rather than the age as follows:

Children that measure less than 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) ride for free with an accompanying adult. Only one child can ride for free per paying adult, additional children even if less than the stipulated height will pay half of one regular adult fare.

Children with heights between 1.2 - 1.5 meters (3.9 feet-4.9 feet) pay half-price of the regular adult fare.

Children taller than 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) pay full price.

Legally, a child in China is anyone under 18 years old. Children may not ride alone on the trains, must always be accompanied by an adult.