China began selling real-name high-speed train tickets nationwide on Wednesday in an effort to improve railway security and eliminate ticket scalping.

Passengers must show proper identification when buying tickets for train services classified with the letters C, D and G, which indicate that the trains' speed is at least 200 kilometers per hour.

Beijing and Shanghai had already begun selling real-name tickets for high-speed trains.

The real-name system allows passengers to use 23 types of identification, including residence permits and passports. Juveniles under 16 who are taller than 1.5 meters can also use student identification cards, according to the Ministry of Railways.

If a passenger cannot show an original version of a certificate, a copy is also acceptable.

The ministry said the launch of real-name tickets is aimed at reducing ticket scalping. Random checks will be carried out by railway authorities at all levels to confirm the identity of the person tendering the ticket.

Sun Zhang, a professor with Shanghai Tongji University and a rail expert, said real-name tickets represent an improvement in the country's rail services and will help China gain experience for the launching of an online train-ticket-sales system in the future.

Sun suggested passengers keep their tickets with due care, even after they are used, because the tickets bear passengers' names and ID numbers.

"Travellers should tear up the tickets after they are used to prevent leaks of personal information," he said.