检票

On Chinese high-speed rail and metro, 检票 is now mostly automated: passengers tap an ID card or QR code at the 检票口 (ticket gate). Trains have a strict 'gates close 3-5 minutes before departure' rule (停止检票, 'ticket check ends'); arrive late and you forfeit your ticket.

usage

检 ('inspect') + 票 ('ticket'). Used at trains, planes (登机检票), concerts, theme parks. Compare 验票 ('verify ticket'): virtually synonymous, slightly more formal.