An icon of instant messaging app WeChat is seen on a smartphone. [Photo/IC]

WeChat payment went on trial operation on www.12306.cn, China's online railway ticket booking website, starting from Thursday.

The new payment method will be gradually applied to ticket offices and self-service ticket vending machines in railway stations in major cities across the country.

Previously, buyers could pay through Alipay, Unionpay, and bank cards on the website.

To provide convenience for customers, the railway authorities have launched new services this year, such as delivery of meals ordered online and seat selection on high-speed trains, as well as cancelling service fees for tickets purchased at different stations.