>China requires showing identification to buy a long-distance train ticket.

In China, ID and ticket are the same thing. You know that already.

Europe and Japan (what I meant by "rail heritage") are indeed more relaxed. But even in Europe the newest high-speed network, Spain's, follows the airport template, with security check and departure lounge. You have to turn up 25 minutes ahead of departure. It's such a shame and so self-defeating.