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Linking vibrant cities, enchanting landscapes, and cultural marvels, China’s trains redefine the way you experience the rich tapestry of this vast and vibrant nation.
With the complex network comes a slightly more nuanced system of train classes and seat classes. Each train type and seating class offers unique amenities and comforts, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Train Types
In China, there are two types of trains: high-speed trains and conventional trains. Here’s a breakdown of the different train types in China to help you choose the one for your adventures.
High-Speed Trains (G-series, D-series, and C-series)
China’s high-speed rail system or Fuxing Hao (meaning “rejuvenation”) is renowned worldwide for its speed, reliability, and modern amenities.
G (Gaosu) trains are the fastest high-speed trains you can book in China and with top speeds of 400kmph, they are the second fastest commercial trains in the world. The “fastest train in the world” honor goes to the Shanghai maglev train with a top speed of 431 kmh (268mph), but unlike G trains, the maglev only travels between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road station. G trains usually run on middle-to-long distance routes, such as Beijing-Shanghai and Beijing-Guangzhou, and are like airplanes in comfort and luxury, with Wi-Fi available. Put simply, where a conventional train would take more than 24 hours, the G trains will take 7-8 hours depending on the stops. They are daytime trains, i.e., no sleeper compartments here.
D (Dongche) trains are the second fastest train type in China, with an average speed of 250kmph (155mph). D trains are also available as overnight sleeper trains. *Note that these are not as widely available as G trains.
C (Chenji Dongche) trains are intercity trains that run between neighboring cities. Their average speed is 200kmph (124 mph).
Seat classes
G trains offer three seat classes (business, first, and second class), while the rest of the train types (D and C) offer two primary seat classes (first and second class).
Note: the comfort level on China’s high-speed trains is Business Class > Premium First Class (if exist) > First Class > Second Class. This is different from western airlines where first class is higher than business class.
Business Class (Shangwuzuo)
The most comfortable and luxurious seats on G trains are Business Class. The amenities are similar to what one might expect from Business Class seats on planes: fully reclining seats that convert into beds, enhanced privacy, fewer passengers in the car, complimentary snacks and soft drinks, and a dedicated TV.
Most major train stations feature VIP lounges for business class travelers to relax before boarding, offering complimentary beverages and snacks, access to newspapers and magazines, free Wi-Fi, and more. Additionally, these lounges may provide complimentary porter services for passengers with large luggage and wheelchair assistance for those with special needs during boarding.
Premium First Class (Youxuan Yidengzuo)
On key routes like Beijing-Shanghai, there is sometimes a fourth option, Premium First Class, which ranks between Business Class and First Class, offering an extra layer of privacy, luxury, and comfort. Premium Class passengers also have access to the Business Class lounge.
First Class (Yidengzuo)
The First Class cabins on high-speed trains offer spacious, adjustable seats with more elbow room than second-class seats, dedicated power outlets, and fewer seats in a row.
*This is WildChina’s recommended seat class if Business Class is not available
Second Class (Erdengzuo)
Second-class seats are the most common and most affordable seat class on high-speed trains, with shared power outlets, and smaller elbow and leg room. This is the most popular choice for local travelers, providing a perfect balance between affordability and convenience.
Conventional Trains (Z, T, K, and 4-digit trains)
China’s conventional (slow) trains offer several seat classes, catering to diverse travel modes.
Z trains are non-stop express trains, making only the odd stops along the way. The top speed is 160kmph (100mph). They run between major cities like Beijing and Shanghai
T trains (express trains), K trains (fast trains), and 4-digit trains run at an average speed range of 120 – 140kmph (75-87mph). These conventional trains have been around since the middle of the 20th century and are an excellent choice if you want to explore the cities at a slower pace, as they stop along most major stops.
Seat classes
Hard Seat (Yingzuo): The most economical choice, hard seats provide a budget-friendly option for short journeys. These seats are, as the name suggests, hard and not the most comfortable.
Soft Seat (Ruanzuo): Soft seats offer a more comfortable experience with cushioned seating, making them suitable for medium-distance travel.
Hard Sleeper (Yingwo): These budget-friendly sleeper options offer three-tiered bunk beds and are suitable for overnight journeys where comfort is a consideration. Hard sleeper cars are open-compartment/ cars, which means less privacy.
Soft Sleeper (Ruanwo): Soft sleeper compartments provide a higher level of comfort with two-tiered bunk beds, bedding, and more privacy. They are perfect for extended overnight travel and provide more privacy as the four-bed cabins have closing doors.
Note: All sleepers are single beds. People with mobility restrictions may wish to avoid the upper bunk.
Deluxe Soft Sleeper (Gaoji Ruanwo): Deluxe soft sleepers are the most comfortable seat class you can find on a conventional train in China. Like the soft sleeper cabins, they offer extra comfort and privacy with the bedding and a lockable door. They are also equipped with a private bathroom (with western toilets), and passengers get a complimentary bottle of water once aboard. However, only some of the Z trains offer this option, and the cabin can be fairly small as these are still conventional trains.
Please refer to the handy table below to see the different train classes, seat types, and amenities available on China’s trains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to look out when booking a train seat in China?
Please kindly note that the seat photos shown above are for reference only. Actual train seats may vary depending on the train model.
WildChina will always strive to secure the preferred class of train ticket for clients, but there are some limitations beyond our control. In China, train tickets typically become available 15 days before departure. For certain routes, Business Class and First Class tickets may not be released until 1 to 2 days before the travel date. Train travel is extremely popular in China, and all tickets are booked through the official national railway system. This means WildChina is competing with the general public the moment tickets go on sale, and availability can be extremely limited during peak travel periods, such as national holidays or summer vacation. On some trains, there may be as few as five Business Class seats available, which can sell out almost instantly. If the preferred class is not available at the time of booking, WildChina will secure the next best option and refund any price difference if applicable.
Do they speak English at stations / on trains?
Train staff speak little English, but railway station announcements, including boarding calls, may be provided with English translations.
Is food included?
Food is included for Business Class passengers during breakfast, lunch, and dinner times. There are also three other options once on the train: 1) Head to a dining car: Car 9 on conventional trains, and usually Car 5 on high-speed trains. 2) Purchase from a circulating food trolley selling snacks and drinks. 3) Order take-outs and get the delivery at the next stop. Check the 12306 app to see delivery options.
Alternatively, there are usually lots of restaurants near or within the train station. For sleeper trains, the WildChina guide will take guests shopping to get everything they need for dinner, breakfast, and lunch before their journey.
What are the recommended baggage types to bring?
Consider bringing baggage with wheels, as most stations have long flights of stairs, but have wheel ramps available.
Is Wi-Fi available on the train?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is offered on the train, though the speed may be slow due to data limits.
Are there outlets for charging personal devices on the train?
Yes, outlets can be found according to seat class. For Business Class, the USB outlet is located above the desk. For first and premium first class, it can be found under the seat arm. For Second Class, it is either at the back of the seat in the previous row, or between seats.
Are pets allowed?
Pets can be checked along the Beijing – Shanghai route, at any of the following five stations: Beijing south, Jinan west, Nanjing south, Shanghai Hongqiao, Hangzhou east. They will be transported in a separate car designed specifically for quietness and better ventilation. There will be a designated staff member checking the pets regularly.
What are security regulations like?
As with airplanes, firearms, explosives, knives, toxins, corrosives, or other dangerous things are prohibited on the train.
Nail polish, nail polish remover, or hair dye are allowed, but no more than 50 ml (in total). Aerosols, such as deodorant, hair mousse, bug spray, and air refreshener, should be under 150 ml each and 600 ml in total. Two safety matches and two regular lighters are permitted per person. Alcoholic drinks (between 24% and 70%) are also okay, as long as they are fully sealed, with clear labels, and no more than 3000 ml.
Find the full list of prohibited items on Chinese trains here.
Are there porter services to help with luggage?
Most major city train stations (e.g. Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi’an) have a porter service which WildChina can book for the clients. The porter will help carry baggage on and off the train and through the station.
For travelers entering mainland China through Hong Kong, porter service is not available as clients need to pass immigration, and porters cannot accompany them through.
Get in touch with us to see the availability of this service.
What are the toilet facilities like?
Public toilets and washbasins are available at the end of every car. High-speed trains are equipped with a few Western-style toilets across the train. Conventional trains usually only have squat toilets.
*As with all Chinese public toilets, travelers are advised to bring their own hand soap, toilet paper, and other sanitary supplies. On high-speed trains, accessible WC with a Western-style toilet and a changing table are located in Car 5.
What are the most popular routes to take and how much are they?
Here’s a table showing the popular train routes and how much they cost:
| Route | Duration | Distance | Price (business – highest class) | Price (first class) | Price (second class) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing – Shanghai | 4.5 – 6.5 hours by Gseries high-speed train | Beijing South – Shanghai Hongqiao 1,318 km (819 miles) Beijing 1,454 km (909 miles) – Beijing railway Station – Shanghai station. | Starting around $300USD | Starting around $150USD | Starting around $100USD |
| Xi’an – Chengdu | 3-5 hours | 658 km (409 miles) | Starting around $100USD | Starting around $60USD | Starting around $40USD |
| Beijing – Xi’an | 3.5-4 hours | 1,200 km (746 mi) | Starting around $100USD | Starting around $60USD | Starting around $40USD |
Looking for a train to Tibet? Here’s an article on the Qinghai-Tibet railway.
Already planning a trip with WildChina? Get in touch with your travel designer to add a rail journey to your itinerary. They’ll be happy to advise you on where in your itinerary the best rail connection can be made!
Interested in planning a new trip with WildChina? Get in touch to begin.
