China Train: Seat Classes, Types & Photos

G

Yes

Yes

Yes

Certain models

No

D

No

Yes

Yes

No

Certain trains

C

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Z

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

T

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

K

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Train type

What the Code Means

Top Speed

Route Highlights

Key features

G train (Gaotie)

High-speed rail

300–350 km/h

Provincial capitals and first-tier cities (like Beijing-Shanghai or Guangzhou-Shenzhen)

The fastest train type, with the fewest stops and the widest range of seat classes

D train (Dongche)

EMU train

200–250 km/h

Major cities & regional routes

Fewer stops than ordinary trains, with convenient overnight sleeper options available

C Train (Chengji)

Intercity train

160–250 km/h

Short-haul city pairs (like Beijing-Tianjin or Guangzhou-Zhuhai)

Open seating with no assigned spots; frequent departures; easy on the budget

Seat Class

Layout

Available On

Amenities

Price (compared to G-Train Second Class)

Key notes

Business Class

1+1 / 1+2

G trains only

180° lie-flat seats, personal entertainment screens, premium dining, dedicated power outlets, and adjustable lighting

3–4x the price (for example, a trip from Beijing to Shanghai costs ~AUD $498)

The most luxurious option; seats are limited per carriage

VIP Seat

2+1

Select G/D trains

120° recline; semi-private compartment (6–8 seats per carriage); enjoy a quieter, more peaceful journey

2.8–3.2x

Found right near the driver’s cab; a favorite spot on major routes

Premium 1st Class

2+2 / 1+2

Select Fuxinghao G trains (like the Beijing-Shanghai route)

Upgraded cushions, extra legroom, and priority services

2.2x the price (for example, a trip from Beijing to Shanghai costs ~AUD $313)

Enjoy even more room to stretch out than in standard First Class

First Class

2+2

All G/D/C trains

Wider seats, 1.5x more space than Second Class, fold-out tables, and power outlets

1.6x the price (for example, a trip from Beijing to Shanghai costs ~AUD $228)

Perfect for trips longer than 4 hours

Second Class

2+3

All G/D/C trains

A slight recline, tray tables, charging ports, and a compact but comfortable design

1x the price (for example, a trip from Beijing to Shanghai costs ~AUD $142)

The most popular and budget-friendly choice

Second Class Sleeper

6-berth cabin (upper/middle/lower berths)

Overnight D trains

Simple bedding; charging ports at every bunk

1.5–1.8x (compared to D-Train Second Class)

Open-plan compartments; a budget-friendly pick for overnight adventures

First Class Sleeper

4-berth cabin

Overnight D trains

Private enclosed cabin, premium bedding, and more space

1.9–2.2x (compared to D-Train Second Class)

Enjoy a quieter, more private experience than in a Second Class Sleeper

Open Seating

2+2 (no assigned seats)

C trains / S-trains (suburban)

First-come, first-served; basic seating

30–50% cheaper (for example, a trip from Beijing to Tianjin costs ~AUD $8.30)

Perfect for quick trips; no seat reservation needed

Train type

What the Code Means

Top Speed

Route Highlights

Key features

Standard Train (Z) (Zhida)

Direct Express

160 km/h

Major cities (like Guangzhou-Shenyang)

Minimal stops, mostly overnight, and offers deluxe soft sleepers

T train (Tekuai)

Express

140 km/h

Long-distance journeys with plenty of stops along the way

Strikes the perfect balance between speed and coverage; all seat and sleeper options are available

K train (Kuaisu)

Fast train

120 km/h

Regional routes with plenty of stops

The oldest and most affordable train type, offering basic facilities

Seat Class

Layout

Available On

Amenities

Price (compared to hard seat)

Key notes

Hard seat

2+3

Z/T/K/Numbered trains

Thin padding, seats that don't recline, no A/C, and a bit of a squeeze.

1x

The most budget-friendly choice; perfect for quick daytime adventures

Soft Seat

2+2

T/K/Numbered trains

Padded seats, adjustable backrests, air conditioning, and a cleaner, less crowded experience

1.5x

Enjoy cozy, compartment-style seating on select trains

Hard Sleeper

6-berth bay (upper/middle/lower berths, no door)

Z/T/K/Numbered trains

Pillow, sheet, and blanket provided; shared charging sockets available in the corridors

2–2.5x

Upper bunk = the budget-friendly pick; lower bunk = the ultimate convenience (plus, you get actual sitting room!)

Soft Sleeper

4-berth cabin (enclosed with door)

Z/T/K/Numbered trains

Wider berths, comfortable bedding, individual LCD screens, and storage space

3–3.5x

Enjoy more privacy and space than in a Hard Sleeper

Deluxe Soft Sleeper

2-berth cabin

A few Z/K/numbered trains

Private bathroom (toilet/sink), sofa area, wardrobe, and premium bedding

5–6x

The most luxurious option for ordinary trains (for example, a trip from Guangzhou to Shenyang costs ¥1,686.5)

Seat Class

Layout

Available On

Amenities

Price (compared to G-Train Second Class)

Key notes

Business Class

1+1 / 1+2

G trains only

180° lie-flat seats, personal entertainment screens, premium dining, dedicated power outlets, and adjustable lighting

3–4x the price (for example, a trip from Beijing to Shanghai costs ~AUD $498)

The most luxurious option; seats are limited per carriage

VIP Seat

2+1

Select G/D trains

120° recline; semi-private compartment (6–8 seats per carriage); enjoy a quieter, more peaceful journey

2.8–3.2x

Found right near the driver’s cab; a favorite spot on major routes

Premium 1st Class

2+2 / 1+2

Select Fuxinghao G trains (like the Beijing-Shanghai route)

Upgraded cushions, extra legroom, and priority services

2.2x the price (for example, a trip from Beijing to Shanghai costs ~AUD $313)

Enjoy even more room to stretch out than in standard First Class

First Class

2+2

All G/D/C trains

Wider seats, 1.5x more space than Second Class, fold-out tables, and power outlets

1.6x the price (for example, a trip from Beijing to Shanghai costs ~AUD $228)

Perfect for trips longer than 4 hours

Second Class

2+3

All G/D/C trains

A slight recline, tray tables, charging ports, and a compact but comfortable design

1x the price (for example, a trip from Beijing to Shanghai costs ~AUD $142)

The most popular and budget-friendly choice

Second Class Sleeper

6-berth cabin (upper/middle/lower berths)

Overnight D trains

Simple bedding; charging ports at every bunk

1.5–1.8x (compared to D-Train Second Class)

Open-plan compartments; a budget-friendly pick for overnight adventures

First Class Sleeper

4-berth cabin

Overnight D trains

Private enclosed cabin, premium bedding, and more space

1.9–2.2x (compared to D-Train Second Class)

Enjoy a quieter, more private experience than in a Second Class Sleeper

Open Seating

2+2 (no assigned seats)

C trains / S-trains (suburban)

First-come, first-served; basic seating

30–50% cheaper (for example, a trip from Beijing to Tianjin costs ~AUD $8.30)

Perfect for quick trips; no seat reservation needed