China Trains Guide

Fast, safe, reliable and comfortable high speed trains are now rivaling air travel as an efficient means of transportation for long distances. If you’re planning your high speed train trip or ready to book your train ticket, starting here means you’re on the right track to know everything about China high speed train, including tickets, embarkation and disembarkation, seats, facilities, food and service onboard, etc.

• 01

  China High Speed Train Types

  There are three kinds of High Speed Trains in China, differed by the letters G/D/C plus several digits. G-series High Speed Trains are the fastest & most advanced. D-series High Speed Train are the Electric Multiple Units (EMU). C-series usuaully run between two neighboring cities, like Beijing - Tianjin.

• 02

  Seats Class & How to Choose

  More than 90% of the seats are the Second Class Seats, the cheapest seats on the high speed trains. The First Class Seats are more spacious and quieter, compared with the Second Class Seats. Business Class Seats are much luxury and comfortable, just like the business class on the airplane.

• 03

  Friendly Facilities on the Train

  All China high speed trains are fully air-conditioned. There are both western-style toilets and squat toilets on the high speed trains. Every China high speed train has a dining car where you can buy packed Chinese meals of different standards. Power charging is available on each train.

• 04

  The Train Station Departure Process

  Don’t get intimidated by their massive labyrinths of halls, doors, floors and waiting areas of China's railway station. In fact, the process for boarding and disembarking is much simpler and easier than that of a plane. Usually, the larger railway stations are all user-friendly, and have signs in English for you.

• 05

  Available Food and Drinks on the Train

  Most China high speed trains provide foods, snacks and drinks. Western food is not provided. The dining car is usually on the 5th carriage. There are several Chinese boxed-meals on the menu. The dining car also offers some common drinks. Hot water can be fetched at the dispenser.

• 06

  Western Toilets on the Train

  Western-style toilets and squat toilets are usually available on most high speed trains. They are usually modern and clean. Toilet paper is provided in the bathroom, but easily run out. You can bring some on your own. Smoking is not allowed in the toilets. When the train stops at stations, the toilet doors will close.

• 07

  Luggage Racks & Baggage Allowance

  You can put the large-size suite cases in the luggage cabinets at the junction of two carriages or the empty room behind the last row of seats in your carriage. Carry-on suitcases or smaller luggage can be placed on the luggage racks above your seats. Also never pack the prohibited items to board train.

• 08

  Useful Chinese Phrases for China Train Travel

  To help you have a worry free high speed train trip in China, we have collected the most useful phrases, words, sayings which are frequently used to take high speed train in China, such as train types, the names of Ticket Halls, Waiting Halls, railway stations, tickets, etc.