China high-speed rail refers to railways for trains that have designed speeds of 200-350 km/h (124-217 mph). At present, China has the world’s longest high-speed railway network, and this vast network is continuing expand rapidly. By the end of 2019, the total operating mileage of China's high-speed railway has reached 35,000 koilmeters (21,748 miles) , ranking first in the world. By the end of 2020, China has 37,900 kilometers (23,550 miles) of high-speed rail in operation.
Also read: China Railway Construction, China Railway Network
High-speed trains in China, also call bullet trains, have running speeds of 200-350 km/h (124 – 217 mph). High-speed trains connect most major and tourist cities. They have become one of the most popular transportation options when traveling around China.
High-speed trains in China are comfortable, fast, punctual and safe. Facilities onboard are modern and of high standard. Seats on high-speed trains are similar to those on an airplane but with more leg room. The ticket price is reasonable by western standard.
According to model and by technology, high-speed trains in China can be divided into Hexiehao (CRH series EMU) and Fuxinghao (CR series EMU).
|
Fuxinghao High-Speed Train |
Hexiehao High-Speed Train |
Put into use in |
2017 |
2007 |
Top speed |
350-400 km/h (217-248 mph) |
350km/h (217mph) |
Seat space |
1.02-1.16 meters between the front and rear rows of seats |
0.99-1.06 meters between the front and rear rows of seats |
Seat classes |
Business/first/second classes |
|
Ticket fares |
The same |
|
Wifi |
Available |
Not available |
Power sockets |
Two standard power sockets are available under each row of seats. |
One standard power socket and two USD outlets are available for each row of seats. |
Routes in operation |
Between major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Chongqing, etc. |
All high-speed rail routes |
According to the running speed, high-speed trains can be divided into three categories: G trains, D trains and C trains.
|
G Trains |
D Trains |
C Trains |
Description |
The fastest train |
The second fastest |
The third fastest |
Routes in operation |
Running on middle and long-distance high-speed rail routes |
Running on middle-distance rail lines |
Running on intercity rail lines between neighboring cities |
Top speed |
300-350 km/h (186-217 mph) |
250 km/h (155 mph) |
200 km/h (124 mph) |
Seat classes |
Business/first/second classes |
First/second classes |
Business/first/second classes |
Business class is available on G trains and a few C trains. There is only one business carriage on a high-speed train. Business class is the most luxurious and most expensive class on a high-speed train. Business class carriage is separated to first and second-class carriages by automatic doors, providing private and high-end comfortable travel experience. Soft drinks and snacks are offered for free.
Passengers who holding business class tickets can go to the VIP waiting lounge for fast check-in. A business ticket fare is triple as second-class ticket fare and twice as first class ticket fare.
Seats on business class carriage:
Other facilities that business class provides:
First-class ticket price is about 1.5 times as second-class ticket fare. On some high-speed trains, first class is the highest seat class.
What's First Class Like:
Second class is the most common and popular, because of the cheapest ticket fare on high-speed trains. Second-class have five seats in a row (ABC+DF). Seat A and F are located by the window. Seat C and D are by the aisle. Seat B is a middle seat might make passengers uncomfortable.
The seatback can also be adjusted, but not to a flat position. A tray table is attached to each seatback. Power sockets are available at the bottom of each seat. Toilet is available at the end of each carriage.
You can put your baggage in the luggage rack on the top of the carriage, or in the luggage closet at the connection of each carriage.
Soft sleeper class is available on overnight high-speed trains such as Beijing – Shanghai, Shanghai – Xi’an and Beijing to Guangzhou high-speed trains.
There are two types of soft sleepers on high-speed trains: soft sleeper and new soft sleeper.
It is the same as on regular trains. There are four bunk in a private compartment, two upper bunks and two lower bunks. A lockable door keeps the compartment private and quiet.
Facilities
New soft sleeper was put into service in 2017. It made debut on a pair of Beijing - Shanghai overnight high-speed trains.
New soft sleeper doesn’t have lockable compartments. There are two rows of double-deck bunks on either side of the aisle, and each bunk is arranged parallel to the aisle and the running direction of the train.
The new soft sleeper bunk is 77 inches (195 cm) long and 30 inches (75 cm) in wide. Each bunk has curtains for privacy concerns. A reading light, a power socket and small table are available for each bunk. Each bunk is located by the window, including all upper bunks.
Luggage can be put under the lower berth. There is also a small luggage rack for each bunk to put small bags in.
Compared to traditional soft sleeper, new soft sleeper might seem a bit noisy as there is only curtain for each bunk to keep private.
Sleeper trains between China and Vietman connect Beijing/Nanning and Gia Lam, Hanoi.
Two international trains running between China and Russia including Trans-Mongolian Railway.
International train tickets for the Trans-Siberian can be bought in China, Mongolia and Russia.