China's high-speed rail network is characterized by trains designed to operate at speeds of 200-350 km/h (124-217 mph). Currently, China boasts the world's longest high-speed railway network, which is continuously expanding. By the end of 2022, China is projected to have an operational high-speed rail network spanning 42,000 kilometers (26,097 miles).
China's high-speed rail network is one of the most extensive and technologically advanced in the world. The extensive high-speed rail network connects major cities and regions across the country, allowing convenient travel between a wide range of destinations without the need for air travel.
China's high-speed rail network spans over 37,900 kilometers (23,500 miles), making it the world's largest. It connects major cities, regions, and popular tourist destinations across the country, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, and more.
High-speed trains, commonly known as bullet trains, operate with speeds ranging from 200 to 350 km/h (124 - 217 mph). These trains efficiently connect numerous major cities and popular tourist destinations. With their convenience and speed, high-speed trains have emerged as a preferred mode of transportation for travelers exploring China.
High-speed trains in China offer a comfortable, fast, punctual, and safe travel experience. The onboard facilities are modern and of a high standard. The seats on these trains are comparable to those on airplanes, providing ample legroom. In addition, the ticket prices are reasonable when compared to western standards.
1. Speed and Efficiency: Chinese high-speed trains are known for their impressive speed, which can reach up to 350 km/h (217 mph) on some routes. This allows travelers to reach their destinations quickly and efficiently.
2. Comfort and Amenities: High-speed trains in China are designed with passenger comfort in mind. They offer spacious seating, modern facilities, and amenities such as power outlets, Wi-Fi, and even food and beverage services on many routes.
3. Cost-effectiveness: High-speed trains in China often provide a more cost-effective option compared to air travel, especially for shorter distances. As ticket prices are generally lower than airfares, a high-speed train can be a budget-friendly choice.
4. Accessibility: High-speed train stations in China are typically located within or nearby city centers, making them easily accessible. This reduces transportation time, eliminates the need for lengthy airport transfers, and can contribute to overall travel efficiency.
5. Scenic Journeys: China's remarkable landscapes can be appreciated during train journeys, as many high-speed routes pass through beautiful regions, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Based on their running speeds, high-speed trains in China can be categorized into three types: G trains, D trains, and C trains.
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G Trains |
D Trains |
C Trains |
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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 |
China's high-speed trains can be classified into two categories based on their models and technologies: Hexiehao (CRH series EMU) and Fuxinghao (CR series EMU).
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Fuxinghao High-Speed Train |
Hexiehao High-Speed Train |
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Put into use in |
2017 |
2007 |
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Top speed |
350-400 km/h (217-248 mph) |
350km/h (217mph) |
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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 |
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Seat classes |
Business/first/second classes |
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Ticket fares |
The same |
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Wifi |
Available |
Not available |
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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 |
Daytime high-speed trains in China provide passengers with a choice of seating options, including second class, first class, and business class seats. On the other hand, overnight sleeper high-speed trains offer both hard sleeper and soft sleeper.
Second class is the most commonly chosen and popular seating option on high-speed trains in China, primarily due to its affordable ticket fares. In the second-class seating arrangement, there are five seats in each row labeled as ABC+DF. Seat A and F are positioned by the windows, while seats C and D are adjacent to the aisle. Seat B is situated in the middle.
The seatback can 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.
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:
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:
Soft sleeper class is available on overnight high-speed trains such as Beijing - Shanghai, Shanghai - Xi’an and Beijing - Guangzhou high-speed trains. 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.
What is soft sleeper like:
A variant of soft sleeper available on select high-speed train routes is the new soft sleeper. Unlike traditional soft sleepers, the new soft sleeper does not have lockable compartments. Instead, there are two rows of double-deck bunks on each side of the aisle. Each bunk is arranged in parallel to both the aisle and the train's running direction.
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.
Also read Train Types and Seat Classes in China.
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China high-speed trains are well-equipped with modern and advanced facilities.
High-speed trains are a highly popular mode of transportation for the Beijing to Shanghai route.
In China, there are several train types and seat classes available to travelers.
