For visitors coming to China, the high-speed rail is more than just a means of transportation. It’s a comfortable, scenic, and eco-friendly alternative to domestic flights. But how do you pick the right ticket? Where should you book?
Here’s everything you need to know about China high speed rail seat, plus Trip.com is the easiest way to secure your ride in China.
Why China High Speed Rail Beats Flying for Domestic Travel?
- Time Efficiency: China high speed trains shuttle between major cities at 300-350 km/h. A Beijing-Shanghai trip takes just 4.5 hours.
- Space & Comfort: China high speed rail second-class seats are generally more spacious and comfortable than airplane economy (~45cm vs. ~42cm), more legroom (~90cm vs. ~78cm), and greater freedom to move around during travel.
- Sightseeing Bonus: Routes like Guilin to Yangshuo (like the surreal karst mountain vistas) or Shanghai to Hangzhou (like the serene tea fields and mirror-like lakes) turn travel into sightseeing.
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China High Speed Rail Seat Classes: Detailed Comparison
Here’s a quick reference table, followed by specifics:
Class | Layout | Seat Width | Recline | Price (e.g., Beijing-Shanghai) | Best for |
Second Class | 3+2 | 17-18 inches | 15-20° | $93.05 | Budget travelers |
First Class | 2+2 | 20-21 inches | 30-35° | $148.83 | Comfort seekers |
Business Class | 2+1/1+1 | 22-24 inches | 45° (or lie-flat) | $325.05 | Luxury or business trip |
- More about Second-Class Seats: Adjustable backrest, spacious legroom, tray table/folding table, luggage rack, charging port…
- Learn More about Seats in the First Class: Headrest, tray table, charging port, luggage rack, spacious legroom, adjustable backrest…
- Business Class Premium Services: Leather seats, headrest, spacious legroom, blanket, slippers, tray table, free meals, VIP lounge, charging ports, entertainment screen…
Notes: Other choices may be “Premium First Class Seats” and “Standing”. The former one offers more comfort than standard first class, but may not include all the luxury features of business class. The latter is primarily for second-class seats, and you’ll have no reserved seats (you can sit on unoccupied seats).
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How to Book China High Speed Rail Tickets?
You can book China high-speed rail tickets both online and offline. But how can you do it exactly? What if you can’t read Chinese? Don’t worry. Check out the table below to learn in detail about the best way to book a China high speed rail ticket.
Check out the online China high speed rail booking platforms:
Platforms | Details |
English-friendly (multi-language support); 24/7 booking services; real-time updates; up to 3% discounts; international credit cards supported | |
12306.cn/12306 App | Official website for China high-speed booking; use passport ID to register your app account; fewer promotions |
Check out the offline China high speed rail booking methods:
Methods | Details |
Station Counters | Limited English support but secure last-minute train tickets; cash (CNY) payment supported; long queues in peak hours; risk of sold-out trains |
Automatic Ticket Machine | English options; accepts passports; 24/7 services; no staff assistance; no seat selection; limited foreign cards payment (cash/WeChat/Alipay/UnionPay is safer) |
Travel Agencies | English support but higher fees; handles complex routes but risk of scams; best for luxury travelers or those needing travel plans |
China High-Speed Rail Seat: Window, Aisle, or Middle?
Credit: from China Discovery | First class seats map
Seat Type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
Window (A/F) | Scenic views | Harder to exist | Photographers, solo travel |
Aisle (C/D) | Easy access | Disturbed by carts/other passengers | Restless travelers |
Middle (B) | Ideal for chatting | Less privacy | Short/family trip |
Class-Specific Tips:
- First Class (2-2 seats): All seats comfortable; window > aisle.
- Second Class (3-2 seats): Window ≈ aisle > middle.
- Enjoy secluded seating with semi-enclosed designs in business class.
Top 4 Routes to Book on Trip.com
You can always find good prices and comfortable trains when you’re traveling around China. Before everything’s up for your trip to China, come and check out some of our popular high speed train routes!
Route | Distance (Approx.) | Travel Time (Fastest) | Major Station |
1,318 km | 4.5 hours | Beijingnan - Shanghai Hongqiao | |
160 km | 45 mins | Shanghai Hongqiao - Hangzhoudong | |
300 km | 1 hour | Chengdudong -Shapingba | |
140 km | 30 mins | Guangzhounan -Shenzhenbei |
Beijing - Shanghai
Credit: from Li Yang, Unsplash | Shanghai Bund area, night views
Starting from Beijingnan (Beijing South) to Shanghai Hongqiao station, this high speed train line only takes about 4-6 hours (~1,318 km). It’s one of the world’s busiest rail lines, which stops at major cities in China, like Tianjin, Nanjing, and Suzhou.
Shanghai - Hangzhou
Credit: from Seele An, Unsplash | West Lake, Hangzhou
Transfer yourself from the international and fashionable city of Shanghai to the serene and beautiful city of Hangzhou. Take on China high speed rail in a short time of 45-60 minutes with a top speed of 350 km/h. Hangzhou’s West Lake is really a must-see for you guys! (Just like a traditional Chinese painting.)
Chengdu - Chongqing
Credit: from lewek Gnos, Unsplash | Chongqing city views
If you've already visited Chengdu, a lively and low-paced city in Southwestern China, you definitely should not miss out on the city that’s best known for its magic buildings and hot pot, which is Chongqing. You’d only take 1 hour by hopping on China high speed rail (Chengdudong/Chengdu East - Shapingba Station) for a distance of about 300 km. You’ll see scenic mountainous terrain along your train trip~
Guangzhou - Shenzhen
Credit: from Vincent Lin, Unsplash | Shenzhen Bay
Transfer from a food heaven of traditional Cantonese cuisine to a tech wonderland! It only takes you about 29-50 minutes, depending on how many stops you’ll encounter. This bullet train line is such a bonus to those visitors who also want to visit Hong Kong. You can buy another ticket via HSR to HK (price $11-$28, duration 18-25 min).
3 Types of High-Speed Rail in China
In fact, you’ll see different types of high-speed trains in China when you buy tickets. In case you won’t get lost in finding the best one, here’s the table of high-speed rail categories with the main features you need to know!
Train Type | Max Speed | Class Option | Key Features |
G-Trains (Gaotie) | 300-350 km/h | Business Class First Class Second Class | Fast & Smart Long-distance journey Power outlets, Wi-Fi |
D-Trains (Dongche) | 200-250 km/h | Soft Sleeper First Class Second Class | Slower but cheaper Shorter trip Fewer amenities than G-trains |
C-Trains (Chengji) | 160-200 km/h | First Class Second Class | Short intercity journey Run like a metro Modern & Comfy |
Tips to Choose China High Speed Rail Seat
- Buy meals or snacks before your ride on China high-speed rail, as onboard food options can be pricey and more limited.
- You can bring a water bottle and get hot/cold water in every car.
- Store bags overhead or at carriage ends.
- Check the train type before you book; G/D is the fastest (300+ km). The C train is slower and offers mostly regional rides.
- Arrive at least 30 mins early.
- Use your passport to enter via manual lanes.
- Outlets are usually available under your seats.
- Pick the right seat: The Window side is best for views, the aisle is easier for free moves, while the middle seat offers the least privacy.
China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare
- 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can stay up to 240 hours in 54 Chinese cities without a China visa when transiting.
- China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
- Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!
Getting Around & Top Destinations in China
- China Metro Guides: Shanghai Metro | Beijing Metro | Guangzhou Metro | HK Metro
- China Airport Guides: Shanghai Airport | Beijing Airport | Guangzhou Airport | HK Airport Express
- China City Maps: Beijing Map | Guangzhou Map | Shanghai Map | HK Map
- Top Destinations in China: Shanghai Attractions (Disneyland, Bund) | Beijing Attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall) | HK Attractions (HK Disneyland)
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Map App: I love to use Gaode Map (English supported) or Baidu Map (limited English) for real-time transit and traffic. Or you can still use Google Maps in China, but some data may be outdated.
- China Transport App: Use DiDi (China's Uber) for English address input and cashless payment. I recommend to use the DiDi mini-program in Alipay for more convenience.
- China Payment App: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (link foreign cards before arrival).
- China Booking App: Trip.com for high-speed trains (China HSR Guide), China hotels/flights. Use Trip.com promo codes for USA users.
FAQs about China High Speed Rail Seats
How do I know where my seat is on a China high-speed rail?
Check your e-ticket or boarding pass for carriage number + seat code. Look for overhead signs in the train.Can I choose a seat on China high-speed rail?
You can choose seat class and where to seat (near window or aisle).Do all seats on China high speed rail have power outlets for laptops?
Outlets under seats are available in all types of classes on G Trains, but sometimes it’s limited at Second Class on D Trains.Are window seats on China high speed rail colder due to AC?
Slightly, as vents are often overhead—bring a light layer.