China has built the world’s largest and fastest HSR system, connecting over 550 cities in China at a max speed of up to 350km/h. If you decide to plan a trip to China, taking the high-speed train is quite a common and nice way to transfer from one city to another.
In this guide, you’ll find out all the things you should know about China high-speed rail, from how to book tickets, to choosing a suitable seat, and tips to help you better integrate into this marvelous train system!
Why China High-Speed Rail Changes Everything?
The first high-speed train in China (Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway) was built on August 1, 2008, just before the Beijing Olympics. China aims to expand its railway network to 200,000 km by 2035! However, it’s not all about reaching the top records. China high-speed rail also contains ideas of eco-friendly progress.
All of the HSR trains run on electricity from renewable energy like wind and solar. And 15-20% of energy will be reused by trains during deceleration. Other signs of progress are shown as the elevated tracks (reduce land disruption), noise reduction (protect the wildlife and people near the tracks), and emitting 75% less CO2 per passenger than airplanes and cars.
China high-speed rail also stands for important global influence, which has exported efficient and innovative tech to other countries like Indonesia, Russia, and Africa. It’s not only about tracks but being reshaping the global trade!
Popular China High-Speed Rail Routes You Can’t Miss
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!
Starting from 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 hustling rail lines, which stops at major cities in China, like Tianjin, Nanjing, and Suzhou. Find out more interesting things to do in Shanghai, like the Bund, Shanghai Disney Resort, Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower, etc.
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 West Lake is a must-see for you guys! (Just like a traditional Chinese painting).
If you 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 (Chengdu East - Shapingba Station) for a distance of about 300 km. You’ll see scenic mountainous terrain along your train trip~ After arrival, find out more possibilities in Chongqing!
Transfer from a food heaven of traditional Cantonese cuisine city to a tech wonderland! It only takes you about 29-50 minutes depending on how many stops you’ll encounter. Explore the Window of the World, a large and amazing amusement park with reproductions of the world's famous landmarks. This high-speed 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).
If you're going to Shanghai from other cities in China, pls search China Bullet Train below!
3 Types of High-Speed Rail in China
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 (most luxurious, premium services for food and drinks, private cabin)✨ First Class (quieter cabin and wider seats than the second class)👍 Second Class (good for budget travelers, but still comfortable~)😆 | 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 |
How to Buy China High-Speed Rail Tickets
Now after you know so much more about China high-speed rail, you must know how to buy one specific ticket when you’re traveling in China. Don’t worry! Look at the table below where we show you various ways you can take to buy a high-speed train ticket. Just find the one you feel nicer with~
Booking Ways | Platform | Details |
Online | Trip.com | English-friendly Foreign credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) accepted E-tickets can work with your passport |
At the Station | Ticket Counters | Find the ticket window Show your passport Pay through cash/Alipay |
Official App | 12306.cn | Need a Chinese bank card & phone number Only in the Chinese Language |
Insider Tips for Boarding China High-Speed Rail
Here you are. Now you know how to book a ticket for an amazing high-speed travel in China. I think there are also some useful tips for you to better deal with the problems you might encounter both before and when you come to the train station.
- Arrive early to avoid another emergency (Chinese stations are often large in scale).
- No pocket knives, sprays > 120ml, lighters, and other items that are toxic or explosive.
- Be aware that the gates will be closed 5 minutes before departure. 🚄
- Keep your passport and ticket handy.
- Usually, the trains stop only for 2-5 mins.
- Do not smoke on the train (fines up to $300).
- Go to the service desk if you need any help~
Planning a Trip to China
Anyway, it’s time to hop on an incredible journey in China now. You’ve got the ultimate secret of buying a high-speed rail ticket in China. Do make sure that you pack everything up including your visa, passport, proper clothes, eSIM card, local currency (if you prepare in advance), etc. Also, don’t ever miss out on popular attractions in China!
The best time to visit China is in spring (Apr - May) or Autumn (Sep - Oct) for milder weather. Download VPN before arrival (or Google/Instagram will be locked). Don’t leave until you try local food everywhere you’ve been to China (Peking Duck, Bubble Tea, Har Gow, Lamb Skewers, Stinky Tofu, etc.)
What are you waiting for? Book your high-speed rail in China NOW with Trip.com ~
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FAQs about China High-Speed Rail
Is China high-speed rail really safe?
Yes, China high-speed rail is quite safe! It carries billions of passengers annually across the world. The tracks are continuously monitored and the train can automatically detect obstacles. The staff on board are highly trained in all sorts of emergencies!How affordable is China high-speed rail?
The ticket price depends on types of the high-speed rail, the seats (second, first, or business class), and other demands like ordering food. It's cheaper than flights on a short to medium-distance journey. (e.g. Beijing - Tianjin, ~120 km, ~$7-$20, 30 min.)Do I need to book China high-speed rail tickets in advance?
Yes! You'd better book the tickets in advance, especially during Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year or National Holidays. You can reserve tickets 15 days ahead via platforms like Trip.com (English-friendly, cheap, visa card accepted).Are there English signs on China high-speed rail?
Don't worry too much! China high-speed trains provide signs and announcements both in English and Chinese. You can see the digital screen that shows the next stops, speed, temperature, etc. Other safety instructions and carriage numbers are shown also in bilingual.What's the luggage policy of China high-speed rail?
There are no strict weight checks at the train station. But you have to be mindful if your luggage blocks the aisles or seats of other passengers. Make sure that your luggage is settled safely on the suitcase layer. For more detailed information, you can check out the official site of China Railway.Can I use my phone on China high-speed rail?
Of course, you can! A better internet connection will be given on the Fuxing high-speed train (compared to Hexie Hao, meaning harmony, also CRH, the older model). You can also use your laptops or watch movies (wearing earphones is appreciated).