China Train Seat Classes - How to Choose Ticket Types

China train seat classes vary on high speed trains and normal speed trains. Generally speaking, there are second class seats, first class seats, VIP seats and business class seats on high speed trains which are titled as G, D or C. In some overnight G trains, new soft sleepers and deluxe soft sleepers are also provided.

Numbered as Z, T, K, Y, K, S or just digits, normal speed trains are equipped with hard seats, soft seats, hard sleepers, soft sleepers and deluxe soft sleepers.

China High Speed Train Seat Classes

China high speed train ticket types are categorized as the following 7. One can learn some detailed information first and then choose one you like.

Second Class Seat

Second class seats are arranged as 3 + 2 model in a row. The size of each second class seat is 45cm◊42cm with the leg space of about 40cm. Passengers can adjust the back of the seat for at most 45°. The seats can be rotated so all the passengers can face the direction as that of the train moves forward. Seats near the window are labeled as A, F and the aisle seats are numbered as C and D. assengers can have their meals in the fordable dining table which is in the back of the front seat. Power outlets are installed on two sides of each row.

Second class seat is the cheapest among all the seats set in high speed trains, so if you want to travel in a budget way, you can choose it.

First Class Seat

First class seats are in the 2 + 2 format. The window seats are titled as A, F and the aisle seats are numbered as C and D. The seats are designed as 47cm◊45cm and passengers have 40cm to 45cm to stretch their legs.

Services in the car of first class seats are better than that of the second class seats for tourists have the privilege of getting a back cushion and put their feet in the footboard. The power outlet is in the bottom of each seat. The seat back can be adjusted for more than 45°.  

Read more about First Class Seat vs. Second Class Seat on China High Speed Train

Business Class Seat

Business class seats in high speed trains, counterpart of the first class seats of airplane, are in the format of 1 + 2 seats, offering passengers wider space. The window seats are numbered as A and F. As for the seats with the letter C, they are near the aisle.

The business class seat is more like a sofa bed for it can be reclined into a small bed and pillows are also offered. When the seats are reclined into the horizontal position, the length of the seats is as long as 1.8 to 1.9m, on which an adult can lie down to have a rest. In every seat, electronic display, a small TV and reading lamp are equipped in the handrail. Disposable slippers and snacks are also provided for tourists.

VIP Class Seat

VIP class seats are set in a few bullet trains behind the diver’s cab. VIP class seats are set in the arrangement of 1 + 2 seats in every row. The service is similar to that in first class seat.

Soft Sleeper

The soft sleeper cabin is installed with a door which will prevent the noise from the corridor. Four berths are set on two sides of the cabin, two on each side in the upper and lower format. A table is installed in the middle. Every sleeper is 75 cm in width and 190cm in length and pillows, quilts and mattress are put in. The distance between the upper berth and the lower berth is 95cm and between the upper berth and the roof is 80cm. Passengers who sleep in the lower berth can put their luggage under their berth for there is 30cm between the ground and the berth.

Deluxe Soft Sleeper

Deluxe soft sleeper is more like a small well-equipped room for two people. One upper berth and one lower berth are set in one side. The size of the berth is 85cm◊200cm which is big enough for big person to sleep on it. On the other side, there is a separate washing room, a closet and a sofa. Also it is the most luxurious one among all the China train seat classes.

New Type Sleeper

New type sleepers are only available in high speed trains D311 / D312 which are running between Beijing and Shanghai. All the berths are arranged along the aisle lengthwise with the size of 75cm◊195cm. Similar to soft sleepers, new type sleepers are also set as upper ones and lower ones. Each berth is provided with a curtain to provide the passenger privacy.

Read more about Sleepers on China Train

China Normal Speed Train Seat Classes

China train tickets for normal speed trains mainly include hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper, soft sleeper, deluxe soft sleeper.

Hard Seat

In every row, seats are set 2 + 3. Passengers in hard seats need to sit face to face with others and the size of seat is 40cm◊35cm. The seats can’t be reclined and only one toilet is available in every car. Passengers can enjoy free drinkable hot water and buy some drinks or foods in the food trolley. Among the China train ticket types, hard seats are the cheapest. However, passengers sit on it may feel quite uncomfortable, especially in holidays when many people stand in the car.   

Soft Seat

Soft seats are softer than hard seats and they are also bigger in the size, 45cm◊45cm. The seats are arranged as 2 + 2 seats in every row.

Hard Sleeper

In every hard sleeper cabin, there are six berths arranged in two sides: one upper, one middle and one lower. The lower berth costs the most for passengers can have most space. As for the upper berth, it has the smallest space but it is the one which allows passengers have more privacy. The berths are 190cm in length and 75cm in width. Pillows, quilts and cotton-padded mattress are offered. However, there are no doors installed to keep the noise in the corridor. The luggage rack is above the corridor outside the cabin. During the day, one can sit on the seats set in the corridor.

Soft Sleeper

Compared with hard sleepers, soft sleepers are equipped with softer mattress, better pillows and quilts. In each cabin, four berths are set in two levels on two sides. One can watch TV in the softer sleeper cabin and change the temperature inside as every cabin has its own controller. Most importantly, each cabin has a door to separate from the passageway, so one can sleeper well in a quieter environment.  

Deluxe Soft Sleeper

Only two berths are arranged in a deluxe soft sleeper cabin at two levels. A sofa, a cattle, a table and a separated wash room can be found in the cabin. It costs the most among the five seat classes of normal speed trains.

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