China High Speed Train(Bullet Train)

China high speed trains, also known as bullet or fast speed trains,boast impressive speeds as high as 350 kilometer per hour(217 miles per hour). Compared with the green normal trains in the last generation with an average speed of 150 kilometer per hour, it is more than twice to save more time for your transportation. So the high speed trains have become the most convenient and efficient means of traveling around China.

How many types of High-speed train I can choose?

There are 3 types of high-speed trains designing for different speed from 200 to 350 kph (124 to 217 mph). These are G,D and C-category trains according to the initial letters of mandarin. They look similar in a shape of a bullet and all are well-maintained and modern.

G trains can reach a speed over 300 kilometers (186 miles) per hour which are the fastest speed trains. They often run between different provinces to save more time. Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train link the two megacities 1,318 km (819 mi) away in just 4.5 hours. It has much more stronger motive power to have more coaches. For example, an eight-coach G train may have five coaches with motive power, while a 16-coach G train could have 10 such coaches. You are recommended to take a G train if you want to visit cities of two different cities.

D trains with an average speed of around 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour, are indeed slower than G trains. The difference comes from the motive power. For instance, an eight-coach D train has only two coaches with motive power, and a 16-coach D train may have six such coaches. You can choose D trains for your tour between cities of one province.

C trains are the slowest among these three trains with an average speed of around 200 kilometers (125 miles) per hour. They only run between a few neighboring cities, like Beijing–Tianjin, Changchun–Jilin, Guangzhou–Zhuhai/Shenzhen, and Guiyang–Kaiyang. Journeys are short so sleeping cabins are not provided. This is your only option between some cities.

What are China's High-Speed Trains Like?

Facilities on high-speed trains are of high standard, similar to those on an airplane.

In each carriage:

Adjustable seats with folding small tables allow you to sit comfortably during the journey. A 220V AC power socket is available under your seat, so you don't need to worry about your phone running out of battery.

Whole train:

All high-speed trains are fully air-conditioned.

A restaurant and canteen bar are in the middle carriage of a train.

A barrow with coffee/drinks/snacks/fruits by attendants

Free boiled water is available at the end of each carriage.

Chinese/Western-style toilets are available on each carriage. You had better take your own wipe just in case.

A handicapped restroom with a diaper table is available in the 5th carriage, that can also be used for babies and any people in need.

Wi-Fi service is available in G trains only.

What kinds of seat classes in the high-speed train?

There are four kinds of seat classes in China high-speed train:

Second class seat, First class seat, Business class seat and Superior class seat.

No every train has all four seat classes. Second class seat and First class seat are necessary. However, you might find Business class seat or Superior class seat in one train.

Business Class Seat

Business class seat is the best seat on the trains with the highest price. It offers more space between rows. Three seats in one row only. The comfortable leather seats can be electrically reclined to a flat position so that you can lie down completely. You can earlier boarding priority and at some departure stations or use the VIP channel to have a rest before boarding.

Superior Class Seat

Superior class seat is only available on certain high-speed trains in China. It is the seat between Business Class and First Class. As the same as Business Class seat, each row has three seats too. Each carriage has 16 seats - eight seats at each end. It is in the best position for sightseeing.

First Class Seat

First class seat is highly recommended for those who want to have a more comfortable experience on the high-speed train. Four seats in one row. You will have a wider space than second class seat and a cheaper tickets than business class seat. There is only one carriage for first class seat in each fast-speed train.

Second Class Seat

Second class seat is the most common and cheapest ticket class for high-speed trains. Over 90% travelers choose second class seat. There are 6 seats in one row. It is very good for a short journey in 4 hours.

Here is a picture of all kinds of 4 seats as below:

Soft Sleepers

Because of the very fast speed, there is no need for too much sleepers on the bullet train. So soft sleepers and deluxe soft sleepers are available on some overnight D trains, such as Beijing – Shanghai and Shanghai – Xi'an.

How to book High Speed Train tickets?

There are mainly three ways to book a high speed train ticket now.

A. Book online via 12316 App - Top Recommend!

All high speed train tickets can be booked online 15 days before your leaving day. The tickets are easily to be booked except the peak traveling date, such as National Holiday(Oct.1-7), Spring Festival Holiday(nearly one month in Jan-Feb) and some public holidays. No handling cost requests.

Starting from 2022, all trains operated by China Railway have transitioned to exclusively using e-tickets, offering everyone a more convenient and environmentally friendly choice. So you don’t need any paper tickets. So you can keep the pictures of booking result or login in the app to find your bookings.

B. Book by a Reliable Travel Agency - Best Choice!

You don’t need to book the train tickets by yourself if you take part in our China tours no matter how many days before your tour. We will handle the ticketing. It is the easiest way to deal with.

C. Book at Railway Stations and Ticket Outlets

Going to the railway station or ticket outlets to buy the tickets by yourself is another option. Both of their pre-sale periods are 15 days before departure. There will be a service fee of CNY 5 for per ticket requested by the ticket outlets. And the problem might be that most stuffs cannot understand or speak English.

What documents are needed for book the train tickets?

Foreign passengers: Passport or Travel Permit

Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passengers: Chinese mainland Travel Permit

Foreign and Taiwan passengers need to apply for Tibet Travel Permit if they plan to take train to Tibet.

Policy About Children

One adult can take a child under 6 years old free of charge. The child cannot have his own seat.

A child from 6-14 years can buy a discount ticket (50% off) and have his own seat.

A child over 14 years need to buy the adult ticket without any discount.

A child cannot take a fast-speed train without the accompany of an adult.

How to board on High Speed Train?

Similar to the check-in service of airport, you also need to arrive at railway station at least half an hour before your train leaving time. Most railway stations are located in the downtown of city however some stations are far away from city center. It will spend you 1 hour by car. So you need to arrange your time accordingly.

The maximum carry-on baggage allowance for each passenger is 20 kg. The size may not exceed 60*35*35 cm (24*14*14 in), and the dimension should be less than 160 cm in total (63 in). The length of rod-shaped items cannot exceed 200 cm (78 in).

Only passages with valid ID cards or passports are allowed to go into the railway station now. You need have a security-check for yourself and your baggage. Follow the instructions in English to get on board.

More other useful travel guide about China fast speed trains.

1.Conductors/Attendants don't speak English

Most conductors on a high-speed train don't speak English well. Therefore, it could be difficult when you need to order a meal or buy some snacks on a train. You can prepare some snacks in advance.

2. No Smoking on all high-speed trains

Smoking is forbidden on all high-speed trains. As a result, high-speed trains are equipped with smoke detectors. Any instance of smoking, regardless of location on the train, will trigger an alarm. Anyone who smokes on a high-speed train will be fined RMB500-RMB2000 (USD75-USD299). If you do need to smoke, you can smoke in the open area of the platform  during brief stopovers.

3. No Insurance Inclusive of Train Ticket

The ticket price does not include insurance and you need to buy travel insurance separately.

How to plan your China tours with High Speed Trains?

Thanks to the fast development of China High Speed Train Network, more and more visitors prefer to take the bullet trains as the main transportation. As a local reliable China tour operator, RealChinaTour knows clearly about what is the best way to connect cities by planes or trains. Just let us know your interesting destinations, we will plan your China tours.