Clear info on China train types (G/D/C/Z/T/K), seat classes (business/first/second) & seat maps. Easy guide for foreigners to choose china train seats & book.
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China Train Seat Map (High-Speed & Regular)
China High-Speed Train Seat Map (G,D,C Trains)
China High-speed train seat maps follow their class layouts:
- Business Class (G trains): 1-2 per row (e.g., seats A, F on one side; C, D on the other—no middle seats).
- First Class: 2-2 per row (seats A, F and C, D—no middle seats).
- Second Class: 3-2 per row (seats A, B, C on one side; D, F on the other—B is the middle seat).
China Regular Train Seat Map (Z,T,K Trains)
China Regular train seat maps focus on sleepers:
- Hard Sleepers (Z, T, K): 6 bunks per open compartment (3 on each side: upper, middle, lower).
- Soft Sleepers (Z, T, K): 4 bunks per enclosed compartment (2 on each side: upper, lower).
- Deluxe Soft Sleepers (Z): 2 bunks per enclosed compartment (1 upper, 1 lower) with a small table and private space.
China High-Speed Train Seat Interiors (By Class)
China Train Seat Interior | Business Class
1. China Train Seat Interior | Business Class (Only on Some G Trains)
This is the most luxurious option. Seats are in a 1-2 layout (1 on one side of the aisle, 2 on the other) with full leather that fully reclines—great for napping. Each seat has a big fold-out table, its own power outlet, a reading lamp, and tons of legroom. You’ll also get small extras like a blanket or water, and the cabin is quiet (fewer passengers).
China Train Seat Interior | First Class
2. China Train Seat Interior | First Class (G, D, C Trains)
The first-class cabin is spacious and comfortable for long-distance travel. The seats are 2-2 (there is no middle seat!) The padding is softer than that of the second-class cabin and they are also more prone to tilting. Each seat is equipped with a dedicated power socket, a small folding table (suitable for laptops or snacks), and extra legroom—even 3+ hour rides won’t feel cramped. The cabin is not as crowded as the second-class cabin, so it strikes a good balance between comfort and price.
China Train Seat Interior | Second Class
3. China Train Seat Interior | Second Class (All G, D, C Trains)
This is the most popular (and also the cheapest) high-speed option. Seats are 3-2 (3 on one side, 2 on the other—so some have middle seats), with basic but decent padding. Each seat is equipped with a power socket (under the seat or on the armrest), a small shared table, and ample legroom, making it suitable for most adults (tall people may feel comfortable during long trips). During peak hours (such as holidays), it may be very busy, but it is very convenient for medium and short trips.
China Train Types, Classes, Differences & Facilities (with Photos)
1. China Train Types (Quick Breakdown)
Type | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
G (High-speed) | Up to 350km/h | Long distances (e.g., Beijing→Shanghai) |
D (High-speed) | Up to 250km/h | Mid-length trips (e.g., Shanghai→Hangzhou) |
C (High-speed) | ~200km/h | Short hops (e.g., Beijing→Tianjin, 30mins) |
Z (Regular) | Up to 160km/h | Overnight trips (few stops, e.g., Beijing→Guangzhou) |
T/K (Regular) | 120-140km/h | Budget long trips (many stops) |
2. China Train Seat Classes (Core Options)
High-speed Trains (G/D/C)
- Business Class (Only G): 1-2 seats/row, fully reclining leather, extra legroom + amenities (blanket, water).
- First Class: 2-2 seats/row (no middle seats), soft padding, power outlets, small tables.
- Second Class: 3-2 seats/row (middle seats exist), basic padding, power outlets—cheapest & most popular.
Regular Trains (Z/T/K)
- Hard Seats: Thin padding, crowded, no AC (older trains)—budget short trips.
- Soft Seats: Booth-style, AC, cleaner—better for short/medium trips.
- Hard Sleepers: 6 bunks/compartment (open), basic—budget overnight.
- Soft Sleepers: 4 bunks/compartment (enclosed), private—comfy overnight.
- Deluxe Sleepers (Only Z): 2 bunks/compartment, private bathroom—luxury overnight.
3. China Train Key Facilities (What You Need to Know)
High-speed Trains
- Bathrooms: Clean Western/squat toilets, disabled-accessible options, toilet paper.
- Food/Drinks: Dining carriage (hot meals ¥30-60), snack carts, free water dispensers.
- Luggage: Overhead racks (small bags) + carriage-end storage (big suitcases).
- Tech: Free Wi-Fi, seat-side power outlets (USB + 220V).
Regular Trains
- Bathrooms: Mostly squat toilets, bring your own toilet paper.
- Food/Drinks: Basic dining carriage (Z/T only), snack carts, hot water dispensers.
- Luggage: Overhead racks (seats) / aisle racks (hard sleepers) / closets (soft sleepers).
- Extras: AC (Z/T good, K weak), no Wi-Fi, power only in soft/deluxe sleepers.
How to Choose China Train Seats & Types
How to Choose China Train Types
First, select your train type based on speed and travel length:
- G trains: Fastest (up to 300 km/h) for long distances (e.g., Beijing to Shanghai) – Choose business class/First class for comfort, or second class for affordability.
- D trains: They are slightly slower (up to 250 km/h), have fewer stops, and are suitable for medium-distance travel (for example, from Shanghai to Hangzhou). The first and second class cabins operate well.
- C trains: Short-distance (e.g., Beijing to Tianjin, 30 mins) – Second-class are usually sufficient, but first-class cabins can offer extra space. But I do recommend 2nd, cuz the money gap is not that worthwhile.
- Z/T/K trains: Overnight trips (e.g., Beijing to Guangzhou) – Choose a soft sleeper to protect privacy, a hard sleeper to save money, and a luxurious soft sleeper to enjoy luxury.
How to Choose China Train Seats
Then pick seats based on needs:
- Want quietness/privacy? Business class (G-class trains) or soft sleeper (ordinary trains).
- Need affordability? Second class (high-speed) or hard seats/sleepers (regular).
- Group tour? Reserve adjacent seats (for example, A/B/C in the second class) and sit together.
How Can Foreigners Book Online Train Tickets in China?
The easiest way is via Trip.com China Train—it’s English-friendly and works with foreign passports (you cannot use ID cards like Chinese citizens). Here’s how:
- Enter the "China Train Tickets" page on Trip.com.
- Enter your departure/arrival city, travel date and the number of passengers.
- Select your train type (G/D/C/Z/T/K) and seat class.
- Enter your passport details (make sure they match your actual passport!).
- Pay with an international credit card or digital wallet (Trip.com accepts most).
- You will receive the e-ticket via email - and collect the physical ticket at the train station before boarding (using your passport at the ticket office or self-service ticket machine).
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FAQs about China High-Speed Train Seats
Are you allowed to rotate seats in China trains?
Yes, but only on high-speed trains (G, D, C) – most second/first class seats have a lever under the seat to rotate them 180 degrees. This is handy if you want to face friends or sit with your back to the direction of travel. Just make sure to rotate them back before the train arrives at your stop (staff may remind you).What happens if I miss my train in China?
You can’t take a later train with the same ticket, but you can change it (if possible). For high-speed trains, you can modify your ticket to an earlier/later train on the same day (same route) at the train station ticket counter—you’ll pay a small fee if you change to a more expensive ticket, or get a partial refund if it’s cheaper. If you miss the train and can’t change it, the ticket becomes invalid, so try to arrive at least 30 mins early.Can I sit in first class if the China train is full?
No, you can’t upgrade to first class for free if the train is full. You’d need to check with staff at the station (before boarding) or on the train if there are available first class seats—if yes, you’ll have to pay the difference between your original ticket and the first class fare. If there are no seats left, you can’t switch.Do you need a passport to go on the train in China?
Yes, for foreigners. You must show your passport when booking (via Trip.com or at the station) and when picking up your ticket. You may also need to show it when boarding (staff sometimes check), so keep it handy. Chinese citizens use their ID cards, but foreigners need a valid passport.Can you bring water on a train in China?
Yes, you can bring water (bottled or a reusable bottle) on any China train. There are also water dispensers on high-speed trains (near the bathrooms) where you can refill bottles for free. No need to worry about restrictions—just don’t bring more than you can carry.Can I use a credit card to buy a train ticket in China?
Yes, but it depends on where you book. If you book via Trip.com, you can use international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) to pay. At train stations, most ticket counters and self-service machines accept Chinese credit cards, but some may not take international ones—so booking via Trip.com is easier for foreigners to avoid payment issues.Can I choose a specific seat when booking on Trip.com?
Yes, Trip.com lets you select specific seats (window, aisle, or middle) when booking high-speed train tickets (G, D, C). After choosing your train and class, you’ll see a seat map where you can pick your preferred seat (e.g., A or F for window seats in first/second class). For regular trains (Z, T, K), you can choose bunk type (upper/middle/lower for sleepers) but not specific compartment numbers.