China Sleeper Train: Types, Costs, Photos & Tips for Foreigners

Learn China’s sleeper train types (hard/soft/HSR second/first class), costs (USD), book 3% Off China train tickets and see tips.

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Are There Sleeper Trains in China?

Yes—China has a wide network of sleeper trains, perfect for long-distance overnight trips. There are two main categories: ordinary sleeper trains (slower, cheaper, like Z/T/K trains) and HSR sleeper trains (faster, more modern, D-category trains). Both have different classes to fit budgets and comfort needs.

China Sleeper Train Cost & Popular Routes

Sleeper trains are usually cheaper than high-speed bullet trains (HSR) for long distances, but they take longer. Here’s a comparison of popular routes to help you choose:

Key Takeaway: Choose a sleeper train if you want to save money and avoid paying for a hotel. Choose HSR if you value speed (great for short trips).

China Sleeper Train Types (Ordinary Train vs Bullet Train)

China’s sleeper trains offer three main classes (for ordinary trains) and two for HSR sleepers. Each differs in privacy, space, and price—here’s what you need to know.

HSR Second Class Sleeper (WE) – Budget HSR Overnight Option

Image source: Railway 12306

HSR Second Class Sleeper (WE) is the most affordable choice for fast overnight travel. It’s modern and efficient, perfect if you want HSR speed without the premium price.

• Layout & Berths: 6 berths per open compartment (2 upper, 2 middle, 2 lower) – similar to ordinary hard sleeper, but with a sleeker design. Berths are slightly wider (about 60cm vs. 55cm on ordinary trains), and the compartment has more ventilation.
• Facilities: Shared Western-style toilets (cleaner than ordinary trains), sinks with hot/cold water, USB ports per berth (no more waiting to charge!), overhead luggage racks, and basic bedding (pillow + thick blanket). Most trains have free Wi-Fi (spotty in remote areas) and air conditioning with adjustable vents.
• Who It’s For: Budget travelers who want to save time. Great for solo travelers or groups who don’t mind open compartments but prefer faster travel.

HSR First Class Sleeper (WY/WR) – Comfortable HSR Overnight

Image source: Railway 12306

HSR First Class Sleeper (WY/WR) is the mid-tier option for HSR sleepers—balancing comfort, privacy, and speed.

• Layout & Berths: 4 berths per closed compartment (2 upper, 2 lower) with a lockable door and soundproofing (quieter than ordinary soft sleeper). Berths are wider (65cm) with memory-foam cushions, and lower berths have built-in armrests for sitting.
• Facilities: Shared Western-style toilets with bidets, sinks with filtered water, individual reading lights (dimmable), 2 power sockets + 2 USB ports per compartment, and free Wi-Fi (more stable than second class). Bedding includes cotton linens and disposable slippers, and some trains offer free mineral water.
• Who It’s For: Travelers who want speed and comfort. Ideal for families or small groups who value privacy and modern amenities.

HSR EMU Deluxe Sleeper – Luxury HSR Overnight

Image source: Railway 12306

HSR EMU Deluxe Sleeper is the top-tier option for HSR sleepers—designed for travelers who want the best of speed and luxury.

• Layout & Berths: 2 berths per private cabin (only lower berths, no climbing) with a lockable door. Cabins have a small sofa, mini fridge, foldable desk, and large wardrobe. Berths are 70cm wide (spacious for tall travelers) with premium memory-foam mattresses.
• Facilities: Private Western-style toilet with shower (hot water 24/7), electric kettle, LCD TV (with international channels), wireless charging pads, and fast Wi-Fi. Bedding includes 5-star linens, and staff provide a toiletry kit (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste) and laundry bag.
• Who It’s For: Business travelers, couples on a special trip, or anyone willing to splurge for luxury. Available only on high-demand routes (e.g., Beijing-Shanghai, Shanghai-Hong Kong).

Hard Sleeper (YW) – Budget Option for Ordinary Trains

Image source: Baidu

Hard sleeper is the cheapest overnight choice for ordinary trains. It’s basic but functional, great if you’re traveling on a tight budget.

• Layout & Berths: 6 berths per open compartment (2 upper, 2 middle, 2 lower) – no door, so it’s open to the corridor. Lower berths are most convenient (no climbing) but cost a bit more; upper berths are cheapest but have limited headroom.
• Facilities: Shared squat toilets and sinks at the end of the carriage, overhead luggage racks, and basic bedding (pillow + blanket). There are a few power sockets per carriage (near sinks or aisle tables) – you might need to wait to charge devices.
• Who It’s For: Backpackers, students, or anyone okay with less privacy. Note: It can get noisy during the day (people walking through, talking), but staff turn off lights around 9:30 PM for quiet.

Soft Sleeper (RW) – More Comfort for Ordinary Trains

Image source: Baidu

Soft sleeper is a step up from hard sleeper—more private and comfortable, with a higher price tag (about double the cost of hard sleeper).

• Layout & Berths: 4 berths per closed compartment (2 upper, 2 lower) with a lockable door. Lower berths have padded backrests (you can sit up easily), upper berths are still cozy but require climbing.
• Facilities: Shared toilets (some have Western-style options), sinks with hot water, individual reading lights per berth, and one power socket per compartment. Bedding is nicer than hard sleeper, and some trains provide disposable slippers.
• Who It’s For: Travelers who want privacy and comfort without splurging. Great for couples or small groups sharing a compartment.

Deluxe Soft Sleeper (Senior RW) – Luxury for Ordinary Trains

Image credit: Tik Tok

The China Deluxe Soft Sleeper is the most expensive option on a regular train - just like "a hotel room on a train".

• Layout and berths: Each private carriage has 2 berths (only lower berths, no climbing allowed!)" There is a lockable door. Most carriages have a small sofa, a wardrobe, and even in the newer ones, there is a private toilet.
• Facilities: Private or public Western-style toilets, showers (on some new trains), electric kettles, LCD TVS and multiple power sockets. The bedding includes high-quality linen. Staff provide toiletries such as towels and toothbrushes.
• Good for: Couples, business travelers or anyone who wants a luxurious overnight trip. This is rarely seen on most lines, but it can be purchased on long-distance trains (such as Beijing-Lhasa and Shanghai-Urumqi).

China Sleeper Train - Facility Comparison

Not sure which sleeper class to pick? This table compares the most important features for foreigners:

Tips for Foreigners Taking China’s Sleeper Trains

Riding a sleeper train in China is safe and easy—just follow these tips:

How to Board & Manage Your Ticket

1. Arrive early: Reach the station 30 to 60 minutes before departure (big stations like Shanghai Hongqiao are huge, I literally got lost for twice before in Shanghai)
2. After boarding, the staff will exchange the paper/e-ticket for a plastic "berth card" (they will return it to you one hour before your arrival). Keep this card well. You will need the original ticket when you exit the station.
3. Find your berth: Your ticket has the carriage number (such as "Carriage 8") and the berth number (such as "Lower Berth 12"). Follow the instructions on the platform to your carriage.

Safety & Privacy Tips

• Keep your valuables at hand: Put your passport, wallet and mobile phone in a small bag under your pillow or in a mesh pocket near your bunk. Don't put valuable items on the shelves above your head.
• Lock your carriage: If you are in a soft sleeper or a deluxe berth, lock the door when you are inside (especially at night).
• Respect quiet time: Turn off the lights around 9:30 p.m. - speak softly and wear headphones when listening to music.

Packing Essentials

• Toilet paper: Toilet paper is not provided on Chinese trains. Pls bring your own!
• Sleep masks and earplugs: Helpful for light sleepers (hard sleepers may be very noisy and may have annoying lights).
• Snacks and water: The food on the train is limited (Chinese) and expensive. Bring some snacks, such as nuts, biscuits or instant noodles (cooked in the free boiling water on the train).
• Long-sleeved shirts: For train air conditioning maybe a bit cold, you can wear a light cardigan or shirt.

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