China Train Ticket: 1st Class VS. 2nd Class
Source from Unsplash
First class and second class seats are the most popular choices on China's high-speed train tickets, each catering to different preferences.
If you prioritize comfort, often travel for business, or need more space, first class seats are ideal. They're also a good fallback when second class seats are sold out. On the other hand, for those looking to save money or traveling in groups, second class seats are recommended for their affordability and comfort, akin to airplane economy class.
From my own experience, I recommend second class tickets because they are much cheaper, and the difference in amenities is minor. The comfort level is sufficient for me to comfortably spend four to five hours on the train, making it a practical choice for journeys of this duration.
Seat Arrangement
First Class seats on G, C, and D trains are generally wider than those in Second Class, measuring about 48 cm compared to 45 cm. Additionally, First Class offers more space between rows, enhancing legroom and overall comfort. The seats in First Class also recline more, from 5 to 32 degrees, providing better relaxation options compared to the 5 to 24-degree recline in Second Class. If onboard comfort is a priority, the spacious and comfortable First Class seats are certainly the better choice.
First Class carriages have fewer seats, typically 28, with four seats per row (two on each side), offering a less crowded and quieter environment. This setting is ideal for business travelers or those who prefer a restful journey, with minimal noise and fewer disturbances. On the other hand, Second Class carriages accommodate over 70 seats arranged in a 3+2 format per row. This can feel more cramped, especially for larger passengers, and is often noisier due to the presence of families and children.
| Category | First Class | Second Class |
| Seat Arrangement | 2+2 | 3+2 |
| Number of Seats per Carriage | 28 | > 70 |
| Seat Width | 47 cm (19 inches) | 42 cm (17 inches) |
| Leg Room | 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) | 40 cm (16 inches) |
| Aisle Width | 60 cm (24 inches) | 45 cm (18 inches) |
【Note】
Despite the narrower seats and space in Second Class, it is still more spacious than airplane economy seats, making it a viable option for those accustomed to air travel. This, coupled with its cheap price, makes Second Class a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers or those on shorter trips.
Source from China Discovery
Seat Table
- First Class Carriage Tables: The foldable tables are located within the armrest, usually on the passenger’s right side. These tables are larger and can be extended across to the width of the seat, offering greater convenience and space.
- Second Class Carriage Tables: The tables are attached to the back of the seat in front. These are smaller compared to those in the first class and may pose a limitation. For instance, if passengers rotate their seats to face each other, they cannot use these tables effectively.
- Seat Rotation: Both first and second class seats are rotatable, which allows passengers to choose to face the direction of travel or to face each other.
【Note】
In first class, passengers who choose to sit facing each other can still use the foldable tables. However, this is not the case in second class, where the design of the foldable tables restricts their use when seats are facing each other.
Source from China Discovery
Other Facilities
First class seats on high-speed trains offer superior comfort with both hard and soft footrests under each seat and soft pillows at the headrest for neck support. In contrast, second class seats do not provide these amenities.
Additionally, power sockets are more accessible in first class, available on both sides of every row, while in second class, sockets are limited to either side of the row.
| Facility | First Class | Second Class |
| Footrest | Available under each seat, both hard and soft types | Not available |
| Pillow | Soft pillows attached at the headrest for neck support | Not available |
| Power Sockets | Available on both sides of every row | Available on either side of the row, limited |
How to Book China Train Ticket Online
Trip.com is an international online travel agency that provides 24/7 customer service in various languages catering international travelers, including English, France, Japanese, etc. It also accepts various payment methods including international credit cards, Paypal, AliPay and Wechat Pay. Buy cheap China train tickets to explore China ASAP!
| Step | Process |
| 1 | Log in to Trip.com. Select your departure city, destination, and time. For unlisted cities, manually enter the city name. |
| 2 | Choose a seat class (second class, first class, or business class) and click "Book" to continue. |
| 3 | Fill in passenger and contact information including name, email, and phone number. |
| 4 | Select your seat preference (window, aisle, or middle) among A, B, C, D, F seats, then click "Book" to proceed to payment. |
| 5 | Choose a payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal, Pay Later, WeChat Pay, Alipay) to complete the purchase. |
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