Types of Seat on High Speed Trains in China

For the various needs of train travelers, there are several types of seat arranged on high speed trains in China. Unlike the seats on normal slow train, the seats on high speed trains are SPACIOUS, CLEAN and COMFORTABLE. Moreover, there are more great equipment and facilities for your free experience! So, now follow us China Discovery to know the main types and what facilities, equipment and services are offering onboard. Besides, we will also give you some very useful tips and show you some comparison for your deeper understanding of each one type and better for your choosing before you start your high speed train travel. Let’s check!

Main Types of Seats on China's High Speed Trains

On a high speed train, the types of seat are arranged according to the type of train.

On the G trains and C trains, it usually provides three types of seats: First Class Seat, Second Class Seat and Business Class Seat. And on the D trains, there only are First Class Seats and Second Class Seats. On some overnight D trains, some sleeping berths are offered for a better comfortable longer train trip. Also you can get details about seats on China Normal Trains.

To let you know the features of each kind and class of seats on the high speed train, here we give some introduction of the seat arrangement, size, equipment, and pictures of each type at below. Please check them before your seat selection and booking.

1. Second Class Seats

Second Class Seats (二等座) are offered on high speed G, D and C trains in China.

This type of seat is the standard type and the cheapest onboard. A second class carriage has five seats (each one is about 45cm in width) in a row - two at one side and three at the other side of the aisle, like the layout on some airplanes. Although those seats have low prices, passengers can still enjoy roomy leg space and feel much more comfortable than on the plane. The seat is adjustable backwards to 5-24 degrees, and the arms between two seats can be folded up. On the back of every seat are a tray table, a hook and a bag, cleaning bag and magazine, etc.

Also, there is one socket under your or the front seat in a row for your charging up your mobile phones and other devices. However, the places and arrangement of number may vary based on the type of train.

Useful Links:

>> Check more details about Second Class Seats on China High Speed Train!

>> Baggage Rack & Stoage in Second Class Carriage on China High Speed Train

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Click to See Size of Second Class Seats

2. First Class Seats

First Class Seats (一等座) are also available on high speed trains of G, D, and C types.

The first class seats belong to the middle class. They are more expensive than the second ones, for larger seat size of about 48cm wide and more personal space for your arms and legs. In the First Class Carriage, there are four seats in a row - two on both sides. The seat can be adjusted backwards better to a comfortable angle for your rest, within 5-32 degrees. The tray table is much wider than that for the Second Class Seats, which is in the arm of each seat, and you can pull out and unfold it for some reading, dining or placing your belongings.

Besides the facilities and items for Second Class Seats, First Class Seats additionally offer a pillow on your seat for a better sitting trip, more electrical outlets installation on both sides of every row, adjustable footrest to relax your feet, electric socket for earplugs or earphones for music, etc. As the First Class Seat Carriage is designed with lesser capacity and more space for passengers, you can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable environment easily through the high speed train riding.

>> More Details about First Class Seats on China High Speed Train!

>> Which one to Choose? First Class Seats vs. Second Class Seats!

>> Baggage Rack & Stoage in First Class Cariiage on China High Speed Train

First Class Seats Arrangement

Click to See Size of First Class Seats

3. Business Class Seats

Business Class Seats (商务座) are arranged on most types of high speed trains, includings the G trains and some C trains. And also some D trains for the needs of passengers.

Business Class Seats are the most luxurious and expensive seats, just like the first-class on the airplane. However, as all seats on train have no seat belts, passengers feel much more relaxed and free on the high speed train. Usually, there are usually 5 Business Class Seats in the one carriage behind the train operation cab on one train. In the business carriage, seats are arranged into two rows, with three near the carriage door and the other two near the operation cab. Besides, there is an aisle in the center part. Since the room in such kind of carriage is really spacious, passengers could walk at ease in there.

Furthermore, seats of this type are superb of leather, and can adjust into different positions for your sitting, half lying, full lying needs, etc. As there are only fewer than 5 people in this car and a sliding door keep you from other cars of this train, a good rest will be got without any effort in such quiet environment. What’s more exciting, Business Class Seats can be turned 180 degrees, and you can adjust it to face the window, so the highlighting sightseeing along the way will not be missed.

Also, Business Class Seats passengers will enjoy more complimentary services and items, including free meals during dining hours, drinks, snacks, slippers, blindfolds, earplug, blanket, etc. Such kind of advanced services and functions of seats are luxury, thoughtful and a better choice for people travelling based on the comfort and experience.

(Tips: Free meals will served during dining hour: Breakfast before 08:00, lunch during 11:30-13:00, and dinner during 17:30-19:00) Food & Drinks on China High Speed Trains >>

>> Check more about Business Class Seats on China High Speed Train!

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Premier Class Seats

Apart from the standard Business Class Seats, there are also some Premier Class Seats (特等座) on some high speed trains. They are the same type of the business seats, the major differences are that the premier type has higher capacity with usually 28 seats in a whole carriage, however, it is also very spacious for enjoyment. Also, the prices are lower than those of the standard business ones.

Business Class Carriage

Deluxe Business Class Seats

Premier Class Seats

4. Sleepers

High speed trains also provide some sleeping berths onboard for the demands of travelers, businessmen, students, etc. However, most sleeping berths only can be found on some overnight and long distance high speed D trains from some cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, etc. At present, there are mainly three various types of sleeper on the high speed trains, let’s check to know the highlights and differences between each type at below.

1) New Sleepers (Dong Wo动卧)

★ Related Popular Tour: 4 Days Shanghai Xian Overnight Bullet Train Tour

Handy facilities and equipment are there within the short hand reach at your sleeping berth, including electrical charges, tray table, hooker, adjustable backrest, overhead light, reading light, book bag, bedding articles, separate air-conditioner, etc., also with some food. Therefore, you could enjoy some time for your business dealing and entertainment and also have a much better sleeping before reaching your destination on the following morning.

If you are planning to transfer between Beijing and Shanghai, Shanghai and Shenzhen, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Shanghai and Chengdu, and so forth, you could choose to experience such kind of New Sleeper to both save your time during the day and some money.

New Sleepers & Overnight Bullet D Train

2) Soft Sleepers Compartment (Ruan Wo软卧)

Soft sleepers are usually a little more expensive than the New Sleepers.

Soft Sleeper Compartment has 4 sleeping berths. Every compartment has a sliding door, so passengers there can keep away from the sounds outside in the carriage. The 4 sleepers are placed perpendicularly to the carriage with a small table in the middle on the carriage wall. Besides the every TV setting above the foot place at every sleeper, sockets, slippers, beddings, and many other things are offered for the comfortable and satisfied stay onboard the high speed train. As high speed trains are more user-friendly, service button is there in every compartment, if you need any help, the train service staff will come to you very quickly if you press it. Furthermore, if you are traveling with your friends and families, we advise you book your sleepers together in the same one compartment, and if you have another 3 people, you can book the whole one compartment, you can spend better time with them in such a great private room.

Soft Sleepers

3) Deluxe Soft Sleeper Compartment (Gao Ji Ruan Wo高级动卧)

The Deluxe Soft Sleepers are more comfortable than both the New Sleepers and the Soft Sleepers. Every compartment can be a private room, with a sliding door keeping the rest of the carriage away. There are only 2 sleeping berths in each on compartment, arranged at upper and lower position on the same one side. Moreover, there are soft sofa, wardrobe, and other frequently used facilities and equipment including sockets, tray table, LCD TVs, air conditioner, mirror, wardrobe, slippers, earplugs, etc. So, if you are traveling in couple or with your friend or family, such type of sleeper is the best selection for a quite private and quiet room. Besides those facilities in your compartment, there is a shared rest lounge at the end of the aisle, where provides sofa and small table for your leisure hours appreciating the landscape outside and relaxation. As the Deluxe Soft Sleepers have so particular equipment and service, people experienced it have reputed the compartment as a “moving hotel” to express their favor and compliment.

Deluxe Soft Sleepers

Apart from all above mentioned types of seats on high speed trains in China, there are also some other kinds of seats serving passengers in different destinations. As there are several kinds of high speed trains that are made in different years with difference designs during the past, the layout and functions of seats, equipment and facilities in carriages, and the types of trains are different according to different trains, however, the difference is not big and you will also enjoy a great and comfortable trip on the bullet trains. You can check the details about your booking train through the Internet if interested.

Tips for What to Prepare for High Speed Train Sleepers

Onboard the overnight high speed D trains, every carriage has one to two toilets of Chinese and Western type, washing sink, so you can wash your face and do some makeup for the travel or the business meeting. So, what to pack?

Water, towel, facial cleanser, toothbrush and cup, skin care items, makeups, comb, toilet paper, etc. are the most necessary things to prepare. If you are going to book the New Sleeper, a pair of sandals or slippers is highly recommended.

How to Choose Your Favorite Seats?

Still considering which seat to take on your bullet trains? Let’s together make things easier. Think by the following factors and figure out what you are care about most.

• ● Traveling Hours: How long will you spend on the train? If it is long and takes more than five hours, first and business seats with much space and better comfort feelings are proper.
• ● Distance: if you are traveling for long distance between two cities very far away and usually need over 10 hours, the sleepers on the overnight trains are absolutely your wiser choice. In such a way, you can have a good sleep on the train to save money spent on hotel at your destination, also, it keeps you away from getting too early in the following morning for catching the early flight for saving time or rushing for the meeting.

High Speed Train Seat Attendants

• ● Comfortable: Do you care the comfort as the most important factor? If so, choose business seats that are the widest and best for your most comfortable position.
• ● Sightseeing or Aisle?: Are you interested in the outside sightseeing? If yes, the window seats are no doubt to be chosen to appreciate every beautiful passing by during the train travel. Among all types of seats, there are two “sightseeing seats” in the Business Class Seats carriage on one high speed train, beside which the super large window offers the best position and experience for scenery. If you want to walk to the toilet or other places without excuse others, the aisle seats are better selection. Also, if you would like to have more legroom, the aisle seats would meet you better than others in the Second and First Class Seats carriage.
• Top 8 Most Beautiful High Train Routes:
• >> Shanghai to Kunming via Hangzhou, Guiyang
• >> Urumqi to Lanzhou via Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Xining
• >> Guangzhou to Guiyang via Guilin

Choose Window Seats to Enjoy Sightseeing Outside

• ● Budget: What your budget? Train ticket fare in China varies according to the different classes. If you are on a budget travel, choose second class seats, which also have been receiving the good reputation of world travelers.
• ● Quick Getting On/ Off: Do you care about time waiting for getting off? If so, choose the seats near the aisle and the carriage door, so you can quickly collect your luggage and step on the platform once the door opens at your destination. How to Get on/off China High Speed Train >>
• ● Your Group Size: How many people are there in your group? If you are traveling alone, either seat is OK. If you take the bullet train with another one person, the two seats side by side is the perfect, so you can choose the seats “D and F”, or “A and B”, so you can seat together and enjoy your chat. And if you are traveling with other two people, or like you are in a family group of three members, the three seats together on one side of the carriage is a better choice, which are seats “A, B, and C”.

Comparison of Seats on China Normal Trains & High Speed Trains

How better the seats of China high speed trains are than those on the normal trains? What are their differences related to your experience onboard? Taking the railway section between Beijing and Guangzhou, let’s have a brief comparison of the seats and sleeping berths of the major two types of trains in China before you book your tickets.

Seats Comparison (Beijing - Guangzhou):

Sleeper Comparison (Beijing - Guangzhou):

Please Note: the above information of price, size, facilities, equipment, etc. of China high speed trains and normal trains is only for your reference, which is various according to the difference of types of trains and sizes, and railway sections between different destinations.

>>Check More about Beijing Guangzhou High Speed Train

After comparing the size, equipment, facilities, environment and other aspects of seats and sleepers of high speed trains and the normal trains in China, you must have a clear impression of the great and better experience of high speed train seats. So, if you already have the clear idea of where to visit in China to take the cool bullet train, you can tell us to book the train ticket for you, therefore, you could get your tickets easily without those inconvenient procedures. If you just want to take the train but do not know which section to choose, please feel free to tell us your rough interests and ideal places, and our professional travel expert will give the good recommendation and help you tailor make your unbelievable high speed train tour in China!