China High Speed Train (D Train)

It comes as a big surprise to many travelers that there is a kind of train looking like “Animal” - sometimes it looks like “Lizard”, sometimes it looks like “Hairtail”, sometimes it looks like “Rabbit”, sometimes it looks like “Donkey” and sometimes it looks like “Snake”…How interesting, isn’t it? The train is called "D-class" high speed train which belongs to Hexia Hao (simplified Chinese: 和谐号; literally: Harmony).

Are you curious about how fast is this "animal" moving in China’s railway network? Want to figure out what are the main difference between the D trains and G trains, and D trains and normal trains? Yearn for some highlighting routes to experience the modern, clean and comfortable D trains with idyllic rural scenery passing by? This article will tell you everything about China High Speed Train - D Train! Read now!

D Class High Speed Trains at Chongqing North Railway Station

Let’s take the G and D trains running on Beijing - Shanghai High Speed Railway as an example.

● Running Speed & Travel Time: For travelers who want to travel from Beijing to Shanghai, you can take both G and D trains. If you take a G train, you can choose a train running in the daytime (06:43~19:08) which needs about 4.5~6 hours and about 4 hours for Fuxing trains. While, if you take a D train, you will board the train in Beijing at night and arrive in Shanghai in the morning. This overnight train takes about 12 hours which can save one night accommodation in Shanghai.

● Seat Class Difference: For G train travelers, you can select from three types of seats - Second Class Seat (￥553), First Class Seat (￥933) and Business Class Seat (￥1748). For D train travelers, you can choose from Second Class Seat (￥293), or Second Class (Hard) Sleeper (￥440) and First Class (Soft) Sleeper (￥601). The running time of D train is longer than G train, but the price is much cheaper, very competitive.

China Fuxing Train from Beijing to Shanghai

3. Stations:

For D class, the long distance trains are serving more stations & intermediate cities. While, for G class, the long distance trains are serving fewer stations and mostly major cities. Major Train Stations in China >>

4. Rolling Stock & Railway Track:

D trains are mostly used CRH1, CRH2 (except CRH2C), CRH3A, and CRH5. And G trains are mainly used CRH2C, CRH380, CR400AF, CR400BF, etc. The D-class high speed trains are running on the ballast track and G-class high speed trains are running on the ballast less track.

5. Facilities:

There is no doubt that D trains and G trains are modern, clean and comfortable. With different technology and generations, G trains (especially Fuxing trains) are comparatively more advanced than D trains. E.g. Fuxing train is more spacious compared with other high speed trains in China. The height of Fuxing Hao increased to 4050 millimeters, therefore, the seats are more spacious and the interior noise is smaller. The biggest feature is that Wi-Fi is available to use the whole journey and travelers can surf the Internet without barriers.

For more facilities infos, please go and see Facilities & Service on High Speed Trains.

Dining Car on D-class High Speed Train

Business Class Seat on D-class High Speed Train

Length: 658km; about 3-4.5 hours

Frequency: 22 daily D trains and 14 G trains during 07:05~19:07 (Note: the schedules may adjust based on the real situation.)

Highlights:

With 3 hours’ train travel, this rail is really a benefit for travelers to get close to massive Terracotta Warriors and adorable giant pandas, and moreover to taste the diverse kinds of delicious gourmet in Xian and Chengdu to treat your taste buds. No matter you visit both Xian and Chengdu in 2 days or have in-depth exploration for 4~5 days, your dream will be fulfilled. Check more about Xian Chengdu High Speed Trains.

>> 5 Days Classic Tour by New Xian Chengdu High Speed Train (Xian / Chengdu)

Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian (Pit One)

Length: 319km; about 1h17mins-2.5 hours

Frequency: 27 daily D trains, 42 daily G trains, and 2 daily C Trains during 06:43~21:42 (Note: the schedules may adjust based on the real situation.)

Highlights:

It is superfast to transfer between Chengdu and Chongqing, needing just about 1 hour! Compared with the high speed train experience, the sightseeing in Chengdu and Chongqing is in slow pace that you get very close contact with the national treasure - Giant Pandas in its hometown and feel the charm of Chengdu, explore the interesting Mountain City before taking a 4-day downstream cruise along Yangtze River. You will travel in stylish way “High Speed Train plus Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise”. Check more about Chengdu Chongqing High Speed Trains.

>> 3 Days Chongqing & Chengdu Essence Tour (Chengdu / Chongqing)

Dujiangyan Panda Base Panda Volunteer Program

Length: 1150km; about 6.5~8 hours

Frequency: 10 daily D trains during 06:08~13:53 (Note: the schedules may adjust based on the real situation.)

Highlights:

Shanghai located in the Yangtze River Delta is served as the gateway reaching the Yangtze River. If you are not travel in a hurry, taking high speed train from Shanghai to Yichang for Yangtze River Cruise is a good way to see central part of China and most section of Yangtze River. The D train will pass via Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Hefei, Hankou, Jingzhou, etc. where you can see the authentic China and its development starting from the modern metropolis to the “Capital of Water and Electricity”. Check more about Shanghai Yichang High Speed Trains.

Yangtze River Cruise Running Through Qutang Gorge

Length: 318km; about 2~3 hours

Frequency: 57 daily D trains and 11 G Trains during 06:15~21:30 (Note: the schedules may adjust based on the real situation.)

Highlights:

Yichang is a small city with limited flights and trains to other major cities of China. You may feel confused how to transfer after your Yangtze River cruise disembarking in Yichang. To make transfer plan with more possibilities, it is a good idea to board a 2-hour high speed train from Yichang to Wuhan first and then head to your next destination. Wuhan is a big transport hub in China with numerous high speed trains and flights connecting other cities in China, like with5-hour G train, you can travel from Wuhan to Guilin.

Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan

Length: 442km; about 3.5~4.5 hours

Frequency: 4 daily D trains during 08:00~17:19 (Note: the schedules may adjust based on the real situation.)

Highlights:

High speed trains are available in the holy, quiet and secluded Wudang Mountain. Taking a 4-hour high speed train from Wuhan to Wudangshan is an awesome way to deep into the mountain area with high peaks and ancient building complexes and have a bite of esoteric martial arts. When you take the modern, advanced high speed train to the cradle of Tai Chi, it will be a huge contrast to see the original way of living.

>> 5 Days Wuhan & Wudangshan Tour by High Speed Train (Wuhan / Wudangshan)

Golden Palace - Symbol of Wudangshan