China High Speed Train Types

You know China has the largest high-speed railway network in the world with currently over 100 cities in China with a population greater than 1 million and expected to grow to 221 cities by 2025, linking by high speed trains. Taking high speed train to see and explore the vast China is one of the most fashionable ways to travel within China. The train experience would be delightful with relatively cheap tickets, painless security, comfortable seats, air-conditioned cabins and plenty of legroom.

So, want to take some minutes to figure out what types of high speed trains are you going to take? What is the highest speed you can experience during your bullet train journey? What are the huge differences between high speed trains and normal trains in China? Let’s learn together!

Fuxing train - the fastest train reaching up to 400km/h

G Trains - the Fastest & Most Advanced Train in China

G train (“Gaosu Dongche”, high speed EMU Train, 高速动车), is the latest generation CRH (China Railway High-speed), all with a speed of 250-400km/h. G trains run on ballast-free tracks, with leading and advanced operational outfit. G-series high speed trains usually serve between major and popular cities in China. They run during the day and would finish the last trip before 12am.

The following routes are highly recommended to take G trains to explore classic parts of China.

Many G Trains Going Through Wuhan

D Trains - the Second Fastest High Speed Train in China

D train (“Dongche”, EMU Train, 动车), is the second fastest high speed train usually running at a speed from 200km/h to 250 km/h, with highest speed of 250 km/h. It is the earlier generation CRH (China Railway High-speed), mostly used on the popular rail lines connecting more stations and intermediate cities. They run in the day as well as at night. Some long-distance overnight D-series trains are equipped with soft sleepers.

The following routes are highly recommended to take D trains to explore different parts of China.

D High Speed Trains at Chongqing North Railway Station

C train (“Chengji Dongche”, Intercity EMU Train, 城际动车), is a kind of high speed train generally running between neighboring cities or only cities within a province, operating service on high-speed track at designed speeds at and below 200km/h (124 mph).

It is a time-saving as well as money-saving way to travel two destinations in a short distance by C train. No matter you are planning a long China tour and want to add some single attraction close to the big city into your bucket list, like Tianjin near Beijing, Leshan Giant Buddha / Dujiangyan Panda Base / Mount Qingcheng near Chengdu, Hangzhou West Lake near Shanghai, or looking for a short break in one hot destination with in-depth exploration to its neighbor destinations, you can choose the fast and convenient c-series high speed train as the transport.

The following routes are highly recommended to take fast intercity trains to visit destinations nearby major cities.

China High Speed Intercity Trains - C Trains (Running from Beijing to Tianjin)

Z, T and K series trains belongs to China normal train (or China regular train). It is the conventional train in China usually with a speed at and below 160km/h (99mph). After the year of 2014, all the normal trains are colored in “GREEN”, so it also can be called “green train”.

● Z - Non-Stop Express ("Zhida", 直达): The highest speed is 160km/h (99mph). It runs directly to destinations non-stop for overnight train or several stops at large stations.

● T - Express ("Tekuai", 特快): The top speed is 140 km/h (87mph). Have a limited number of stops along their routes, only in major cities.

● K - Fast ("Kuaisu", 快速): It runs with its speed not exceed 120 km/h (75mph). This series of trains stop at more stations than T-series, usually at middle and large stations.

Qinghai Tibet Train with Gorgeous Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains View

After having a basic understanding about China high speed train types, it is time to check the different classes of seats on G, D or C trains.

On the G 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.

To let you know the features of each kind and class of seats on the high speed train, you can check the seat arrangement, size, equipment, and pictures of Second Class Seat, First Class Seat, Business Class Seat and New Sleeper, Deluxe Soft Sleeper and Soft Sleeper.

For more Seats Info, please go and see High Speed Train Seat Classes.

Spacious First Class Seat with 2+2 Seats in a Row