China Train Types
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China Train Types
In China, train numbers are usually indicated with a capital letter followed by several numerals. The letter indentifies the category of the train, which is often determined by speed and the number of stops the train will make during the journey. The better categories accordingly represent the higher level of price, speed, service, facilities and cleanness, and fewer number of stops along the way. The common used letters (categories) are as follows:
They are the fastest (over 200 km/hr or 124 miles/hr) in China, and provide frequent service between the main cities centered around Beijing and Shanghai, such as trains Beijing/Shanghai, Beijing/Zhengzhou, Guangzhou/Shenzhen, Shanghai/Hangzhou, Shanghai/Nanjing, and so on. Trains only stop at a few major stops along the way.
The coaches are modern and air-conditioned. First-class seats (soft seats) and second-class seats (hard seats) are available, while for some long-distance overnight trains, such as Beijing/Shanghai, there are soft-sleepers available. The washrooms are relatively clean, with closestools.
The second fastest (160 km/hr or 99.4 miles/hr) in China, though its name implies “non-stop”, some do have several stops along the way, but only at major stations. The coaches are modern and air-conditioned. They are usually overnight trains, so there are usually only sleepers (hard/soft) available, while some only have soft-sleepers available. The trains serve main cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Wuhan, Shenzhen, as well as Hangzhou and Ningbo.
T trains run at 140 km/hr or 87 miles/hr, and have limited number of stops along the way, at major cities or some junctions. All the major cities with railways can be reached by taking T trains. The coaches are modern and air-conditioned. Both seats (hard/soft) and sleepers (hard/soft) are available.
K trains run at 120 km/hr or 74.6 miles/hr, and stop at more stations than the T trains. Besides stopping at cities, they will also stop at main counties along the way. Both seats (hard/soft) and sleepers (hard/soft) are available. The coaches are not so modern and clean as those mentioned above, and air-conditioning is not always on, but they are still tolerable.
Types of China Train Tickets
China Train tickets are divided into seven categories, and they are introduced as follows:
It is the cheapest option, and the coaches are usually overcrowded. Though the seats are actually thinly padded, you could hardly sleep on the upright seats. Smoking is permitted here so there is no air-conditioning. The coaches are not clean, and you would never want to visit the toilet. It is usually not advised to buy hard-seat tickets when there are other options available.
It is one level above the hard seat, and the fare is slightly higher. The seats are relatively cleaner and more comfortable. There will be no over-crowding in soft-seat coaches. In some trains air-conditioning is available. Smoking is not allowed in the coach, but you can smoke at the corridor between cars. Soft seats are ok for several hours’ ride.
It is the basic accommodation for overnight or long-distance train travel. The coach has doorless compartments, in which six bunks are arranged, with three tiers of bunks (upper/middle/lower) on both sides. There is a small difference of price between the bunks, with the upper bunk being the cheapest and the lower bunk the most expensive. A pillow and a sheet are provided for each bunk. There is a small TV hanging in each compartment. Air conditioning is available, and the washroom is tolerably clean. Smoking is not permitted in the coach, but you can smoke at the corridor between cars.
It is sort of a luxurious train travel, with the fare almost twice as much as that of the hard sleeper, and sometimes even as much as that of discounted flights. Each compartment is enclosed by a door, and contains four bunks, with two to a side. The bunks are wider and more comfortable, and there is an LCD TV for each bunk. Air-conditioning is available, and the washroom is clean. Smoking is not permitted in the coach, but you can smoke at the corridor between cars. It is advisable to buy soft-sleeper tickets for overnight and long-distance travel.
They are available in D trains (Dongche). Four seats are arranged for a row. The seats are similar to soft seats, but are wider, more modern and comfortable. Smoking is not allowed.
They are available in D trains. Five seats are arranged for a row. It is a level below the first class seats with relatively smaller sitting area, but is still comfortable. Smoking is not allowed.
It is the top level sleeper, and the fare is much more expensive than that of soft sleepers. It is only available in a few trains. Each enclosed compartment contains only two clean and comfortable bunks (upper/lower), a western washroom, and sometimes even has a shower cubicle. The ground is carpeted, and other facilities include sofa, LCD TV, table and wardrobe.
