High-Speed Train in China (Bullet Train)

China high-speed trains, also known as bullet trains, have a running speed of 200 to 350 kph (124 to 217 mph). They are popular for their punctuality, comfort and safety, and they are the most convenient way of traveling around China.

China high-speed trains can be categorized into three types: G, D and C-category trains, with different running speeds. The appearance and facilities inside of G, D and C trains are similar, all modern and well-maintained.

China High-Speed Rail Map/Network

Currently, 30 of China’s 33 provincial-level administratve divisions have opened high-speed railways.

China has the world’s longest high-speed railway network. By the end of 2018, China high-speed rail network has a total length of 29,000 kilometers (17,980 miles), accounting for two-thirds of the world’s high-speed rail tracks for commercial service.

There are 8 main high-speed rail lines in the China high-speed rail network, including 4 vertial (north-south) lines and 4 horizontal (east-west) lines, which are the most extensively used high-speed rail lines.

See China High-Speed Railway Network for more information.

China High-Speed Train Ticket Booking

A valid identificationdocument is required when buying a ticket and boarding a train in China.

• Foreign passengers: Passport or Travel Permit
• Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passengers: Mainland Travel Permit

Valid ID certificates are required to buy train tickets.

Buying China train tickets online with travel agencies like China Highlights is the most convenient. China Highlights make train ticket online booking available to you to save you time, inconvenience, and money. All inquiries will be handled by China Highlights’ experienced travel advisers to ensure you get the best service. Our ticket delivery service will save you a lot of time and hassle.

Search for the tickets that you want to buy at China Highlights Train Ticket Service. Or download our China Train App for a more convenient service on your cell phone.

See more ways about How to Buy Train Tickets in China.

Types of High-Speed Train in China

China High-speed trains are designed for speeds of 200 to 350 kph (124 to 217 mph). There are three types of high-speed trains in China: G, D, or C trains. The facilities and appearance of G/D/C trains are similar in that they are all new and modern. The bullet-shaped trains are white.

G Trains — the Fastest Trains in China with Speed of Over 300 kph

“Hexiehao” high-speed train

This category of train has a speed of over 300 kph (186 mph). The trains only stop at a few major stations along the way, and the ticket price is the highest among the trains. There are no sleeper cars on G trains.

D trains — Cheaper than G-Trains

D trains are the second fastest and are designed with a speed of over 200 kph (124 mph). This type of train is mainly used on the popular rail lines connecting major cities. Some overnight D trains have soft sleeper class.

C trains — Connecing Neighboring Cities

C trains are only run between a few neighboring cities, like Beijing–Tianjin, Changchun–Jilin, Guangzhou–Zhuhai/Shenzhen, and Guiyang–Kaiyang. Journeys are short and sleeping cars are not provided.

China’s Newest Type of High-Speed Train

“Fuxinghao” high-speed train

China has developed a new type of bullet train – “Fuxinghao” high-speed train. It is now the fastest train in the world. “Fuxinghao” made its first appearance on June 26th, 2017. Currently, these newest high-speed trains are G1/G2、G3/G4、G5/G6、G7/G8、G9/G10、G13/G14、G17/G18, running on the line between Beijing and Shanghai. And “Fuxinghao” has covered more and more rail lines between major cities such as Nanjing, Wenzhou, Hangzhou and Huzhou, etc.

Compared to the old type of high-speed train “Hexiehao”, “Fuxinghao” is faster, safer and more comfortable.

What’s special on a “Fuxinghao” high-speed train?

• The fastest high-speed train in China
• WIFI covered
• More space between seats
• Each seat is equipped with two power sockets
• Reading light is provided above each seat

Facilities on a China High-Speed Train

• A restaurant car and canteen bar are in the middle carriage of a train.
• Free boiled water is available at the end of each carriage.
• Air-conditioning: All high-speed trains are fully air-conditioned.
• Adjustable seats allow you to sit comfortably during the journey.
• A 220V AC power socket is available under your seat, so you don’t need to worry about your phone running out of battery.
• Chinese/Western-style toilets are available on each high-speed train. Toilet paper is available but you’d better take your own toilet paper as well, just in case.
• A handicapped restroom with a diaper table is available in the 5th carriage, which can also be used by people with young children.

Types of Seat Class on a China Bullet Train

Generally there are four kinds of seat classes:

Business Class

Business class is the most luxurious on China high-speed trains, and the price is the highest. It is spacious, with two meters (6.6 feet) of space between the rows. There are three seats in a row, and the fully-reclining seats make your journey more comfortable.

Superior Class

Superior class is only available on certain high-speed trains in China. Each carriage has 16 seats — eight seats at each end. It is in the best position for sightseeing. Each row has three seats, as found in a business class carriage.

First Class

First class is recommended for travelers who want to experience a comfortable journey on a high-speed train, and don’t want to pay too much for it. The price is cheaper than business and superior class, and the seats are wider than second class seats. Each row has four seats.

Second Class

Second class is the most common and cheapest ticket class for high-speed trains. It’s a good choice if you are planning a low budget China tour.  

See more tips about How to Choose between Train Types and Seat Classes in China.

Soft Sleeper

Soft sleepers and deluxe soft sleepers are available on some overnight D trains, such as Beijing – Shanghai and Shanghai – Xi’an.

Baggage Allowance

The maximum carry-on baggage allowance for each passenger is 20 kg. The size may not exceed 60*35*35 cm (24*14*14 in), and the dimension should be less than 130 cm in total (51 in). The length of rod-shaped items cannot exceed 180 cm (71 in). Carry-on baggage in excess of the limit is subject to an excess baggage fee and must be carried on as checked baggage. See China train baggage allowance for more information.  

Four Facts You Need to Know Before Taking High-Speed Trains in China

Although China bullet trains have many advantages, there are some things you need to know before you decide to take one.

Second class seats may be too small for some passengers.

1. Seats may be too small for some passengers

If you have a large frame, you are recommended to take a first class seat. A second class seat is about 43 cm wide and it may be a bit too small to sit comfortably. Business class is the most comfortable type of seat but the price can sometimes be much more expensive than a flight ticket.

2. No price discount

The ticket price is fixed for trains — there are no discounts like there are for flights. But the prices for second and first class seats are usually cheaper than prices for flights.

3. Conductors don’t speak English

A conductor on a high-speed train.

Conductors on a high-speed train don’t speak English. Therefore, it could be difficult when you need to order a meal or buy some snacks on a train. Those phrases may be helpful to you Top Chinese Phrases for China Train Travel.

4. Smoking is forbidden on all high-speed trains

Anyone who smokes on a high-speed train will be fined RMB500-RMB2000 (USD75-USD299).

Useful tips for China High-speed trains

1.High-speed trains in China only stop for a few minutes at each station. So don’t get off the train until you get to your destination.

2.High-speed trains in China usually depart from a remote train station in a city. So read your ticket carefully and make sure you go to the right station.

3. It might be noisy on the train during peak season, e.g. summer holiday, Chinese New Year and national holiday. Skip second class if you don’t like too much noise. It is quieter on first class, superior seat and business class.

4.It is a good idea to bring your own food on board, since the food on the train is expensive and limited in choice.

China High-Speed Lines to Be Operated in 2019

Kunming – Lijiang High-Speed Railway

Lijiang Ancient Town

• Distance: 520 kilometers (323 miles)
• Main stops: Kunming, Chuxiong, Lijiang
• Shortest duration: 3 hours

Kunming – Lijiang High-Speed Railway was opened in January, 2019. The travel time between these two cities has been shortened from 8 hours to 3 hours. There are 10 pairs of bullet train in service every day.

See more information about Kunming – Lijiang High-Speed Trains.

Hohhot – Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway

• Distance: 290 kilometers (180 miles)
• Main stops: Hohhot, Qixiaying, Zhuozi, Ulanqab, Xinghe, Huai’an, Zhangjiakou
• Shortest duration: 2 hours

The Hohhot – Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway is expected to operated by the end of 2019. It is an important line connecting northwestern, northeastern and northern regions of China. High-speed trains on this route terminated at Hohhot East Station and Zhangjiakou South Station. The travel time will be cut from 6 hours to only 2 hours.

Datong – Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway

High-speed trains

• Distance: 141 kilometers (88 miles)
• Main stops: Datong, Yanggao, Tianzhen, Zhangjiakou
• Shortest duration: 1.5 hours

Datong – Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway is a supporting transportation project for the 2022 Winter Olympics. This line starts from Datong in Shanxi Province in the west and reaches Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province in the east. After the regular high-speed service operates, the travel time between Beijing and Datong will be shortened from 6 hours to only an hour and 40 minutes, and Datong to Zhangjiakou is only 40 minutes.

Beijing – Shenyang High-Speed Railway

• Distance: 698 kilometers (434 miles)
• Main stops: Beijing, Chengde, Chaoyang, Fuxin, Jinzhou, Shenyang
• Shortest duration: 2.5 hours

Beijing – Shengyang High-Speed Railway was opened in January, 2019. Currently, 11 pairs of bullet train are on service, with the travel time of 4 to 5 hours. Bullet trains between Beijing and Shenyang operate at Beijing South Railway Station and Shenyang/Shenyang North Railway Station.

China Train Travel FAQs

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