HighSpeed Train in China
China's railway system is highly advanced and can be categorized into several types:
| Type | Speed |
|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail (G-train) | 250 km/h |
| Electric Multiple Units (D-train) | 200 km/h |
| Intercity Trains (C-train) | 200 km/h |
| Rapid Trains (K-train) | 120 km/h |
| Express Trains (T-train) and Direct Express Trains (Z-train) | 160 km/h |
| Ordinary Fast Trains (P-train) and Ordinary Passenger Trains (L-train) | 120 km/h |
China's Trains are INCREDIBLE
China's High speed rail network is largest railway system on earth. Today, we take an incredibly fast bullet train from Chengdu to Chongqing, China.
More than 12,000 trains operate daily in China, among which over a thousand are high-speed trains and electric multiple units. Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the journey, and passengers are encouraged to maintain a quiet and clean carriage environment. These trains can deliver you to your destination smoothly and quickly.
Seating Classes
For High Speed Trains (G-train and D-train):
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Class | The highest class, fully reclining seats, priority boarding |
| First Class | 4 seats per row (2+2), Greater space and comfort |
| Second Class | 5 seats per row (3+2) |
For other trains, there is also:
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Soft Sleeper | Cabins available, each with 4 berths |
| Hard Sleeper | Divided into compartments, each with 6 berths |
| Hard Seat | Usually 5 seats per row (3+2) |
Meal On Train
Dining Car
The train has a dining car that offers boxed meals, fast food, and snacks.
Ordering Delivery
You might want to try ordering delivery while on the train.
Log in to the 12306 official website or use the 12306 App. On the order details page, there is usually an option to order meals. You need to select the station and meal you want to order from. The food will be brought onto the train at that station and delivered to your seat.
Please note that meal ordering is not available at all stations, and you need to place your order before the train arrives at the station. The choice of vendors is limited, but options such as McDonald's and KFC are included.
LOCAL TIPS
You should plan your meal orders ahead of time. You can check the arrival times at each station in your order details and identify the stations that support ordering and are reached around your mealtime, then make your reservations in advance.
Train Stations
Cities often have multiple train stations, which are usually distinguished by directions such as east, west, south, and north in Chinese. Be sure not to go to the wrong one, and pay attention to the names to identify them correctly.
For example, there is Chongqingxi Station(Chongqing West Railway Station), Chongqingbei Station(Chongqing North Railway Station), and Chongqingnan Station(Chongqing South Railway Station). Chongqing Railway Station refers to Chongqing Caiyunda Railway Station(closed), while Shapingba Railway Station, though it does not include the word "Chongqing" in its name, is also a railway station within Chongqing's city area.
LOCAL TIPS
"东" (dōng), "南" (nán), "西" (xī), "北" (běi) are the Chinese words for east, south, west, and north respectively.
Booking Online
You can purchase train tickets with cash at the station, but it is more recommended to book them online using an app, which is more convenient.
LOCAL TIPS
You can book tickets up to 15 days in advance. Tickets for holidays such as the Spring Festival and National Day are very tight, and it may not be possible to secure them even if you book 15 days ahead. Please try to avoid traveling during these periods if possible.
12306
12306 is the official website and app of China Railway Customer Service Center, primarily used for booking train tickets.
- Real-name ticketing
- Only valid foreign passports useable according to related regulations are accepted
- Both E-tickets and paper tickets are on sale
- Online payment