China Train Seat Types

Besides the type of China trains, the tickets for China trains are also in different types. Depending on the comfortable level, the train tickets are generally divided into 7 classes: hard seat, soft seat, second-class seat, first-class seat, hard sleeper, soft sleeper, deluxe soft sleeper.

The common used levels will be the former 6 types, while the deluxe soft sleeper is available on select long distance trains only and are hard to book.

The following ranking is based on train with the same distances transporting, price costing from the most expensive to the cheapest order:

No.1 First-class Seat

Available on: G, C and D Trains

Comfortable Level: ★★★★★

Cleanness: ★★★★★

Cost: ★★★★★

Situation: First-class seat is equipped on the bullet train only. The facilities is designed according to the first class on European high-speed trains and business class on flight, so it got the name. The price of first-class seat is the most expensive one among the common used scheduled trains. While if you are looking for a deluxe comfortable experience, this type of seat is a great choice for you.

No. 2 Second-class Seat

Available on: G, C and D Trains

Comfortable Level: ★★★★

Cleanness: ★★★★★

Cost: ★★★★

Situation: Second-class seat is equipped on the bullet train only. The facilities is designed according to the second class on European high-speed trains and economy class on flight, so it got the name. For people who choose high-speed train in China, second-class seat can be a consideration because of the great comfortable feeling and less cost than the first-class -seat.
 

No. 3 Soft Sleeper

Available on: on most Z-series express trains, or grouped in several carriages of slower trains.

Comfortable Level: ★★★★

Cleanness: ★★★

Cost: ★★★

Situation: Four berths in a compartment, two uppers and two lowers. The soft sleeper can be a good choice if you have overnight train or a long-distance train. The soft berth ensures a good sleeping quality than any other type. Andeach compartment has a secure door that locks and small space for baggage. One thing should pay attention is that toilets and a common washroom are located at both ends of the sleeping car and typically include Western-style and pit toilets.

No. 4 Hard Sleeper

Available on: most Z-series express trains

Comfortable Level: ★★★

Cleanness: ★★

Cost: ★★

Situation: Six couchettes in each compartment, two uppers, two middles and two lowers. No secured door for each compartment, so it may be noisy and not private room for you to have a sleep. Chinese people would like to choose this type for long-distance transporting because it is cheaper than the soft sleeper. Another thing should let you know is that pit toilets and a common washroom are located at the end of the sleeping car. Better to avoid buying Hard Sleeper ticket because the dirty toilet and noisy carriage.

No. 5 Soft Seat

Available on: Z, T, K and Four-digital Numbers Trains

Comfortable Level: ★★★

Cleanness: ★★

Cost: ★★

Situation: Carriages of soft seats equipped with cushioned seats and wider room on the carriage. Cleaner and less crowded than the hard seats carriage with a slightly more expensive price than the hard one. Less Chinese will choose this type so it ensures the comparative quietness in the carriage.

No. 6 Hard Seat

Available on: Z, T, K and Four-digital Numbers Trains

Comfortable Level: ★

Cleanness: ★

Cost: ★

Situation: Carriages of hard seats may be the least comfortable one. Hard seats on some short-distance trains will be better than the long-distance ones. Because it is the cheapest one, so more Chinese people would like to choose this type. So hard seat carriages will be noisier, more crowded, dirtier than other level carriages.
 

Other special types of China train seats

► Business-class Seat

Available on: some G and D Trains

Comfortable Level: ★★★★★+

Cleanness: ★★★★★+

Cost: ★★★★★+

Situation: This type may only can be found in some G and D trains only. Twenty four red seats with 180 degree turning and bed transforming functions are equipped in. Three seats in a row divided into single seat and twin seat two kinds. A screen to prevent passenger disturbing from others ensures a private room for each other.

► Deluxe Soft Sleeper

Available on: some Z and T Trains

Comfortable Level: ★★★★★+

Cleanness: ★★★★★+

Cost: ★★★★★+

Situation: The deluxe soft sleeper is totally deluxe with the extremely special equipment. These sleeping cars have just two berths per compartment - one upper and one lower - and also boast a private Western-style toilet and separate sitting area. Each compartment has a secure door that locks and small space for baggage.

Notes:

1. Some are more expensive than air tickets

2. Hard to book (TCT no ensure to book this type of ticket)