Trains in China

China has the largest high-speed rail network in the world. G and D trains link the big cities in a few hours, while slower overnight trains still cover long distances. Foreign visitors need their passport to buy tickets and board.

Main lines and journeys

Beijing to Shanghai

G trains take about 4 to 5 hours between Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao.

Beijing to Guangzhou and Shenzhen

Long north–south high-speed corridor.

Shanghai to Hangzhou and Nanjing

Short, frequent high-speed hops in the east.

Xi'an to Chengdu and Chongqing

Links central China with the south-west.

Train types and classes

G trains

The fastest high-speed trains, at up to about 300 km/h.

D and C trains

High-speed trains with more stops, including some overnight D trains.

Second class

The standard high-speed seat, with 2+3 seating.

First class

Wider seats in a 2+2 layout.

Business class

Individual reclining seats, the top class on high-speed trains.

Soft and hard sleeper

Berths on overnight and conventional trains. Soft sleeper compartments have four berths and hard sleeper bays have six.

Travel tips

• Tickets are usually released around 15 days before departure, and popular trains sell out quickly.
• Big cities have several stations, such as Beijing South and Beijing West. Check the station name before you go.
• Your passport must be machine-readable at the platform gates. Allow extra time for security checks.
• Arrive at the station well before departure. Gates close several minutes before the train leaves.

Popular routes in China

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Written in October 2026. Services, timetables and fares change, so check the live timetable for your travel date before you book.