China High-Speed Train Guide: Everything You Need to Know

China Wonder Tours · June 2026 · Travel Guide

Train Classes

G-class: 300-350 km/h. Beijing-Shanghai 4.5h. D-class: 200-250 km/h. C-class: Intercity shuttles. K/T/Z: Classic overnight sleepers.

Seat Classes

Second Class (3+2): ~$50 Beijing-Shanghai. Perfect for < 5h trips. First Class (2+2): ~$85. More space. Business Class (2+1): ~$150. Fully reclining leather seats.

How to Book

Trip.com — English interface, accepts foreign cards. 12306.cn — official app, Chinese-only. Tickets on sale 15 days ahead. Popular routes sell out in hours on holidays.

Best Scenic Routes

Beijing to Zhangjiajie (7h) — karst mountains
Xi'an to Chengdu (3.5h) — Qinling Mountains
Xining to Lhasa (21h) — world's highest railway
Guilin to Kunming (7h) — karst panorama

Station Tips

Arrive 60-90 min early. Passport required. Gate closes 5 min before departure. The train WILL leave without you.