Types of Seat on High Speed Trains in China

Second Class Seats (二等座) are offered on high speed G, D and C trains in China.

This type of seat is the standard type and the cheapest onboard. A second class carriage has five seats (each one is about 45cm in width) in a row - two at one side and three at the other side of the aisle, like the layout on some airplanes. Although those seats have low prices, passengers can still enjoy roomy leg space and feel much more comfortable than on the plane. The seat is adjustable backwards to 5-24 degrees, and the arms between two seats can be folded up. On the back of every seat are a tray table, a hook and a bag, cleaning bag and magazine, etc.

Also, there is one socket under your or the front seat in a row for your charging up your mobile phones and other devices. However, the places and arrangement of number may vary based on the type of train.

First Class Seats (一等座) are also available on high speed trains of G, D, and C types.

The first class seats belong to the middle class. They are more expensive than the second ones, for larger seat size of about 48cm wide and more personal space for your arms and legs. In the First Class Carriage, there are four seats in a row - two on both sides. The seat can be adjusted backwards better to a comfortable angle for your rest, within 5-32 degrees. The tray table is much wider than that for the Second Class Seats, which is in the arm of each seat, and you can pull out and unfold it for some reading, dining or placing your belongings.

Besides the facilities and items for Second Class Seats, First Class Seats additionally offer a pillow on your seat for a better sitting trip, more electrical outlets installation on both sides of every row, adjustable footrest to relax your feet, electric socket for earplugs or earphones for music, etc. As the First Class Seat Carriage is designed with lesser capacity and more space for passengers, you can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable environment easily through the high speed train riding.

Business Class Seats (商务座) are arranged on most types of high speed trains, including the G trains and some C trains. And also some D trains for the needs of passengers.

Business Class Seats are the most luxurious and expensive seats, just like the first-class on the airplane. However, as all seats on train have no seat belts, passengers feel much more relaxed and free on the high speed train. Usually, there are usually 5 Business Class Seats in the one carriage behind the train operation cab on one train. In the business carriage, seats are arranged into two rows, with three near the carriage door and the other two near the operation cab. Besides, there is an aisle in the center part. Since the room in such kind of carriage is really spacious, passengers could walk at ease in there.

Furthermore, seats of this type are superb of leather, and can adjust into different positions for your sitting, half lying, full lying needs, etc. As there are only fewer than 5 people in this car and a sliding door keep you from other cars of this train, a good rest will be got without any effort in such quiet environment. What's more exciting, Business Class Seats can be turned 180 degrees, and you can adjust it to face the window, so the highlighting sightseeing along the way will not be missed.

Also, Business Class Seats passengers will enjoy more complimentary services and items, including free meals during dining hours, drinks, snacks, slippers, blindfolds, earplug, blanket, etc. Such kind of advanced services and functions of seats are luxury, thoughtful and a better choice for people travelling based on the comfort and experience.

Still considering which seat to take on your bullet trains? Let's together make things easier. Think by the following factors and figure out what you are care about most.

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  Traveling Hours: How long will you spend on the train? If it is long and takes more than five hours, first and business seats with much space and better comfort feelings are proper.
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  Distance: If you are traveling for long distance between two cities very far away and usually need over 10 hours, the sleepers on the overnight trains are absolutely your wiser choice. In such a way, you can have a good sleep on the train to save money spent on hotel at your destination, also, it keeps you away from getting too early in the following morning for catching the early flight for saving time or rushing for the meeting.
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  Quiet or Chat?: Do you like to talk with the fellow passengers? Or do you just need some quiet time on the train to view the beautiful scenery pass by. If you like to join the Chinese to have some conversation, choose the second class seats to get into the more easy-going environment; if you need more personal time and room, choose the seats beside window and first or business seat with less passengers in one carriage will be proper.
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  Comfortable: Do you care the comfort as the most important factor? If so, choose business seats that are the widest and best for your most comfortable position.
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  Sightseeing or Aisle?: Are you interested in the outside sightseeing? If yes, the window seats are no doubt to be chosen to appreciate every beautiful passing by during the train travel. Among all types of seats, there are two "sightseeing seats" in the Business Class Seats carriage on one high speed train, beside which the super large window offers the best position and experience for scenery. If you want to walk to the toilet or other places without excuse others, the aisle seats are better selection. Also, if you would like to have more legroom, the aisle seats would meet you better than others in the Second and First Class Seats carriage.
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  Budget: What your budget? Train ticket fare in China varies according to the different classes. If you are on a budget travel, choose second class seats, which also have been receiving the good reputation of world travelers.
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  Quick Getting On/ Off: Do you care about time waiting for getting off? If so, choose the seats near the aisle and the carriage door, so you can quickly collect your luggage and step on the platform once the door opens at your destination.
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  Your Group Size: How many people are there in your group? If you are traveling alone, either seat is OK. If you take the bullet train with another one person, the two seats side by side is the perfect, so you can choose the seats "D and F", or "A and B", so you can seat together and enjoy your chat. And if you are traveling with other two people, or like you are in a family group of three members, the three seats together on one side of the carriage is a better choice, which are seats "A, B, and C".