| Class | Layout | Legroom | Price index | Wi-Fi & power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second (二等座) | 3+2 | Airline economy | 100 | Power at every seat pair, patchy Wi-Fi |
| First (一等座) | 2+2 | Generous | ~160 | Power at every seat, better Wi-Fi |
| Business (商务座) | 1+2 lie-flat | Pod | ~320 | Power, lounge access at major stations |
| Soft sleeper (软卧) | 4-berth compartment with door | Bed | ~150 of a G fare | Power in compartment |
Second class, defended
Chinese second class is not like European second class on a regional train. It is a modern carriage, quiet, with a seat-back table and power. On the 45-minute Shanghai–Hangzhou run, paying 60% more buys you eleven minutes of slightly wider shoulder room.
When first class earns it
- Legs over five hours — Beijing–Shanghai, Beijing–Xi’an, Shanghai–Chengdu.
- Working on the train. The 2+2 layout means no middle seat and far less foot traffic.
- Travelling with a large suitcase, because the aisles are wider.
- Night or early morning departures when you want to sleep.
Business class: usually not worth it
Lie-flat pods and lounge access are excellent. At three times the fare on a four-hour route, it is a corporate expense rather than a sensible upgrade. The exception is the Shanghai–Beijing flagship where business class on the 350 km/h trains is a genuinely different product.
The seat-assignment reality
There is no seat selection on most bookings. 12306 assigns seats, and couples occasionally get separated on busy trains. If it matters, book early and check the assignment immediately — one free change is usually available.