Seat class is the comfort level of your seat on a China train. On the fast trains you will mostly choose between second class, first class and business class.
What each class looks like
Second class has compact seats arranged 2+3 across the car[1]. It is the everyday choice and the easiest to find.
First class has larger seats arranged 2+2 across the car, with more legroom[2]. There is no middle seat, so nobody sits wedged between two others.
Business class is available on G trains only, with electrically reclining seats plus a complimentary meal on some trains[3]. It is the quietest, and it is the only class that depends on train type.
Where you will meet it on a trip
You choose the class on the booking page when you buy a ticket, so it is worth deciding before you search. The same city pair can show three prices for three classes on one train, and prices move with the season. Our budget planner lets you plug in today’s quotes.
One practical tip
For a day with grandparents, match the class to the length of the leg. A short city hop is comfortable in second class, but a long leg may suit first class better. Read your train type first, using the G train and D train entries.