What's it like on board the China High Speed Rail between Beijing and Shanghai
Planning your China train travel and wondering whether to splurge on First Class or stick with Second Class on the China High-Speed Rail (HSR)? Let us share our recent experience with all the information you’ll need.
My recent journey from Beijing to Shanghai gave me the perfect opportunity to put both to the test. My friend and I decided to split the difference: one of us got a First Class ticket and the other a Second Class ticket, turning our trip into a fun, real-world comparison.
Here’s what we found!
Booking Your China HSR Tickets: Seamless & Digital
First things first, getting on board is incredibly easy. We booked our seats on Klook, which meant no physical tickets were needed. All you have to do is scan your passport at the gate. We've noticed this passport-scanning method is a very common way to enter attractions in China too, making travel incredibly streamlined.
Second Class China High-Speed Rail: Comfort Meets Value
My initial impressions of the Second Class cabin were surprisingly positive! It looked great with a 3-2 seat configuration, and it immediately felt comfortable.
There's a good amount of legroom, making it perfectly suitable for even longer journeys. The seats can be reclined and also comes with a foldable table.
The Second Class cabin is definitely a simple, no-frills, and comfortable way to get from point to point. If you're looking for an efficient and affordable way to travel across China without compromising on basic comfort, Second Class HSR is a fantastic option.
First Class China High-Speed Rail: Space, Serenity & Surprising Perks
Stepping into the First Class cabin was a different experience entirely. The first thing that stood out was how empty the First Class cabin was, offering a sense of calm and exclusivity.
The seats here are noticeably wider and offer significantly more legroom compared to Second Class. If personal space is a priority, this is a clear win.
We tried ordering lunch via an online menu, but honestly, the options were pretty limited. My top tip for HSR China First Class? You might want to buy your food at the station and bring it on board instead.
However, here’s a delightful bonus: We actually got free snacks and drinks in First Class, which was totally unexpected! (And no, my friend in Second Class did not get those free snacks!)
Shared Amenities in the Cabins: Consistency Across Classes
While the seating experience is different, some aspects of the China High-Speed Rail remain consistent across both classes, ensuring a pleasant journey for everyone:
- Luggage Storage: Don't fret about your bags; there are designated spaces to store your luggage in both cabins, ensuring a clutter-free journey.
- Washrooms: We noticed that the washrooms in both First and Second Class were exactly the same. They're clean, simple, and get the job done – nothing particularly fancy, but perfectly functional.
- Dining Cabin: If you need more food or drinks than what's offered or what you brought, there's a dining cabin where you can order food and drinks regardless of your ticket class.
The Verdict: Which China HSR Class is Right for Your Journey?
Our total journey from Beijing to Shanghai was about 4 hours. We spent that time resting, enjoying the views, and even catching up on some work. So, when planning your China HSR travel, which class should you choose?
- Second Class is incredibly comfortable, efficient, and offers fantastic value for getting you where you need to go without any fuss. The legroom is good, and it's a solid choice for most travelers and budgets.
- First Class offers more space, wider seats, and that little bonus of free snacks and drinks. If you prefer a quieter cabin, appreciate the extra legroom, and don't mind the added cost for a touch more comfort, it's definitely a worthwhile treat.
Ultimately, China's High-Speed Rail is an amazing way to travel between major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Both classes promise a comfortable journey, and you'll arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to explore!
More inspiration to plan your China trip!
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
