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.
China's calling! Explore year-end deals for your China getaway!
Codes drop on China Tuesdays at 10am!
🏨 $25 off China Hotels, min. spend $250
🎭 $25 off China Tours & Activities, min. spend $250
💰$15 off China bookings, min. spend $150
🔥 $50 off China bookings, min spend $500
🚄 50% off China High Speed Rail (Capped at $20)
🤳 20% off China eSIM, no min spend (Valid till 31 Dec 2025)
Grab your promo now: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/tetris/promo/sg-cn/
Looking for something more personalised? Try our private customised tour! Plan your journey, your way - from Shanghai city tours to Yunnan’s natural wonders. Choose your route, set your pace!
P.S. China just rolled out a digital e-arrival card — so yes, it’s now even easier to go. Find out more here!
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.
How to Board (and Upgrade) Your High-Speed Train in China
Once you arrive at the station, you’ll first go through security and bag checks, followed by a passport scan. The process is straightforward, just allow a little buffer time in case of queues.
If you’re hoping to upgrade your ticket, you may head to the Customer Service counter before entering the boarding area. If an upgrade is available, they’ll handle it on the spot. Your original Klook booking purchase will be refunded (exclusive of booking fee) and you’ll make payment directly for your upgraded ticket.
If you’re not upgrading, simply proceed to your boarding gate, the gate number will be clearly printed on your ticket.
At the Boarding Gate
Look out for the Manual Ticket Channel (this is the lane for foreign passport holders). Gate opening times will be displayed on the screens overhead (keep an eye on the timing!).
After you pass the gate, head to the platform. You’ll see a digital screen showing a colour. Just match the colour on the screen to the car number on your ticket and you are all set!
Bonus: The Business Class Experience
Here's what you can expect if you upgrade to Business Class! You will find that Business Class feels calm and private, with fewer than 10 pods in the cabin. It's also more relaxing as the seats here can recline fully into a lie-flat position, which is especially comfortable for longer journeys.
Psst...You’ll also be welcomed with a towel, drinks and light snacks too! Talk about the ultimate experience.
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.
