Chinese trains are divided according to their speed into various classes, identified with different letters and numbers. Passenger trains are numbered by a capital Chinese phonetic letter followed by numerals. The letters refer to different classes of trains: 
Electric Multiple Unit Train 
G – High-Speed Electric Multiple Units (EMU) Train, Gaotie (高铁) in Chinese.
This is the fastest EMU train running for long distance in China, the top speed of which could reach 350km/h. Currently, the G-train could finish the 1,068-kilometers Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway in 3 hours, the 301-kilometers Shanghai-Nanjing High-Speed Railway in 73 minutes and the 458-kilometers Zhengzhou-Xian High-Speed Railway in 2 hours.
C – Intercity EMU Train, Chengji Lie Che (城际列车) in Chinese
This is also the fastest EMU train in China, but runs for short travel distance between two nearby cities, such as the 120-kilomter's Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway.
D – Electric Multiple Units (EMU) Train, Dongche (动车) in Chinese
These trains are also called Hexiehao (和谐号, Harmony) or bullet trains in China. The designed top speed is 250km/h. These trains have been widely used for serving fast and frequent transport between main cities, such as Beijing-Shanghai, Shanghai-Suzhou and Shenzhen-Guangzhou. 
T - Express Train
Z – Direct Express Train, Zhida (直达) in Chinese
The top speed of Z-trains is 160km/h, which is the most efficient transport for long-distance travel except of the EMU trains. Generally, Z-trains have none-stop on the way, but some of them have several stops. On the other hand, some Z-trains are equipped with only soft-sleepers and soft-seats.
T – Express Train, Tekuai (特快) in Chinese
The T-trains have limited stops on the routes, mainly in these major cities. The highest speed is 140km/h. Almost every T-series of train is equipped with soft-sleeper, soft-seat, hard-sleeper and hard-seat.
K – Fast Train, Kuaiche (快车) in Chinese
The top speed of K-trains is 120km/h, having more stops than the T-trains. The K-series of trains is equipped with air-condition and the four classes of train berths. 
K - Fast Train Accommodation Fast Train – Pukuai (普快) in Chinese
These trains' numbers are identified with four digits. Its highest speed is 120km/h but runs slower than the K-train as a result of more stops on the way. Currently, a few of Accommodation Fast Trains are not equipped with air-condition.
Accommodation Train – Puke (普客) in Chinese
With 100km/h's highest speed, this should be the slowest train, having as many stops as possible. The trains are also numbered with four digits. Most of the trains don't have air-condition at all.
Commuter Train – Tongqinche (通勤车) in Chinese
These trains are specially taken by railway staffs, so they are not opened to public passengers. 
Accommodation Train
L – Temporary Train, Linke (临客) in Chinese
This series of L-trains is in operation only during the peak travel time, such Chinese Spring Festival and the National Holiday. These trains will not be listed in the official fixed train schedule. It is not advised to take L-trains if you have other options as they are routinely subject to delays.
Y – Tourist Train
Y-trains are for the convenience of tourist and their destinations are the popular sights. For example, there are EMU Y-trains departing from Beijing North Railway Station to suburban Yanqing County, which is a transfer station to Badaling Great Wall.
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