Sleepers on Chinese High Speed Trains

Sleepers are provided on some long-distance high speed trains in China with a journey time of more than 10 hours. Usually, these trains run overnight, allowing the passengers to lie down to sleep during the journey.

Currently, three types of sleepers are provided on Chinese high speed trains: traditional style soft sleepers, with four berths in each cabin; new style sleepers, with the berths arranged lengthwise along the aisle; and deluxe soft sleepers with two berths in each cabin.

Among the three types of sleepers, the deluxe soft sleeper tickets are the most expensive, and the new style sleeper tickets are the cheapest. 
 

Traditional Style Soft Sleepers: Two Double-deck Berths in Each Cabin

On an overnight high speed train, carriage No.2 to carriage No.15 are usually the soft sleeper carriages. These carriages are divided into 10 small cabins, each with two double-deck berths. Every cabin has a sliding door to separate the cabin and the corridor, to create a private space for the passengers inside. Each berth is 190cm (75 in) in length and 75cm (30 in) in width. 

Inside the cabin, a thermos is provided to allow the passengers to fetch hot water from the end of the carriage. On each berth, there is an LCD TV, a reading lamp, clothes hangers, a pair of disposable slippers and headphone prepared for the passenger. Passenger can also charge their electronic products by the socket on the wall.

Due to their privacy and generous space, soft sleepers are recommended for families traveling with children, or groups of friends.

Soft Sleepers on China High Speed Train

New Type Sleepers: Double-deck Berths along the Aisle Lengthwise

These came into service in 2017 and are only available on D311 and D312 running between Beijing and Shanghai currently. This type of sleeper is arranged parallel to the running direction of the train. This is designed with an emphasis on maximizing passenger comfort: passengers no longer get nauseous from sleeping in a position transverse to the running direction of the train. Each berth is 195 cm (77 in) in length and 75 cm (30 in) in width and includes a shade curtain to create a private space. Additionally, each berth has an independent exterior window. Inside the berth, there is a small rack for passengers to put luggage, and a small table to put things like snacks or a laptop. Passengers can also put their larger luggage under the lower berth. Each berth has a reading lamp with both warm light and cold light and a socket to charge their electronic products.

The prices of the new type soft sleeper tickets are the cheapest among the three types. It is recommended more for solo travelers.

New Type Sleepers on China High Speed Train

Deluxe Soft Sleepers: One Double-deck Berth in Each Cabin

This type of sleeper is on very few trains. Each cabin only has one double-deck berth to ensure a large living space for the passengers. Each berth is 200 cm (79 in) long and 80-85 cm (31-33 in) wide. The cabin also has a lockable door to create a quiet and private environment. Besides the reading lamp, clothes hangers, disposable slippers, headphone and other facilities which also can be found in traditional soft sleeper cabins, this kind of cabin also has a sofa, a closet and a private restroom with western-style toilet.

It is the most expensive and comfortable type on high speed trains. This type of sleeper is usually the choice of businessmen and couples with high comfort requirements and sufficient travel budgets.

Deluxe Soft Sleepers on China High Speed Train
 

5 Tips for Travelling on the Sleepers of Chinese High Speed Trains

1. The fare for some high speed sleeper trains fluctuate from time to time. The prices are usually higher on weekends, holidays and festivals.

2. Some of these high speed sleeper trains are not operated daily, but only every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

3. A free snack-box may be provided to the passengers of sleeper carriages on a few trains, but it is normally not enough to satisfy a grown person. So, we recommend you eat before boarding, or take some food with you.

4. All sleeper berths come with a sheet, a pillow and a quilt.

5. Except for the deluxe soft sleeper carriages, the washrooms are at the end of the carriages and shared by all passengers in the carriage. Toilet paper is provided but it may not last, so it is recommended you bring some with you. No shower facilities are provided, but there are a few wash-basins for passengers to wash hands and face. Wash supplies are not provided either, so bring them also.
 

Why travel by Chinese high speed sleeper trains?

Though the overnight high speed sleeper train takes more time than flying, it still enjoys their own advantages:

1. It leaves more time for sight-seeing or working during the day.

2. It provides more moving space than an airplane and passengers can lie down to travel more comfortably. 

3. It runs steadily on land, so passengers do not need to worry about flight height, upper air pressure and turbulence.

- Last updated on Nov. 04, 2024 -
Questions & Answers on Sleepers on Chinese High Speed Trains
Asked by Ernie from DEUTSCHLAND | Oct. 24, 2024 06:55Reply
Still any Double-deck Berths along the Aisle?
I see there have been more trains with those new "Single Berths" along the aisle from Hong Kong and Shenzhen/Guangzhou to Beijing or Shanghai. But it seems they are all replaced?

On the 903/904/927 I can only find 2nd Class Seats, nor more sleeper.

The Single-Berth Sleepers from Hong Kong G898,G900,G897,G899 have changed into new 4 Berth according to https://www.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/en/latest-news/SleeperTrain.html

Are there any more sleeper trains with this special Double-deck Berths along the Aisle between HK/Shenzhen/Ghuangzhou/Beijing/Shanghai at the Moment?

Thank you!
Chris
Answers (2)
Answered by Emily | Oct. 24, 2024 20:19
00Reply


As I know, G897, 898, 899, 909 all have double-deck berths along the aisle now.
Answered by Ernie | Oct. 25, 2024 04:39
00Reply


Thank you for your reply! Unfortunately, they changed from 1st October to 4-berth cabin according to the MTR Website i stated before.
Asked by Derry Andriany from INDONESIA | Jun. 13, 2024 06:57Reply
How to request to be together in one cabin
Hello , I have booked sleeper train Ticket for my family ( 4 person ) , will we automatically be at the same cabin? or should I oder in advance? Thank you
Answers (6)
Answered by Emily | Jun. 13, 2024 18:45
00Reply


You may not be in the same cabin but it may happen if you book very earlier and many cabins are empty.
Answered by Derry Andriany | Jun. 14, 2024 06:36
00Reply


I already booked the tickets for 1st of january 2025 , and I am traveling with my kids , is it possible for early request?
Answered by Yvonne | Jun. 16, 2024 22:20
00Reply


Hi
Where to book trian tickets?
Thank u
Answered by Keith | Jun. 17, 2024 02:20
00Reply


You can book in advance through TravelChinaGuide hassle-free on this page: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
Answered by Leo | Jun. 17, 2024 18:08
00Reply


Derry Andriany, it's OK for early request at present. China railway tickets are released by the official 15 days before departure.
Answered by Derry andriany | Jun. 18, 2024 08:44
00Reply


Shanghai to beijing
Asked by Nash from INDONESIA | May. 31, 2024 22:34Reply
D311 and D312 Still Exist?
I want to experience the D311 or D312 train that suit solo traveller in June 2024, I cannot find any ticket for this type of train. I really want to experience from Beijing to Shanghai. Not High Speed Train, but normal train but preferable with Soft berth (first class), Kindly advise me please?
Answers (1)
Answered by Marcy | Jun. 02, 2024 23:31
00Reply


From Beijing to Shanghai, D311 and D312 are not available now, but the overnight D8, D6, D10 and T110 are in service which have soft berth. You can book with TravelChinaGuide easily.
Asked by N from NEW ZEALAND | May. 23, 2024 18:31Reply
Haikou to Beijing
Hello
What is the best train to book from Haikou to Beijing in November 2024? I am solo female traveller so concerned about my safety
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | May. 24, 2024 00:32
00Reply


No bullet train runs between. The normal train Z112 and Z502 is in service, taking 36 or 34 hours in total. You don't have to worry about your safety on the train at all. It's very safe.
Asked by Winnie Tham from SINGAPORE | May. 01, 2024 02:25Reply
Can I buy 4 tickets on first class sleeper for 2 people?
Answers (1)
Answered by Randy | May. 06, 2024 01:34
00Reply


As I know, you can. Just pay for all the 4 sleepers.
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