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Overnight Trains in China

Overnight trains are good choices for long-distance passengers to save daytime and hotel expense, especially those departing in the evening and arriving in the next morning. When taking an overnight train, sleepers are recommended to ensure a good rest, so one can work or go sightseeing energetically when getting off. Currently, 4 types of sleepers are offered on overnight trains in China: deluxe soft sleepers, soft sleepers, hard sleepers and new type soft sleepers.
 

Why travel by overnight trains in China?

Passengers can save the cost of a night at hotel, and save the daytime to work or go sightseeing. If you are planning to have a long-distance trip in China, overnight trains can be a cost-effective and time-saving transportation method.
 

Sleepers are recommended when taking an overnight train.

Passengers Getting on an Overnight Train
Passengers Getting on an Overnight Train

However, sitting for a whole night on a seat can be really uncomfortable, and we recommend passengers to book a sleeper ticket, so they can lie down to have a good sleep and be energetic to deal with their business or travel around when getting off. Currently, 4 types of sleepers can be found on Chinese overnight trains: soft sleepers, hard sleepers, new type soft sleepers and deluxe soft sleepers.
 

4 Types of Sleepers on Chinese Overnight Trains

Soft Sleepers - 4 Berths in a Compartment with Lockable Door

Soft sleepers are very common on overnight trains. They are in the private compartment with lockable doors. There are 4 berths in each compartment. On high speed trains, each berth has a power socket and a reading light; while in normal speed trains, there is one power socket shared by the passengers in the compartment, but you can find other charging points in the corridor.

Soft sleepers are good choices for family trips with children or groups of friends.

Soft Sleepers
Aisle in the Soft Sleeper Carriage
Soft Sleeper
A Soft Sleeper Cabin
 

Hard Sleepers - 6 Berths in an Open Compartment

Hard sleepers are the cheapest sleepers, usually half the price of a soft sleeper ticket. They are only available on normal speed trains. There are 6 berths in an open compartment. There are more passengers in hard sleeper carriage than other sleeper carriages, so the space for each passenger is smaller. And the environment is relatively noisy, because there is no door. Two power sockets are at the two ends of the carriage along the aisle.

If you have limited travel budget or failed to get other tickets, hard sleepers can be an option.

Hard Sleeper
Hard Sleeper Carriage
Hard Sleeper
6 Berths in a Hard Sleeper Cabin

New Type Sleepers - Berths Parallel to Running Direction

They can only be seen on high speed trains D311 and D312 running for Beijing - Shanghai route. The ticket price of this type is higher than hard sleepers, but a little bit lower than traditional type soft sleepers. They are arranged parallel to the running direction; and each berth has a shade curtain for privacy. There is a small table and a charging socket on each berth. And there is a window for each passenger. Passengers can also read books or do some other work by the reading lamp on each berth when the lights of the carriage are out.
 

Deluxe Soft Sleepers - 2 Berths in a Cabin with Lockable Door

Deluxe soft sleepers are the most expensive and comfortable sleepers. The prices are normally twice the price of a soft sleeper. They are not so frequently seen. It is in a compartment with a lockable door. Each compartment has 2 berths, a table, a sofa and a private washroom with a western style toilet in it. And there is one power socket in the compartment.

This type of sleeper is recommended to businessmen, couples and 2 friends traveling together who have adequate travel budget and high demand of travel experience.

Deluxe Soft Sleepers
A Deluxe Soft Sleeper Cabin
Deluxe Soft Sleepers
Independent Washroom Inside

10 Tips on Taking Overnight Trains in China

1. Lower berths are more suitable for passengers who are aged or have knee problems or backache.

2. On some trains, the staff will switch your ticket into a plastic card after you get onboard and they will switch them back when you are about to get off.

3. A pillow, sheet and a quilt will be provided on each berth.

4. If you have a lot of luggage, get onboard earlier to settle down your luggage on the luggage rack or under the lower berth. If you found there is no enough room, ask help from the railway staff.

5. Washrooms are at the end of each carriage except in the deluxe soft sleeper carriages. It is better to bring your own toilet paper and wet wipes, because they may not be provided on some trains.

6. Water places are also located at the end of the carriage; you can fetch boiled water there with your own bottle. Water from other taps is undrinkable.

7. There are sinks for washing purpose at the connection part of each carriage. You also need to pack your washing supplies like towel and toothbrush.

8. 07:00 - 08:30 and 21:00 - 22:30 are the rush hours of using toilet and washroom. You’d better avoid these periods.

9. If you are a light sleeper, an eye mask and earplugs can help you sleep better.

10. Download some music and movies before the trip or bring a book with you to kill time.

Soft Sleepers on Chinese Overnight Train
Luggage Space Under Lower Berth
Washing Basins
Washing Basins between Two Carriages
- Last updated on Jul. 22, 2024 -
Questions & Answers on Overnight Trains in China
Asked by Dennis from USA | Oct. 06, 2024 16:36Reply
Soft sleeper cabins - are the beds usually sold out in November?
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Oct. 10, 2024 00:14
00Reply


Soft sleepers are always in demand. You need to book as early as possible.
Asked by Est | Jul. 22, 2024 16:52Reply
Deluxe Soft Sleeper
Hi, I would like to try out a deluxe soft sleeper cabin.
Is there any way to determine upon booking if what is offered is deluxe sleeper? I can only see 1st Class, 2nd class sleepers on the booking app. Thanks!
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Jul. 22, 2024 23:15
00Reply


Only some train routes provide the deluxe soft sleeper. If there isn't a choice for deluxe sleeper after searching the route, then it's not provided.
Asked by Ala from POLAND | Mar. 12, 2024 14:21Reply
Suzhou to Xi'an
Hi, how can I get from Suzhou, Jiangsu to Xi'an?
Answers (1)
Answered by Rita | Mar. 21, 2024 00:41
00Reply


The best way is by direct high speed train. If you prefer fligt, you need to go to the nearby Wuxi Shuofang airport to take it. Suzhou does not have an airport.
Asked by Ala from POLAND | Feb. 11, 2024 04:12Reply
Trip from Fenghuang from Chongqing
Hi,
Is it possible to get to Fenghuang from Chongqing? What are the options?
Thank you
Answers (7)
Answered by Kina | Feb. 18, 2024 22:06
00Reply


There is no direct train available but you can take a high speed train from Chongqing West to Huaihua South and then take a train to Fenghuang. Generally, it takes about 4 hours from Chongqing to Huaihua and 0.5 hour to Fenghuang.
Answered by Alicja | Mar. 10, 2024 11:42
00Reply


Thank you for the answer. I booked the night train to Huaihua (怀化)- is it far from Huaihua South? Can I still get form there to Fenghuang?
Answered by Jessica | Mar. 10, 2024 18:25
00Reply


The distance between Huaihua and Huaihua South is about 10 km. It is available to take Bus Line 33 and K33 to get Huaihua South in 1 hour. The trains to Fenghuang only depart from Huaihua South.
Answered by Ala | Mar. 11, 2024 10:04
00Reply


Thank you a lot, this is a great help! And is there a possibility to get from Fenghuang to Tongren Fenghuang Airport?
Answered by Olivia | Mar. 11, 2024 22:53
00Reply


There are direct airport shuttle buses from Fenghuang to Tongren Airport. Duration is about 50 minutes and ticket fare is CNY25. But the timetable often changes based on the flight schedule. You may consult the hotel staff for details when arriving in Fenghuang. If you think it unreliable, it's also possible to hire a car to get to the airport.
Answered by Ala | Mar. 15, 2024 13:07
00Reply


Hi. Thank you for all the help!And can I get from Fenghuang(I will stay in Ancient City) to Xi'an by train? Or by other mean of transportation ?
Answered by Olivia | Mar. 18, 2024 19:09
00Reply


There is no direct train or any other direct transport means from Fenghuang to Xi'an. You can make a transfer in Changsha.
Asked by CD from UK | Jan. 27, 2024 03:54Reply
How can I ensure that my 4 soft sleeper tickets / my children will be all in the same compartment?
How can I ensure that my 4 soft sleeper tickets / my children will be all in the same compartment? We are a family of 4, with 2 children, and don't want to risk us getting separated. The app is recommended online but I understand it books ahead of the official train booking process opening so I don't want to avoid any risks. Is it better I get an agent to manage this and pay the relevant premiums? Thank you!
Answers (1)
Answered by Jesse | Jan. 28, 2024 22:29
00Reply


Hi, you can book train tickets with TravelChinaGuide and send your requirements to your travel consultant: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/. Generally, they will try to make it for you, but the result cannot be 100%. But if it is failed, you can get the refund.
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