HANDBOOK  /  PART 5  /  RAIL

China train types

Train letters at a glance

Code Chinese Typical role
G 高速动车组 Fastest high-speed trains
D 动车组 High-speed / EMU services
C 城际动车组 Intercity services
Z 直达特快 Direct express
T 特快 Express
K 快速 Conventional fast train

For most first-time visitors traveling between major cities:

G, D and C matter most.

Conventional trains

Z, T and K services can still be useful for overnight travel, sleeper journeys, routes without high-speed rail and lower fares.

Before booking, compare total journey time, station location, departure time, arrival time and seat or sleeper class.

Want the whole handbook offline?

All 80 chapters in one printable PDF, for no-signal days in China. Every chapter stays free here.

See all chapters

Last verified 2026-10-05. Procedures and limits change — check official sources before you travel.