Business class seats are available on some
high speed trains in China. The carriages are usually located in the fore or back part of the train and separated from other carriages by automatic doors to provide a quiet environment. There are two or three seats in a row with the arrangement of 2+1 AC-F, 2+0 AC or 1+1 AF. Seats A and F are located by the window. A ticket for business class is typically double the price of a seat in first class and three times the price for a second class ticket. The business class seats are particularly ideal for business people and high-end users with sufficient travel budgets.
What does the Business Class Seat look like?
Business class seats are sofa-like leather armchairs, independent from each other. They can be adjusted from sitting angle to flat angle, with a total length of 180 - 190 cm (71 - 75 in), allowing the majority of the passengers to lie down and have a good rest. The interval between two rows is 200cm (79 in), so there is no worry of interrupting the passengers of the other rows when lying down. The head rest is the same width of the armchair and can be used as a pillow when the passenger is lying flat. Blankets and waist pillows are also provided and passengers can ask the attendant should they require them. All seats are also rotatable so passengers can choose which direction to sit towards.
On the armrest, passengers can find a tray table, a multimedia entertainment pad and a power port. There is also a reading lamp on one side of the chair with a dimming system. Passengers can press the buzzer to call the attendant when they need help.
The luggage racks are on both sides of the carriage above the chairs. The floor is covered by carpet and the light in the carriages is warm. Restrooms for business class passengers only are outside the carriages and have both hot and cold water.
| |  | | Free beverages are provided onboard. | |
Special Facilities and Services for Business Class Seat Passengers
Special Waiting Area at Railway Stations
At some big railway stations, business class seat passengers may have a special waiting area, which is relatively quiet. Free Wi-Fi, free beverages, free snacks, newspapers and magazines are offered in the special waiting area.
Priority of Earlier Boarding
A business class ticket also entitles passengers to earlier boarding priority and at some departure stations, there may be railway staff guiding them through the VIP channel.
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| Enough Space for Lying |
Free Porter Service
Porter service can be found at some big stations and business class seat passengers may enjoy this service for free at some stations.
Free Travel Bag
For some long-distance trips, passengers will be provided with a pair of disposable cotton slippers, a travel package with earplugs, earphones, blindfold, wet wipes, shoe covers and a bag of snacks.
Free Beverages
On some lines, free beverages may also be provided. Passengers can choose the beverages they want and free refills are available.
Free Meals
If the trip covers meal time, a free meal may be provided for business class passengers.
Who the Business Class Seats are recommended to?
From the information above, you now know that a seat in business class carriage offers quality comfort, space and excellent services and facilities. It is also the most expensive ticket available. A business class seat on a China high speed train is the equivalent of a first class seat on an airplane. They are recommended to passengers with sufficient travel budgets and high demand of travel experiences.
Further Reading:
General Introduction on China High Speed Trains:
High Speed Rail Lines between Major Cities:
- Last updated on Oct. 30, 2024 by Grace Yang -
