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ChinaTravelZhejiang

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

by kumamonjeng April 6, 2020
written by kumamonjeng April 6, 2020
Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

With China High-Speed Rail service available widely, it is so convenient to travel from places to places within China.  My recent trip to China covered Zhejiang province, using high-speed rail from Shanghai to Suzhou as it is our first stop after Shanghai.  There are several tickets for High Speed.  Let’s start with the cheapest to the most expensive ticket and that is the second class seat, first-class seat, business class seat. We tried 3 of them during our travel in China so that we could see the difference. As for Shanghai to Suzhou route, we start with the business class seat.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

The high-speed trains run at a minimum speed of 200km per hour and it is certainly a better way to explore China than using buses. Now the high-speed rail network connects all major cities across the country as well as numerous towns. It is really very convenient and comfortable ride of a few hours.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

In total there are 4 main railway stations in Shanghai but Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai Railway Station are the most frequently used for high-speed trains.  There are networks going to most of the major cities nearby for these two railway stations.

Book your reservation online

We booked our reservation online before we arrived in China. I think it is better to do that as tickets are selling fast. Rather than paying at the counters, most people here have the habit of using their handphones to do any bookings.

Arrive 1-2 hour before departure

Please arrive at the station 1-2 hours ahead of your departure time. Shanghai Railway Station is huge and there are always lots of people. It can scare you and it can be difficult to navigate.

Once we arrived at the Shanghai Railway station we were pretty shocked as it is so huge and with lots of people.  We get panic for a while as we can’t just go in with our online reservation.  We need to go to a ticketing counter and then change the online reservation to the physical ticket.  Only with the ticket, we can enter the security checks at the entrance.

Go to foreigner counter to exchange your ticket

During my visit to Shanghai Railway Station, we could not find any counter that was opened with a staff.  Everything seems to have automated, we could only see ticketing machines line up in the ticketing room.  We asked the security in the station and they told us since we booked business class seat, we can just use our online reservation to enter, which means we don’t have to go to the counter to change the ticket.  Ticketing rooms are usually located outside the station, not inside the station.

Usually, you need to go to the counter for foreigner to get your ticket.  You also need to show proof of ID and that is your passport.

These days it is quite hard to find a ticketing counter with staff as most transactions are done with the machines.  A foreigner cannot purchase a ticket from the machines as it needs a local ID to perform the transaction.  All foreigner has to go through human intervention, that is to go through a staff.

Go through security scan at the entrance

Only after you obtain your ticket, you are then allowed to go through the security and enter the railway station. Most station in China has a security check at the entrance, all luggage, and bags needed to go through the scan and passengers are needed to walk past the metal detector.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

Business Class Lounge Review

There are many waiting halls in the train station and you will find yours on the ticket. The good thing about the business class seat is you have a special waiting area dedicated only to the business class seat ticket holder. Just like at the airport. Inside you will find snacks and beverages free for you to consume.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

All types of high-quality tea are available.  The signboard here says that “Snacks here taste good but please do not take out”.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

TV monitors showing all the train’s departure schedules.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

Sampling some of these snacks and local drinks.  The white bottle is the Chinese giant drinks company – Wahaha yogurt drinks, taste good.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

Those snacks are dried tofu, shanzha 山楂, dried marinated fish slices, and dried plum.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

At the business lounge.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

Local Chinese can use their ID to tap at the automated gate and enter the platform but for the foreigner, you have to go through the human check again.  Show your ID and ticket.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

Escalator to go down to the platform.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

The business class is usually at the front of the train.  Proceed to the front before the train arrives and line up to climb on board.  The high-speed train is very quiet and smooth.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

There are only 5 seats in the business class. A-tv screen, adjustable table for you to have your meal or work on your computer. The seat is great, few buttons at the side to choose how you want to position your seat. You can just press a button and the seat will automatically go to the horizontal position.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

Lots of room for your leg and luggage.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

The staff will bring you free drinks and snacks.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

I arrived in Suzhou, so please wait for my next review on first class and second class seats for the high-speed train in China.

Pricing

The business-class seat is the most luxurious seat and it cost about three times the price of a second class seat and about twice that of the first-class seat.  For Shanghai to Suzhou, the prices are as below:

Business Class Seat      

  • RMB 107.5 – 128.5 /USD 16 – 19

First Class Seat

  • RMB 54.5 – 69.5/USD 8 – 10

Second Class Seat

  • RMB 34.5 – 39.5/ USD 5 – 6

To answer the question -Is it worth it to travel on a Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

My answer is yes but you may not always get your seat as there are only 5 seats available.

Is it worth it to travel on Business class seat on China High-Speed Train?

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9 comments

Fran Back with a Bump April 7, 2020 - 6:10 am

This sounds a great way to travel

Reply
Melissa Cushing April 7, 2020 - 12:47 pm

I do not know that I would be traveling on any train in China right now…. but it does seem like a convenient way to travel and why pay more if you do not have to. Love that you can recline and lay back…pretty cool for sure.

Reply
Yeah Lifestyle April 7, 2020 - 2:40 pm

What a way to travel! I would certainly as the seat is so comfy and spacious and easy to sleep in and the business lounge looks fabulous as well

Reply
Sue-Tanya McHorgh (@suetanyamchorgh) April 7, 2020 - 4:09 pm

Travelling around in China right now is not on top list of things to do with all that’s is going on but it sure look like a cool ride.

Reply
Elizabeth Keene April 7, 2020 - 5:25 pm

I love the service provided in business class! The lounge and snacks are always a nice perk.

Reply
Catherine April 7, 2020 - 6:22 pm

I was not even aware of these high speed trains…very interesting and thanks for sharing your experience!

Reply
Fiona Cambouropoulos April 7, 2020 - 9:27 pm

Wow that certainly looks the way to travel in comfort if you can aford it. The seats look so spacious and really recline well. the longe is a bonus too and the fast tract ticketting.

Reply
Vasu Devan April 8, 2020 - 5:23 am

Looking at the prices and facilities, it looks like business class is really worth it. Hoping to get there one day!

Reply
forkwardthinkingfoodinista April 8, 2020 - 9:34 pm

We always do upgrades on our travel so completely get this. Glad you had a fab trip

Reply

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I am the travel writer for Thinkerten. I lived in Japan, Australia, Malaysia and now based in Singapore. Speak 4 languages, Japanese, English, Malay, and Chinese. There are the many types of travels one can experience and mine are mostly focus on self-driving/road trip to explore the places I wanted to see and learn about. Only if you get out of your country, you will see the real you and understand more about yourself, to realize of your own identity, your own culture, and your root.

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