Sleepers on Chinese High Speed Trains

Chinese name: 动卧 (dong wo)

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. 

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.

Chinese name: 高级动卧 (gao ji dong wo)

This type of sleeper is on very few trains, so always in great demand and the tickets are always difficult to get. Each cabin only has one double-deck berth to ensure a large moving 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 and a closet. 

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.

Chinese name: 一等卧 (yi deng wo)

First class sleeper carriages are often separated into 11 cabins, each with two double-deck berths. They have similar facilities with the above mentioned soft sleeper carriages; the difference is that first class sleepers are set in Fuxing trains while the soft sleepers often appear on Hexie trains. Passengers can regulate the temperature, volume of broadcast and room light by turning the knob on the wall by the door. Each carriage is also equipped with an emergency call device. When passengers press the button, their compartment number will display on the screen in attendant’s room.

Chinese name: 二等卧 (er deng wo)

Second class sleeper carriages have 11 compartments with two triple-deck berths: upper, middle and lower sleepers. Each berth is equipped with USB charging ports and a reading lamp with adjustable light. The cabins on second class sleeper carriage are semi private space without doors. A small table and two foldable seats are set in the corridor opposite the cabin. 

The prices of second class sleeper tickets are the cheapest among the five types, so it may be the best choice for travelers with limited budgets.

Chinese name: 动卧 (dong wo)

These came into service in 2017 and are only available on D902 and D901 running between Beijing and Shenzhen 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.

This type of sleeper is recommended more for solo travelers.