Chine offers a wide variety of train types with different classes. Here we'll focus specifically on overnight trains, which can be an original way to spend the night.

Distances between travel destinations in Chine can be considerable, and taking the overnight train is a smart alternative to save money on a hotel night and time during your stay.

Some of our itineraries include spending a night aboard a train, allowing you to discover this widely-used mode of transport in Chine. To learn more about overnight trains in Chine, here's some helpful information to better prepare you for this unique experience.

Classes of Overnight Trains in Chine

Trains in Chine have four distinct classes: soft sleeper bunks, hard sleeper bunks, soft seats, and hard seats. Of course, to enjoy a comfortable night and sleep well, it's best to opt for soft sleeper bunks. However, all available berths may already be reserved, which is very common during Chinese holiday periods. It's essential to know all your options and prepare accordingly.

Soft Sleeper Bunks

Soft sleeper bunks are typically grouped four to a cabin, which is quite spacious and secured by a lockable door. The bedding is comfortable with plush pillows and a provided blanket. Soft sleeper cabins offer more privacy and are perfect for couples, groups of friends, or solo female travelers. That said, they can also be shared with complete strangers, which sometimes leads to pleasant encounters.

"Soft sleep" cars also feature adjoining bathrooms with both squat toilets and Western-style toilets.

Hard Sleeper Bunks

Hard sleeper bunks are arranged six per cabin (three bunk beds facing each other) in more cramped compartments that open directly onto the aisle. Space is therefore much more limited, and it's best to keep an eye on your belongings. The bunks don't necessarily allow for sitting up, but they're still reasonably comfortable for a short night. Prefer the lower or middle bunks, which offer slightly more space than the upper berth. A pillow and quilt are provided, as temperatures tend to drop during the night.

You won't find bathrooms in these cars, and toilets are squat-style only.

Soft Seats and Hard Seats

It's less common to spend the night in seats, but it can happen. Soft seats or "Soft seat" are arranged in rows of four, allowing you to stretch your legs and get comfortable. However, the night won't necessarily be the most restful.

For "hard seats", these are rows of five (3+2) with firmer, less comfortable seating. Hard seats are truly the last option to choose for traveling overnight if you want to sleep. That said, traveling in the lowest class allows you to experience something truly unique and meet remarkable people—a consolation when you have no other choice!

In summary: if you want to sleep, choose "soft sleep"; but if you want to experience a truly unique travel adventure, opt for "hard sleep" instead.

Preparing for Your Night Train

Before boarding the overnight train to your next destination, it's always wise to prepare and ensure you don't forget anything, so the journey is as pleasant as possible. Regardless of which class you choose, overnight journeys are often long and require some preparation.

Bring Food and Drinks

You're bound to feel a little hungry during the journey. Although train staff pass through the cars with carts of snacks and beverages, prices are often steep and selection is limited. It's therefore wise to bring your own food and drinks.

All trains have hot water dispensers, perfect for brewing tea, coffee, or even instant noodles.

Toiletries

You'll greatly appreciate being able to freshen up before and after the night. A small bar of soap and a towel will do the trick. Remember to pack tissues or toilet paper, which aren't always provided in train restrooms, as well as hand sanitizer to disinfect before eating or after using the toilet. Small wet wipes for freshening up or cleaning your hands can also be very pleasant and take up minimal space in your bag.

Warm Clothing or Pajamas

You might consider wearing pajamas for extra comfort during the night. Don't forget to bring a sweater or jacket, as temperatures can drop significantly—as mentioned earlier, nights can become quite cold depending on your location. Additionally, it's common for train cars to run air conditioning at full blast all night, which can be unpleasant even in summer.

Earplugs and a Sleep Mask

For those sensitive to noise or light, it's advisable to bring earplugs and a sleep mask. While in soft sleeper compartments you can turn off the light yourself, your neighbors may not be ready to sleep yet. In other classes, lighting is controlled by train staff, so you may have to endure bright lights late into the night. Earplugs will dampen the typical train noise as well as sounds from other passengers who may not want to sleep at the same time as you.

It's then up to you to decide how you'd like to spend your time during this overnight journey.