China Train Types G, D and C Explained

Every China train number starts with a letter that tells you what kind of service it is. For high-speed travel you’ll mostly see G, D, and C.

G — Gaotie (高铁)

The fastest trains, running up to 350 km/h on dedicated high-speed lines. A number like G1 or G103 is a high-speed service. These are what you want for long city-to-city trips such as Beijing–Shanghai.

D — Dongche (动车)

Express electric multiple units running at 200–260 km/h. Often slightly slower than G trains on the same corridor — and usually a bit cheaper. A good value option when a D train fits your schedule.

C — Chengji (城际)

Short-distance intercity trains linking nearby cities, such as Beijing–Tianjin or within the Pearl River Delta. Fast, frequent, and turn-up-and-go.

How to read a train number

The first character is the type, the rest is the service number:

• G103 → a high-speed (G) train, service 103.
• D2285 → an express EMU (D) train.
• C2581 → an intercity (C) train.

You’ll also occasionally see Z, T, and K trains — these are older, slower long-distance trains (express, fast, and ordinary), not high-speed services. For the modern bullet-train experience, stick to G, D, and C.