China Night Sleeper Train: Sleeper Types, Train Prices, Photos, Facilities, Comparisons

Many travellers planning overnight journeys in China, like from Beijing to Xi'an, often wonder about their sleeper train options and the onboard experience. We'll explore the different sleeper types (high-speed and ordinary trains), price ranges, onboard facilities, and detailed comparisons between classes to help you choose the perfect option for your journey.

China Overnight Sleeper Train Prices

In China, overnight sleeper trains are divided into high-speed rail (HSR) sleepers and regular sleeper trains. Generally, HSR sleepers are more expensive than regular ones, offering faster speeds and better facilities.

HSR sleeper prices vary depending on the train type, class, and distance, typically ranging from ¥200 to ¥1,500 (approx. £21-158). Regular sleeper train tickets differ based on the train type, class (hard sleeper/soft sleeper/deluxe soft sleeper), and route. Hard sleepers usually cost ¥200–600 (approx. £21-63), soft sleepers ¥300–1,000 (approx. £32-105), and deluxe soft sleepers ¥1,000+ (approx. £105+).

China sleeper train prices are mainly affected by the following factors:

1. Train Type

• High-speed rail sleepers (G/D trains) are pricier than traditional sleeper trains (Z/T/K trains) due to faster speeds and modern amenities.

2. Class of Service

• HSR Sleepers: EMU deluxe sleeper > EMU sleeper > first-class sleeper > second-class sleeper.
• Regular Trains: Deluxe soft sleeper > soft sleeper > hard sleeper.
• HSR sleepers offer 4-berth (first-class) or 6-berth (second-class) compartments, while regular trains have soft sleepers (4-berth) and hard sleepers (6-berth).

3. Berth Position

• Within the same cabin, the lower berth costs more than the middle berth, and the middle berth is pricier than the upper berth.

4. Distance Travelled

• Longer journeys mean higher fares. For example:
• Beijing to Xi’an (D train sleeper): ¥300–517 (approx. £32-54)
• Beijing to Guangzhou (D train sleeper): ¥520–987 (approx. £55-104)

5. Seasonal Pricing

• Prices may rise by 10–20% during holidays or peak travel seasons, while discounts are common in off-peak periods.

Here’s a price reference for some of the most popular routes on High-Speed Night Sleeper Trains and Traditional Sleeper Trains in China, based on official 12306 railway pricing. You can easily book your sleeper train ticket in just 3 minutes using your passport on Trip.com, paying in your local currency. For more popular sleeper train options and prices, you can also check Trip.com.

Types of Overnight Sleeper Trains in China

China Railway offers a variety of sleeper experiences. High-speed trains (G/D/C) provide four sleeper options: Second Class Sleeper (6-berth), First Class Sleeper (4-berth), and EMU Sleepers (4-berth), EMU Deluxe Sleeper (2-berth with sofa). While ordinary trains (Z/T/K) feature Hard Sleepers (6-berth), Soft Sleepers (4-berth), and premium Deluxe Soft Sleepers (2-berth with sofa).

Each type varies in privacy and comfort levels, allowing travellers to balance journey time and budget. Below is a comparison to help you choose the most suitable accommodation for your overnight trip.

After this table, we'll provide a detailed overview of each sleeper type, including cabin layouts, onboard facilities, and real photo references, so you can fully understand it before booking.

💰High-Speed Train: Second Class Sleeper (WE/二等卧)

Image source: Railway 12306

1. Berths & Space

• Berth Configuration: Open-plan 6-berth cabin (2 upper/middle/lower bunks each) with limited privacy.
• Cabin layout: Open-plan design without private doors; luggage racks above upper berth + lower berth storage available.
• Storage: Each berth includes clothing hooks and mesh storage pockets

2. Charging & Lighting

• Power: Each berth is equipped with two independent USB charging ports (5V/1A), and there are 220V power sockets in the carriage and under the aisle table.
• Lighting: Adjustable reading lights for each bunk.

3. Services & Facilities

• Bedding: Clean pillows/quilts/sheets (changed per journey); some trains provide disposable slippers.
• Temperature control: Most carriages have air conditioning with adjustable temperature.
• Facilities: Shared toilets, washbasins (hot water), and drinking water stations.

4. Practical Tips

• Luggage: Store large items at carriage-end racks to save space.
• Quiet Environment: Significantly quieter and smoother than hard sleeper carriages.
• Lighting Policy: Lights are turned off at a fixed time each night.
• Bunk Choice:
  Best: Lower bunks (most convenient)
  Avoid: Bunks near toilets (noisier)
  Booking: Reserve 7+ days early during peak seasons.

👍High-Speed Train: First Class Sleeper (WY/WR/一等卧)

Image source: Railway 12306

1. Berths & Space

• Private 4-berth cabin (2 upper/lower bunks) with locking door. Lower bunks feature padded backrests.
• Luggage storage: Overhead racks and under-bed space available.
• Soundproof corridor carpets with slow-retracting fold-down seats.

2. Charging & Lighting

• Charging points: Each berth has a USB charging port (5V/1A) plus 220V power sockets under compartment tables and along the aisle.
• Reading Lighting: Individual reading lights with adjustable brightness for each berth.

3. Services & Facilities

• Priority boarding: Access to Soft-seat waiting lounges at select stations.
• Bedding: Clean quilts/pillows (changed per trip) + disposable slippers, kettle, tissues and bins provided.
• Control panel: 5-level air vent, lighting/volume controls and call button.
• Facilities: Western/squat toilets, washbasins (hot water) and drinking water stations in each carriage.

4. Travel Tips

• Luggage: Store large items at carriage-end racks.
• Bunk selection: Prefer lower bunks; avoid toilet-adjacent berths for quietness.
• Booking: Reserve 7+ days in advance during peak seasons.

⭐High-Speed Train: EMU Sleeper (WR/动卧)

Image source: Railway 12306

1. Berths & Space

Berth configuration:

• Private 4-berth compartments (2 upper, 2 lower) with lockable doors or
• Vertical double-deck berths along aisle (upper/lower) with privacy curtains.
• 4-berth: Lower berths feature padded backrests.
• Vertical berths: Both levels have adjustable-angle backrests.

Layout:

• 4-berth: Overhead and under-berth luggage storage.
• Vertical berths: Personal table, individual window + curtain. Lower berth has under-bed luggage storage.

2. Charging & Lighting

• Charging: Each berth: USB port (5V/1A) + 220V sockets under tables/aisle.
• Lighting:
  Adjustable/rotatable reading lights per berth.
  Vertical berths: Added floor lighting to facilitate toileting at night.

3. Services & Facilities

• Bedding:
  Clean quilts/pillows (changed per journey) + disposable slippers.
  4-berth: Coat hooks + clothes hangers per berth.
• Controls:
  4-berth: air vent regulation + lighting controls by door.
  Vertical berths: Independent light switches per berth.
• Amenities:
  Light meal set (varies by train): Toothbrush, comb, alcohol wipes, towel, drinks, snacks, tea.
  Shared: Western/squat toilets, hot-water washbasins, drinking stations (hot/cold).

4. Practical Tips

• Luggage:
  Store large items at carriage-end racks.
  Use overhead (upper berth) or under-berth (lower) spaces.
• Seat selection:
  Prefer lower berths for convenience.
  Avoid berths near toilets (noise).
  Book 7+ days ahead in peak season.

💎High-Speed Train: EMU Deluxe Sleeper (WR/高级动卧)

Image source: Railway 12306

1. Cabin Features

Similar to traditional Deluxe Soft Sleeper but without private toilet

Private 2-berth cabin with lockable door, includes:

• 2 premium padded berths
• 1 leather sofa (2-seater)
• Wardrobe with hangers (above) and luggage storage (below)

2. Control Panel

• Temperature adjustment
• Lighting controls
• SOS emergency button
• TV controls (between berths)

2. Charging & Lighting

• Charging facilities: USB ports (5V/1A) at each berth + 220V power sockets under tables and in aisle
• Lighting: Adjustable reading lights for each berth

4. Services & Amenities

• Bedding package: Clean pillows, quilts and linens (changed after each journey)
• Additional amenities: Complimentary disposable slippers, Electric kettle, Daily newspaper, Tissues and waste bin
• Shared facilities: Western/squat toilets, Washbasins with hot water, Drinking water stations (hot/cold)
• Lounge area: Comfortable sofa seating in carriage

💰Ordinary Train: Hard Sleeper (YW/硬卧)

Image source: Baidu

1. Berths & Space

• Berth Configuration: Open-plan 6-berth cabin (2 upper/middle/lower bunks each) with limited privacy.
• Cabin layout: Open-plan design without private doors; luggage racks above the aisle + lower berth storage available.

2. Charging & Lighting

• Power: Limited sockets per carriage (2-4 outlets, may require queuing). 220V power sockets available near washbasins and under aisle tables.
• Lighting: No individual reading lights, and lights are turned off at a unified time at night.

4. Services & Amenities

• Bedding: Clean pillows/quilts/sheets (changed per journey); some trains provide disposable slippers.
• Facilities: Shared toilets, washbasins, and drinking water stations.

4. Practical Tips

• Luggage Storage: Use overhead aisle racks or space under lower berths for large items
• Bunk Selection:
  Best: Lower berth (only option allowing you to sit upright)
  Avoid: Middle/Upper berths (require climbing and bending over)
• Budget Option: Recommended only for cost-conscious travellers, as experience includes:
  Constant noise (announcements, foot traffic)
  Minimal privacy (open-plan 6-berth compartments)

👍Ordinary Train: Soft Sleeper (RW/软卧)

Image source: Baidu

1. Berths & Space

• Berth configuration:
  Private 4-berth compartment (2 upper, 2 lower berths) with lockable door
  Lower berths feature padded backrests
• Storage:
  Overhead and under-berth luggage storage
  Clothing hooks and mesh storage pockets at each berth
  One clothes hanger provided per berth
• Additional features:
  Soundproof corridor carpeting
  Self-retracting foldable aisle seats
  Full-length mirror on compartment door

2. Charging & Lighting

• Charging: 220V power sockets under tables and in aisle
• Lighting: Adjustable reading light for each berth

3. Services & Facilities

• Priority boarding: Access to soft-seat waiting lounges at selected stations
• Bedding: Clean pillows, quilts and linens (changed at terminal station), Disposable slippers (available upon request)
• Amenities: Electric kettle, Tissues and waste bin
• Controls: Air vent adjustment, Lighting controls, Broadcast volume control, Call button
• Facilities:, Toilets, Washbasins, Drinking water (hot/cold available)

4. Travel Tips

• Luggage:
  Store large items at carriage-end racks
  Use overhead (upper berth) or under-berth (lower) storage spaces
• Seat selection:
  Lower berths recommended for convenience
  Avoid berths near toilets (potential noise disturbance)
  Book at least 7 days in advance during peak seasons

💎Ordinary Train: Deluxe Soft Sleeper (RW/高级软卧)

The picture shows the Guangzhou-Shenyang Z14 Deluxe Soft Sleeper (from ￥1686.5)

Image credit: Tik Tok

1. Cabin Features

• Private 2-berth cabin with: Sofa seating area, Private toilet with shower, Wardrobe and storage cabinets
• Spacious lower berth with padded backrest
• Soundproof carpeting in corridor and cabin
• Amenities include: Full-length mirror on door, Storage net above berths, Adjustable vanity mirror

2. Charging & Lighting

• Charging: 220V power sockets under tables and in aisle
• Lighting: Bedside reading lights with 2 brightness levels

3. Services & Facilities

• Priority boarding at selected stations (soft-seat waiting lounges)
• Bedding: Fresh pillows, quilts and linens (changed per journey), Complimentary disposable slippers
• Toiletries provided: Toothbrushes (x2), cups (x2), towels (x2), Liquid soap, bar soap, toilet seat covers, Toilet paper and tissues
• Additional services: Wake-up call service, Electric kettle provided, Waste bin in cabin

4. Controls & Storage

• Control panel features: Air volume adjustment, Lighting controls, Broadcast volume control, Call button, TV controls
• Storage options: Under wardrobe luggage storage, Overhead storage above upper berth, Under-bed storage space

🚄China Sleeper Train: First Class Sleeper vs. Second Class Sleeper

The main differences between first-class and second-class sleepers on high-speed trains lie in berth layout, privacy, amenities, and price. First-class sleeper features enclosed 4-berth cabins with curtains for privacy, while second-class sleeper has open-plan 6-berth sections. With slightly wider beds and better amenities, first-class sleeper typically costs 30-50% more, making them the preferred choice for travellers who value comfort and privacy during their overnight journeys. See the table below for a more detailed comparison of first-class and second-class sleepers.

🚆China Sleeper Train: Hard Sleeper vs. Soft Sleeper

The main differences between hard sleeper and soft sleeper in traditional trains are layout, privacy, comfort and price. Hard sleeper features open-plan 6-berth sections with three-tier bunks, while soft sleeper offers enclosed 4-berth cabins with locking doors. With wider beds, better amenities and enhanced privacy, soft sleeper typically costs 50-67% more than hard sleeper and are ideal for travellers prioritising comfort on longer journeys. See the table below for a detailed comparison.

China Overnight Sleeper Train FAQs

1. What are the best overnight sleeper trains in China?
The best options include high-speed G/D sleeper trains and traditional Z/T/K trains with comfortable sleeping accommodations.

2. How much is the night sleeper train?
High-speed sleeper tickets range from ¥200-1,500 (£21-158), while traditional trains offer hard sleepers at ¥200-600 (£21-63), soft sleepers at ¥300-1,000 (£32-105), and deluxe options from ¥1,000+ (£105+).

3. How much is the overnight train from Beijing to Xi'an?
The D train sleeper from Beijing to Xi'an costs ¥300-517 (£32-54).

4. What are the different types of trains in China?
China offers high-speed G/D sleepers (2-6 berths) and traditional Z/T/K trains with hard/soft sleeper options.

5. What is the difference between 1st class and 2nd class sleepers in China?
1st class provides 4-berth cabins with more privacy, while 2nd class features 6-berth open sections at lower fares.

China Train Travel Guide