
Planning your train journey in China? Our seat maps clearly show the layout of all classes: Business Class, First Class and Second Class on high-speed trains, and Hard Seat and Soft Seat on ordinary trains. You'll learn how to pick window (A/F) or aisle (C/D) seats, and understand the different seating configurations (1+1, 2+2, 3+2). Our guides cover both high-speed and ordinary trains, making your seat selection easy.
🚄 China High-Speed Train Seat Map

China High-Speed Train Seat Distribution Map

China High-Speed Train Seat Layout Map
China's high-speed trains offer three types of seating: Business Class, First Class and Second Class. Each has a different layout. Business Class adopts a 1+1/2+1 layout, meaning there are 2 to 3 seats in each row. First Class follows a 2+2 layout, with two seats on each side. Second Class has 3+2 seating, with three seats on one side and two on the other. The seat numbering works like planes. Letters A and F are always window seats. C and D mark aisle seats. You won't find an E seat - this follows international airline practice.
🔻China High-Speed Train Business Class Seat Map

🔻China High-Speed Train First Class Seat Map

Image source: Railway 12306
🔻China High-Speed Train Second Class Seat Map

🚆See more China train seat types
🚆 China Ordinary Train Seat Map
🔻Hard Seat (硬座)

Image credit: Baidu
- Layout: Standard 3+2 seating (middle rows), 2+2 at carriage ends
- Window Seats:
- Standard carriages: Numbers ending in 0/4/5/9 + seat 1
- With conductor's office: Numbers ending in 3/4/8/9 + seats 001, 112, 122
- Aisle Seats:
- Standard: Numbers ending in 2/3/7/8
- Conductor's office: Numbers ending in 0/1/2/5/6/7
- Capacity: 118-seat (window: 0/4/5/9), 116-seat (window: 2/3/7/8), 112-seat (window: 4/5/8/9)
- Features: Basic overhead racks, shared tables, curtains, end-of-carriage toilets
🔻Soft Seat (软座)

- Layout: Comfortable 2+2 configuration
- Window Seats: Typically follow a "2ⁿ or 2n-1" pattern – for example, seats 3, 4, 11 are common window positions.
- Features:
- Padded seats with extra legroom
- Air-conditioning
- Cleaner toilets
- Common on short-distance/intercity routes
China Train Seat FAQs
Q: What are the different seats on China trains?
A: China trains offer Business, First and Second Class on high-speed trains, and ordinary trains offer hard seats and soft seats.
Q: What are the different seats on the Bullet Train?
A: Bullet trains have Business Class (1+1/2+1), First Class (2+2) and Second Class (3+2) seats.
Q: What is the difference between first class and second class on China bullet train?
A: First Class has wider 2+2 seating and more space, while Second Class uses 3+2 layout with standard comfort.
Q: What is the difference between hard seat and soft seat on China trains?
A: Hard Seat has basic 3+2 benches, while Soft Seat offers padded 2+2 chairs with more legroom.
Q: Can I choose a seat on a China train?
A: Yes, you can select window/aisle seats when booking online (A/F=window, C/D=aisle).
Q: How do I know where my seat is on a train?
A: Check your ticket for codes like "10车13F" - this means Carriage 10, Row 13, Seat F (window seat).