China Train TypesHigh-Speed RailG ("Gaosu", High Speed Train)This is a series for long-distance high-speed trains. These are generally the fastest services available and the top speed can be up to 350km/h (217mph) but are limited to 300km/h (186mph) operationally. As such they generally serve only lines capable of such speeds. G1–G5998 is used for the trains that run in more than one railway bureau's territory, while G6001–G9998 is used for the trains that run in only one railway bureau's territory.China Standard EMU in Dalian North Railway StationD ("Dongche", EMU Train)This series has become available after the sixth rise in speed of the railway on April 18, 2007. The top speed will be up to 250km/h but are limited to 200km/h operationally. These trains are powered using CRH series electric multiple units(EMUs) named "Harmony" (Chinese:和谐号, Hexiehao). D1–D3998 for the trains running through two or more railway bureaus, D4001–D9998 for the trains running within one railway bureau. While most "D" Services run on high-speed rails, a limited number of services do travel over conventional railways at conventional speeds for a portion of their journey to connect some cities off the high-speed network.As of 2009, D-series trains provide fast frequent service between main cities in China. For example:Beijing–Shijiazhuang(2 hours travel time),Taiyuan(3 hours travel time),Handan(3–3.5 hours travel time),Zhengzhou(5 hours travel time).Guangzhou–Shenzhen(1 hour travel time)Shanghai–Nanjing(2 hours travel time),Hangzhou(1.5 hours travel time), some continuing to destinations beyond such as Zhengzhou and Hankou.Besides, a few other nighttime D trains go to more remote destinations, such as the services between Shanghai and Beijing.CRH3 EMU Train PictureC ("Chengji", Intercity High-Speed Train)This series has become available after August 1, 2008 with the opening of Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail. It represents the EMU trains with shorter travel distances, and mainly running within one railway bureau. The top speed is 350km/h (e.g. Beijing-Tianjin) but most operate from 160–250km/h. C1–C1998 for the trains running through two or more railway bureaus, C2001–C9998 for the trains running within one railway bureau. Some of these services run more as commuter trains to/from satellite cities surrounding major urban centres or from downtown to the airport, as at Lanzhou.A Intercity High-Speed Train from Beijing to TianjinConventional RailZ ("Zhida", Non-Stop Express)'Z' trains, though their name in Chinese (Chinese:直达; pinyin:Zhídá) technically implies a "non-stop" overnight train, some of these trains have several stops between the two stations. The majority have both soft sleepers and hard sleepers, while some Z trains have only soft sleepers. The top speed is 160km/h. It uses the numbers Z1-Z9998 without regard to the number of railway bureaus entered.This series became available after the fifth rise in speed of the railway on April 18, 2004. Early on (2004–2006), all but one of the Z-series trains had either Beijing or Beijing West stationas their destination or origin. As of 2009, Z-series trains also operated along the Yangtze Valley as well, providing overnight service from Wuhan to Shanghai,Hangzhou,Ningbo andShenzhen.An non-stop express train running between Beijing and Jilin T ("Tekuai", Express)This series of trains have a limited number of stops along their routes, only in major cities, or in some instances stops for switching the driver or locomotive. The top speed is 140km/h. T1–T4998 for the trains running through two or more railway bureaus, T5001–T9998 for the trains running within one railway bureau. The standard pronunciation on the railway system is "Te"(特) in Chinese.Express Train T27/28 running between Beijing West and Lhasa K ("Kuaisu", Fast)This series of trains stop at more stations than T-series. The top speed is 120km/h. The standard pronunciation on the railway system is "Kuai"(快) in Chinese. K1–K6998 are used for the trains that run in more than one railway bureau, while K7001 to K9998 will be used for the trains that run in only one railway bureau.After April 18, 2004, N-series trains, which represent fast trains travelling exclusively within one railway bureau, were derived from K-series. Then all K-series trains travel on lines operated by more than one railway bureau. After April 1, 2009, N-series was re-merged to K-series after April 1, 2009.General Fast TrainGeneral fast trains(普通旅客快车, which can be shortened to普快,Pukuai) are slowerpassenger trains that stop at around half of the stations along the way, resulting in a longer travel time than the fast trains. The top speed is 120km/h. Route numbers are always four numeric digits—a numeric prefix from 1-5 followed by a 3-digit route number. Numbers 1001–1998 for the trains running through three or more railway bureaus, 2001–3998 for the trains running through two railway bureaus, and 4001–5998 for the trains that run in only one railway bureau.General TrainThe general train(普通旅客列车, which can be shortened to普客,Puke) has as many stops as possible, and is often the preferred choice for rural workers to visit their home villages because of low ticket price. This is the slowest type of train and has the lowest priority in the Fixed Train Timetable (图定列车). The top speed is 100km/h.Route identifiers for general trains are always 4 digits—a numeric prefix from 6-7 followed by a 3-digit route number. 6001–6198 are used for the trains that run in more than one railway bureau, while 7001–7598 will be used for the trains that run in only one railway bureau.Commuter TrainThe Commuter Train(通勤列车), is usually runs for railway staff, and generally their tickets are not available for passengers. Route identifiers for commuter trains are 4 digits with a range of 7601–8998.L ("Linshi", Temporary Train)The"L" trains are temporary -they are not listed in the official train schedule, but are added when necessary. Many of these trains only operate at peak passenger travel season such as during the spring festival period. In addition, many new train services are originally added as L-series before train schedules are readjusted and later become regular services. L1–L6998 are used for the temporary trains that run in more than one railway bureau, while L7001–L9998 will be used for the trains that run in only one railway bureau. The standard pronunciation on the railway system is "Lin"(临) in Chinese.Y ("Linshiluyou"; Temporary Tourist Train)This series is mainly used for trains that run to popular sights, such as the S2 Line of Beijing Suburban Railway, which runs from Beijing North toYanqing, and connects to the Great Wall. Besides, travel agencies can apply to the Ministry of Railways for organizing additional passenger trains for the tours.S("Shijiao"; Suburban Commuter Rail)This is a newer class developed to utilize idle tracks (mostly industrial or former industrial) to provide commuter travel to larger city centers from its suburban areas. Existing service until 2015 are S2line from Yanqing County to Beijing, and Tianjin-Jixian Railway from Ji County to Tianjin. TheJinshan Railway from Jinshan County to Shanghai also fell in this category, but it is fully embedded in Shanghai Metro lines therefore tickets are not available on CR's website; while the other two offers more coventional service.。
