Operator profileChina State Railway Group (China Railway)
China Railway is the state operator of China's vast rail network. Alongside its dominant high-speed daytime services, it continues to run conventional overnight sleeper trains on major corridors such as Beijing-Shanghai, including newer CR200J 'Revival Green' sleeper sets, giving travellers a way to save a hotel night versus the roughly 4.5-hour daytime high-speed alternative.
Key facts
Z-series overnight sleeper trains using 25T-type carriages, plus newer CR200J 'Revival Green' sets with lockable 4-berth soft-sleeper compartments and open-bay hard-sleeper cars.
Standard free baggage allowance.
No formal check-in; ID checks are required to purchase tickets and board.
Refund rules vary by how close to departure a ticket is cancelled; a small service fee usually applies.
Exact current fares and which of Beijing's or Shanghai's several stations a given train uses should be reconfirmed on 12306.cn before booking, as conventional overnight timetables shift more often than the high-speed network.
Rail passes
No regional rail pass covers China; tickets are released exactly 15 days before departure via the official 12306 platform or booking agents.
Routes operated
Shanghai 
~11h 30m
China Railway
How to book China Railway
- Check the route and date on our route page, then note the cabin you want.
- Go to the operator’s own booking site — we never resell or mark up fares.
- Pick your cabin: prices rise as the train fills, so book early for the lowest fare.
- Bring photo ID for border crossings, and arrive a few minutes before departure — there is no airport-style check-in.
We link to the operator — we never mark up the fare.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance can you book China Railway?
Tickets usually go on sale around 15 days before departure, and the cheapest fares go first.
Does China Railway accept Interrail and Eurail passes?
No regional rail pass covers China; tickets are released exactly 15 days before departure via the official 12306 platform or booking agents.
What cabins does China Railway offer?
China Railway sells Couchette, Sleeper Cabin. Comfort and privacy differ a lot between them.
What is the luggage policy on China Railway?
Standard free baggage allowance.
Can I cancel or change a China Railway ticket?
Refund rules vary by how close to departure a ticket is cancelled; a small service fee usually applies.
Which routes does China Railway run?
We track 1 China Railway routes, including Beijing–Shanghai.