Conventional express
Previously associated with a slower overnight or long-distance service.
2026 train numbering guide
China Train Types and Number Prefixes Explained
Understand China’s 2026 train types and number prefixes, including X, G, T, K, D, C and S, plus what changes for Z, N and V.
XGTKDCS
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Quick answer
The three changes that matter most
X is new and reserved
It marks future Fuxing trains above 350 km/h. Do not expect X on every route.
T and K have new meanings
T becomes 300 km/h and K becomes 200-250 km/h after the late-December batch.
Old conventional roles move
T becomes N and K or no-prefix services become V from 25 November 2026.
China train number prefixes
Decode the letter before you choose a train
Speed and product ladder
How the letters compare
2026 rollout
The system changes in two batches
- 16 OctChina Railway announces the reform
The 2026 numbering rules are published and migration work starts.
- 25 NovConventional trains switch first
T becomes N. Old K and no-prefix services become V. Z remains and Y remains the tourist prefix.
- Late DecHigh-speed and regional products switch
X, G, T, K, D, C and S enter the new product structure. The exact implementation date is still to be announced.
Biggest source of confusion
T and K are being reused
300 km/h EMU
A high-speed product in the new T1-T9998 number range.
Conventional fast train
Previously one of the most common letters for slower long-distance trains.
200-250 km/h EMU
A different speed band from the conventional K trains travelers used before.
During the gap between the two batches, do not assume an old T or K meaning. Check the travel date, train number and live 12306 result.
Full reference
China train number prefixes at a glance
| Letter | Product | Maximum speed | Number range | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | New-generation Fuxing high-speed trainNew / reserved | 350+ km/h | X1-X9998 | Late December 2026 |
| G | Fuxing high-speed trainKept | 350 km/h | G1-G9998 | Late December 2026 |
| T | 300 km/h EMUReassigned | 300 km/h | T1-T9998 | Late December 2026 |
| K | 200-250 km/h EMUReassigned | 200-250 km/h | K1-K9998 | Late December 2026 |
| D | Power-concentrated EMURevised | 200 km/h or below | D1-D9998 | Late December 2026 |
| C | Intercity EMURevised | 200 km/h or below | C1-C2998 | Late December 2026 |
| S | Suburban or city serviceRevised | 160 km/h or below | S1-S2998 | Late December 2026 |
| Z | 160 km/h conventional expressKept | 160 km/h | Z1-Z1998 | 25 November 2026 |
| N | 140 km/h conventional expressNew | 140 km/h | N1-N1998 | 25 November 2026 |
| V | 120 km/h conventional passengerNew | 120 km/h or below | V1-V7998 | 25 November 2026 |
| Y | Tourist trainKept | Tourist product | Y1-Y9998 | 25 November 2026 |
How to read a train number
The letter and number do different jobs
G1234
G
The train product and speed band.
1234
The individual service number within that product.
The example is illustrative. A G train number identifies a 350 km/h Fuxing service, but it does not tell you the exact stops, seat layout or whether another train on the same route will be faster. Always compare the full journey.
When you book
Your ticket number stays valid for the whole journey
China Railway sells tickets 15 days ahead. During the transition, the same service can have one number on an earlier travel date and a new number on a later date. The number printed on your ticket is the number that applies for the trip, even if the train crosses midnight.
Tickets for the first batch go on sale from 11 November 2026. Beijing-Shanghai reservation redemptions begin on 6 November 2026.
Traveler questions
China train types FAQ
Is the X prefix already used on normal trains?
X is the new reserved category for future Fuxing trains running above 350 km/h. The letter belongs to the second batch, due in late December 2026, and it does not mean every route will immediately have X services.
Is K still a slow conventional train?
Not after the second batch takes effect. K moves to 200-250 km/h EMU services. The old K conventional services are converted to V in the first batch on 25 November 2026.
Why do T and K change meaning?
China Railway is reusing the letters for clearer speed bands as high-speed and conventional products expand. T becomes 300 km/h EMU and K becomes 200-250 km/h EMU. Their old conventional roles move to N and V.
Which train letter is fastest?
X is reserved for Fuxing trains above 350 km/h. G covers 350 km/h Fuxing services, T covers 300 km/h services and K covers 200-250 km/h services. Always compare departure time, journey time and station pair as well as the letter.
Can the same train show two different numbers?
Yes, during the transition. Because tickets are sold 15 days ahead, the same service can appear with its old number on an earlier date and its new number on a later date. The number printed on the ticket applies for the whole journey.
Are D, C and S all high-speed trains?
They are separate passenger products. D covers power-concentrated EMU services, C covers intercity services and S covers suburban or city services. They are not simply slower versions of G.