Man reveals a futuristic Chinese sleeper train with hotel-like pods on one of the world’s fastest trains
Published on Aug 30, 2026 at 3:58 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Aug 30, 2026 at 3:58 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Henry Kelsall
A man has taken a ride on a futuristic Chinese sleeper train that features hotel-like pods and experienced what they are like.
China has been pushing the boundaries when it comes to train technology, particularly with its famous maglevs.
YouTuber Simon Andersen, however, got to experience the CRH2E sleeper train, which features over 800 individual hotel-like pods.
He spent a night onboard the Chinese sleeper train, getting a chance to see what it was like and experience one of the most futuristic trains in the world.
What is the Chinese sleeper train like?
Andersen was taking the train from Beijing Xi (West) to Shenzhen Bei (North), one of four overnight trains that evening.
The CRH2E was built by CRRC Qingdao Sifang and is capable of 155mph when going flat out.
It is the interior, however, that makes the trains unique, with the sleeping pod layout inside.
You get a fresh set of clean bedding when you reach the pod, and of course, curtains give you privacy.
“This is not the most spacious place to sleep in the world, but it is actually quite nice,” said the YouTuber.
There is an adjustable rear back support, large shelves for luggage, and a small reading light.
It does, however, lack some smarter features that other pods have, such as lockable doors.
Train staff also provide amenities, with a bag including cream tea and an array of snacks.
You even get a comb, toothbrush and a few towels.
A bistro provides food throughout the night
The onboard bistro provides light meals, snacks and beverages for passengers to enjoy.
There is also a washroom area, as well as a water dispenser for drink bottles.
Foot space is a little narrow said the YouTuber.
The shelf next to where you sleep actually hides the feet of those sleeping behind you.
The YouTuber went to bed at 10 pm and woke up at 6 am, having had a comfortable night’s sleep.
“While the train can be a little noisy, the ride itself is really smooth, and the bed itself is surprisingly comfy,” said the YouTuber.
“Overall, I had no trouble sleeping,” Andersen added.
It took just over 12 hours for him to get across China on the high-speed train.
World’s fastest trains
1830: George Stephenson’s Rocket engine reached 30 mph to set the earliest notable speed benchmark during the dawn of mass transit
1893: The Empire State Express No 999 claimed the title of the first human-built machine to hit the 100 mph mark
1903: A Siemens experimental electric railcar achieved 130 mph on a test track in Germany to prove the potential of electrified lines
1934: Britain’s Flying Scotsman became the first officially authenticated steam runner to clock exactly 100 mph
1938: The streamlined A4 Mallard descended Stoke Bank at 126 mph for a steam-powered world record that remains unbroken today
1955: French electric railcrafts CC 7107 and BB 9004 shattered expectations by hitting 206 mph during high-speed tests
1964: Japan revolutionized passenger travel with the Shinkansen 0 Series by launching commercial bullet services at 130 mph
2007: A highly modified French TGV V150 reached 357 mph to establish the absolute speed limit ever achieved on conventional steel rails
2015: Japan’s L0 Series maglev vehicle hovered above its track to hit a staggering 375 mph as the fastest recorded speed for any railway system
Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a heritage steam railway.
