Took G2901 from Guilin North to Shenzhen North today. Train is the DB ICE-style trainset (vs. the newer Japanese shinkansen-style nose sets). Looks like CHR configures these trains for low-yield. Only one 1st carriage (car 5) with the rest 2nd and premium seats at the front (or end) of cars 1 and 8.

Normal First has much more leg and baggage storage room (overhead racks for one), and foot rests to boot.

We were seated in the last carriage (so the front of the train is numbered one and changes numbers as it changes directions). Fortunately row 1 seats were turned back so we had room. There is limited legroom otherwise if facing the cab (same goes for row 3 if facing "back". Row 2 solo seat has very limited room if facing back. No luggage storage space other than between the cab and row 1 if the carriage is going "backward". Cab partition window is frosted so no view. Configuration is 1-2 for rows 1 & 2 while row 3 is a pair (where the solo seat would be is a crew storage locked/waste disposal station).

Stick with First on this route.