The issue is not the growing middle class and the ability to pay for more comfortable options.

The issue that even though the new CRH runs on separate tracks then the old 10hr one, there is possibility that the Ministry of Railway will eliminate a good number of normal trains on this route. While there is a growing number of wealthier middle-class who can and will take advantage of the CRH, the vast majority of people will or must opt for the cheaper slower train.

The issue is not the growing middle class and the ability to pay for more comfortable options.

The issue that even though the new CRH runs on separate tracks then the old 10hr one, there is possibility that the Ministry of Railway will eliminate a good number of normal trains on this route. While there is a growing number of wealthier middle-class who can and will take advantage of the CRH, the vast majority of people will or must opt for the cheaper slower train.

That is a good argument about what might happen in the Western world once a new connection opens up, but I doubt any connections will be cut in China unless the "old" slow trains are emptying up. After all the Chinese gouvernment is well aware of the need of it's working class to travel cheaply, and won't deny them that option, I'm pretty pretty much sure on that.

The Beijing posse is certainly very aware of the need for stability in China. Actually 2009 was named "the year of the migrant worker" if I remember correctly from the lunar new year festivities...So wouldn't expect the number of cheaper connections to be cut.

Hi...I am planning on taking the overnight "T" sleeper train from Beijing to Shanghai.

If the cost of a deluxe sleeper is RMB 921/person for adults, how much will it be for kids? If it's helpful, I think the price for a 2nd class seat is RMB 327.

Also, the kids are 123-125cm tall, slightly over the 120 cm threshold for a free children's ticket (still not sure that the discount applies to)...will the cabin conductor actually measure them and surcharge us if we buy tickets based on the 120 cm children's pricing and vs the 50% 120-150cm children's rate?

Also, is there free wifi on these trains, and if so, is it any good?

I am not how kids pricing works with deluxe sleepers, but I think your 921 seems about 30 higher than the official fare (not a big deal of course; just sayin' you might not be using the most reliable source).

As for Wifi, the answer is "no". However, 4g works --just-- okay.

Kids discounts for sleepers usually come out at roughly 25%. It's a formula where the seat portion of the fare only is discounted. Check on 12306.cn or as the people at china-diy-travel.com to find out for you.
Doesn't matter their height, the price is the same. The only difference is that below 120cm they can travel for free if they share a bed with a parent.

Upper deluxe is 879.5RMB; lower is 1144RMB. Perhaps the poster is including a 40RMB agency service charge.

They don't carry tape measures on the train. Both in the station where tickets are checked and onboard there are 120/150 cm height lines marked out on walls. No doubt folks sometimes cheat and get away with it, but why?

I have seen those wall marks also in every train. And in any case, as I said, there is no price difference between 120cm and 125cm (other than a free ticket if they share your bed).

Is there any reason NOT to take the 15 hour T train in a Deluxe two person sleeper vs the "faster" 12 hour D train in similar accommodations, aside from the difference in timing? The D trains arrive around 7:30am, which is actually too early for us vs. 10:30am which is preferable.

I presume the cabins are comparable...?

Is there anything "nicer" about the D train itself vs the T train? Amenities, smoother ride, fewer stops, better air conditioning, etc.?

The t trains have passable food because they are permitted to use ovens and woks.

The two person cabin is also quite ok, took it this spring from Beijing to Anhui province.

On the Beijing - Shanghai route, I will, however, always choose the D sleepers.

Cant' be bothered doing the trip daytime (or flying daytime), better used for meetings and social gatherings. Also, no interest to spend the extra three hours on a route with remarkably dull scenery.

Private bathroom/washroom and sitting area seems a significant benefit...times (7:30 pm to 10:30 am) work well for us.

Yeah. Arriving at 730a simply isn't cool, but I shall reiterate that edible food is the main benefit of T v D. It's a shame that the Z trains were phased out; they were just as fast as the current D trains, but were not air tight.

I did a 7:30am arrival once a few years ago and traffic into Shanghai was terrible...barely made 10am meeting after quick hotel check in/shower.