Viral Video of Man Using Folding Chair on High-Speed Train Sparks Debate Over 'Third-Class Seat'

Viral Video of Man Using Folding Chair on High-Speed Train Sparks Debate Over 'Third-Class Seat'

A viral video of a man using a folding chair to sit in the aisle of a high-speed train has sparked widespread debate in China, with netizens divided over whether it’s a clever solution to crowded travel or a safety hazard. The incident prompted China’s national railway booking platform, 12306, to clarify rules allowing such chairs—provided they meet size limits—while reigniting discussions about the challenges of traveling during peak seasons like the Spring Festival.

The Viral Moment

The video, posted on January 31 by a Zhejiang-based user, shows a man relaxing on a folding chair in the space between two train carriages, using his phone. The caption, "This is the right way to take a high-speed train," quickly gained traction, with many viewers calling it "smarter than a second-class seat" due to the extra space and privacy.

Translation: "Man brings folding chair on high-speed train sparks debate; netizens say it's more comfortable than second-class seat. 12306: Length, width, height not exceeding 130cm is fine." - Viral video screenshot

12306's Clarification

As the debate heated up, 12306, the official railway booking app, issued a statement on February 4. The platform confirmed that passengers can bring and use folding chairs on high-speed trains, but with strict conditions: the chair must be folded during security checks, its dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 130 centimeters, and it must not block passageways or disturb other passengers.

Translation: "12306 responds to passengers bringing their own stools on high-speed trains: As long as the length, width, and height do not exceed 130cm, do not affect passage, and the attendant agrees, it's okay." - 12306 rule clarification

Public Reaction: Divided Opinions

Netizens were split. Supporters praised the man’s ingenuity, especially for those with standing tickets (which cost the same as second-class seats but offer no guaranteed seat). One user wrote, "This is a real 'hard seat'—smart!" while another noted, "For short trips of 3-4 hours, standing is unbearable; this is a great solution."

A folding chair placed in the aisle of a high-speed train, as shared by a Weibo user

Critics, however, warned of safety risks, particularly during peak travel seasons when trains are overcrowded. "The aisle is an emergency exit—what if it’s blocked?" one user asked. Others pointed out that during Spring Festival travel, there’s often no space to even place a chair. "You try finding room when the train is packed," said another.

Historical Context: Folding Chairs and春运

The debate also evoked nostalgia for older generations who relied on folding chairs during past Spring Festival travels. "Twenty years ago, we’d carry small stools to挤火车 (crowd onto trains), with people packed in the aisles," recalled one netizen. "Now, a folding chair is a symbol of how travel has changed—from hardship to choice."

The Bigger Picture

Experts say the incident highlights the need for better solutions to overcrowding. "Folding chairs are a stopgap," noted a transportation analyst. "The real fix is reforming ticket pricing (offering discounts for standing tickets) and improving seat allocation." For now, though, the viral video has turned a simple chair into a symbol of both travel ingenuity and the ongoing challenges of modern rail travel.

The folding chair debate is more than a viral trend—it’s a reflection of how travelers adapt to a system that often leaves them with few options. As 12306’s rules make clear, small solutions can sometimes fill big gaps, but the conversation about fair and comfortable travel is far from over.