China's new superfast maglev train to travel at 600 km/h

By Tu Nguyen July 13, 2025 | 07:26 pm PT

Shanghai's financial district of Pudong is seen in the background on Jan. 16, 2025. Photo by Reuters

China has unveiled a new maglev train capable of reaching speeds of 600 km/h, cutting travel time between Beijing and Shanghai, the country's busiest tourist destinations, to 2.5 hours.

The trip currently takes 5.5 hours by high-speed train.

Developed by the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, the train has a sleek, aerodynamic design with a pointed nose to minimize air resistance, the South China Morning Post reported.

A video from state broadcaster CCTV shows the train's futuristic interiors, complete with a large video screen.

This high-speed maglev will traverse "point-to-point transport tool" between major cities, complementing the existing railway network, according to Shanghai-based The Paper news outlet.

Beijing has a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, including the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park, and the Lama Temple.

Shanghai, renowned for its impressive skyline, boasts iconic sights such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao Tower.

China's high-speed rail network has grown rapidly since the mid-2000s, becoming the largest in the world with 48,000 km of tracks at the end of 2024.

The country's railroad operator aims to top 50,000 km this year.