China is revolutionizing railway travel with the successful testing of its new magnetic levitation (Maglev) train, capable of reaching a top speed of 600 km per hour in just 7 seconds. Unveiled at the 17th Modern Railways exhibition, this cutting-edge train could significantly reduce travel times—covering the 1,200 km distance between Beijing and Shanghai in just 150 minutes, a dramatic cut from the current 5.5-hour high-speed rail journey.
China’s Maglev Train Achieves Jet-Like Speeds in Vacuum Tube Test
Maglev technology works by using opposing magnetic fields to lift the train off its track, eliminating friction and enabling smoother, quieter, and faster movement. In a recent trial at Donghu Laboratory in China’s Hubei Province, a 1.1-ton Maglev train accelerated to 404 mph (approximately 650 km/h) in under 7 seconds across a 1,968-foot track. This test followed an earlier 2023 trial where similar technology reached speeds exceeding 620 mph—faster than commercial airplanes that cruise at about 547–575 mph.
The test took place inside a vacuum tube designed to simulate near-zero air resistance, using high-temperature superconducting levitation for virtually frictionless and silent travel. Engineers at Donghu Laboratory aim to complete the high-speed test track by the end of 2025, potentially setting the stage for a transportation breakthrough.
CRRC’s Futuristic Maglev Train Showcases China’s Next-Gen Transport Vision
Developed by the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), the new Maglev train features a sleek, aerodynamic design with a pointed nose to reduce air drag. According to state broadcaster CCTV, its futuristic interior includes a spacious cabin and large digital displays, enhancing passenger comfort and experience.
This high-speed Maglev train is part of a broader push by China to lead in next-generation transportation technology, promising ultra-fast, efficient, and futuristic travel for long-distance routes in the near future.
Summary:
China’s new Maglev train, developed by CRRC, can reach 600 km/h in 7 seconds, reducing Beijing–Shanghai travel time to 150 minutes. Tested in a vacuum tube using superconducting levitation, it achieved speeds faster than jets. With futuristic design and comfort, it signals China’s leap in next-gen transportation technology.
