A British woman has recounted her breathtaking experience aboard the world's fastest train, describing the sensation as akin to 'being on a spaceship' rather than a conventional railway journey.
Chloe Jepson, a travel enthusiast, took to the skies – or more accurately, glided above the tracks – on Shanghai's mind-bending Maglev train, which reaches an astonishing operational speed of 460 kilometres per hour.
The magnetic levitation technology means the train floats above its guideway, eliminating friction and allowing for an impossibly smooth, near-silent journey that defies all traditional perceptions of rail travel.
The Future of Transport is Here
Jepson documented her experience on TikTok, sending shockwaves through the travel community. The video showcases the train's incredible acceleration and the surreal experience of watching the world blur past at an unprecedented pace.
'It genuinely feels like you're on a spaceship,' she exclaimed, capturing the awe of fellow passengers. The lack of noise and vibration creates an almost eerie calm inside the carriage, contrasting sharply with the phenomenal speed displayed on the digital speedometers throughout the cabin.
Shanghai's Engineering Marvel
The Shanghai Maglev Train, or SMT, connects Pudong International Airport to the outskirts of central Shanghai. Covering the 30-kilometre journey in just seven and a half minutes, it stands as a monumental testament to modern engineering.
Unlike high-speed trains in the UK or Europe, the Maglev doesn't have wheels. It operates on magnetic levitation, propelled by powerful electromagnets. This technology not only allows for incredible speeds but also provides an unbelievably serene travel experience.
A Must-Do for Any Traveller
For Brits abroad in Shanghai, a ride on the Maglev has become an essential item on the bucket list. The experience is frequently described as the closest thing to flight without leaving the ground.
While the UK debates its own high-speed rail projects, this Chinese marvel offers a glimpse into a future where cross-country travel could be revolutionised. The journey is so smooth that passengers can easily walk around, with no spilled drinks or rattling luggage in sight.
Jepson's viral review concludes with a powerful endorsement: for anyone visiting Shanghai, skipping this futuristic feat of engineering would be an unthinkable missed opportunity.
