Shanghai Transrapid

Experience the Future of Transportation: The Shanghai Transrapid

Maglev Marvel: A Glimpse into the World's First High-Speed Magnetic Train

Information about Transrapid

The Transrapid in Shanghai, China, is a remarkable marvel of modern engineering and a shining example of cutting-edge technology in the realm of public transportation. Operating as the world's first commercial high-speed maglev (magnetic levitation) train, the Transrapid seamlessly connects passengers from Pudong International Airport to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. This efficient mode of transportation has earned international acclaim for its incredible speed, safety, and eco-friendly characteristics.

Powered by Magnetic Levitation: At the heart of the Transrapid's innovation is magnetic levitation, which allows the train to hover just above the tracks, eliminating the need for traditional wheels. This technology reduces friction and offers a smoother, quieter, and more energy-efficient ride.

Incredible Speed: The Transrapid accelerates to mind-boggling speeds of up to 431 kilometers per hour (267.8 miles per hour). Passengers can traverse the 30-kilometer (18.6-mile) journey from the airport to the city center in just eight minutes, making it one of the fastest modes of urban transportation globally.

Environmental Friendliness: This maglev system leaves an impressively small carbon footprint. By reducing friction and utilizing clean electricity, it's a green alternative to conventional rail transport, contributing to Shanghai's efforts to combat air pollution and reduce carbon emissions.

Reliability and Safety: The Transrapid's impeccable safety record is due to its advanced control systems and built-in redundancy mechanisms. Travelers can enjoy peace of mind as the maglev operates with a fault tolerance that ensures passenger safety is a top priority.

Interesting facts about Transrapid

German Origins: The Transrapid technology was developed by a German consortium, showcasing international collaboration in the field of transportation.

Experimental Success: Before the commercial line in Shanghai, the Transrapid underwent extensive testing on a dedicated track, where it set several world speed records.

Minimal Maintenance: The maglev technology, with its absence of wheels, requires less maintenance than traditional trains, reducing operational costs.

A Symbol of Modernity: The Transrapid is not only a transportation system but also a symbol of Shanghai's modernity and commitment to innovation.

Pictures of Transrapid

Shanghai Transrapid
Shanghai Transrapid

Highlights Close to Transrapid

cth: Shanghai Old Town
Old Shanghai

As you wander through the narrow lanes of Shanghai's old town, doors to the past open: amidst red roof tiles, swaying lanterns, and the aroma of brewed tea, you can feel the breath of bygone eras. Here, where modernity quietly gives way to tradition, lies the heart of Shanghai – a vibrant dream of stone, market sounds, and stories that inspire both whispers and wonder.

cth: Cocktail in Shanghai 2025
Cocktail in Shanghai

Ein Tag voller Eindrücke in Shanghai findet seinen perfekten Abschluss: Nach spannenden Besichtigungen, darunter der idyllische Yu-Garten und die charmante Französische Konzession, erleben Sie am Abend das pulsierende Herz der Metropole. Entlang der berühmten Uferpromenade, dem Bund, genießen Sie in einer angesagten Bar einen Cocktail und lassen den Blick über die spektakulär beleuchtete Skyline schweifen. Dieses besondere China Tours Plus-Highlight verbindet Tradition, Moderne und urbanes Lebensgefühl – ein Erlebnis, das Sie so schnell nicht vergessen werden.

Shanghai Bar
Cocktail in Shanghai

Ein Tag voller Eindrücke in Shanghai findet seinen perfekten Abschluss: Nach spannenden Besichtigungen, darunter der idyllische Yu-Garten und die charmante Französische Konzession, erleben Sie am Abend das pulsierende Herz der Metropole. Entlang der berühmten Uferpromenade, dem Bund, genießen Sie in einer angesagten Bar einen Cocktail und lassen den Blick über die spektakulär beleuchtete Skyline schweifen. Dieses besondere China Tours Plus-Highlight verbindet Tradition, Moderne und urbanes Lebensgefühl – ein Erlebnis, das Sie so schnell nicht vergessen werden.

Der Jade Buddha Tempel in Shanghai
Jade buddha temple
China Sehenswürdigkeiten: Der Yu Yuan Garten in Shanghai
Jardin Yu Yuan

Les jardins Yu de Shanghai, situé au cœur de la vieille ville, est un véritable trésor de l’architecture classique chinoise. Créé à la fin de la dynastie Ming, il s’étend sur environ deux hectares et se compose de pavillons, de ponts, de bassins et de rochers soigneusement agencés pour créer un équilibre harmonieux entre la nature et la construction humaine. Chaque recoin du jardin est pensé pour offrir un spectacle différent selon l’angle de vue, mêlant fleurs, arbres, étangs et petites cascades. L’art du paysage y est représenté avec finesse, symbolisant la tranquillité et la beauté intemporelle. Ce jardin attire non seulement les touristes pour sa splendeur, mais aussi les habitants de Shanghai qui viennent y chercher un moment de calme loin de l’agitation de la ville. À proximité, les ruelles traditionnelles regorgent de boutiques et de snacks locaux, offrant une immersion complète dans le charme ancien de Shanghai.

Longhua Tempel bei "Chinas Highlights mit Yangtze"
Longhua Temple

Im Herzen von Shanghai, verborgen zwischen modernen Straßen und urbanem Puls, liegt der Longhua Tempel – ein Ort, an dem Zeit Atem holt. Zwischen Pagoden und Tempelgärten spüren Sie den Fluss jahrtausendealter Spiritualität. Wenn Glocken hallen und Kerzen flackern, öffnet sich ein Fenster zu Chinas innerer Stille.

Die Kirschblüte in Shanghai
People’s Square Shanghai

Der People’s Square ist das lebendige Zentrum Shanghais und ein faszinierender Treffpunkt von Moderne und Geschichte. Umgeben von imposanten Gebäuden, grünen Parks und bedeutenden Museen spüren Sie hier das pulsierende Herz der Metropole. Ob beim Flanieren durch die weitläufigen Anlagen oder beim Beobachten des bunten Treibens – der People’s Square bietet Ihnen einen authentischen Einblick in das städtische Leben Shanghais und ist ein absolutes Highlight jeder China Reise.

Transrapid Shanghai
Shanghai Maglev Train

Known in Germany as the "Transrapid", the maglev train connects the center of Shanghai with Pudong Airport. With up to 430 km/h the maglev train takes you from the center of Shanghai over 30 km to the airport in eight minutes. A great experience, which is included on many group tours and we are happy to offer you also for individual travelers.

Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum, located on the southern edge of the People's Square, is one of the most important visitor destinations in the country with its magnificent - and effectively presented - treasures of classical Chinese art and culture. The building resembles an ancient Chinese bronze pot, a "thing". And indeed, bronze vessels of the Shang and Zhou periods form a particularly impressive part of the exhibits (1st floor). No less rewarding are the jade and porcelain collections (2nd and 4th floors, respectively), which also provide an overview of 3000 years of style development. Also on display are paintings, seals, furniture, Buddhist art and more. This exhibition is certainly one of the best Shanghai travel tips!

Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower

The new skyscraper in Shanghai is the second-largest building in the world. The viewing platform was opened in July 2016 and is the highest in the world. The Shanghai Tower is located in the financial district of Pudong. To its right is the Shanghai World Financial Center and to its left the Jin Mao Tower. At 632 meters high, it is considered China's tallest building and the second tallest in the world.

The building has five underground floors and 128 stories. In total, the Shanghai Tower is equipped with 149 elevators, three of which transport visitors up about 500 meters within one minute, which is a world record. Visitors can reach the observation deck on the 119th floor by elevator in just 55 seconds.

The shape of the outer facade is coiled upwards like a snake. The floors on top of each other twist by about one degree. This serves to create a stronger resistance at the height in case of wind. The tower has two glass facades, one inner and one outer, like overlapping "tubes."

Shanghai The Bund
The Bund

The Bund, a landmark of Shanghai, offers a dreamlike view of the city, both on the historic Puxi side and the new Pudong side. The Chinese name of the famous river promenade is Wàitān (外灘).

There is much to marvel at here. Countless historic buildings dot the promenade, and in the evening are illuminated to offer a unique panorama. This iconic waterfront area boasts a unique architectural blend of European and Chinese styles, harkening back to the era when Shanghai was divided into foreign concessions. Its colonial legacy is on full display through the well-preserved buildings that line the promenade.

For visitors, the Bund is not just a trip through history but also an opportunity to witness modern Shanghai's dazzling skyline. The panoramic view across the Huangpu River showcases an array of stunning skyscrapers, including the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower, all illuminated in the evening's glow.

Tips: Take a harbor tour from the pier at Yan'an Donglu. Strolling along the Bund once is not enough. Twice is the minimum: for early morning exercise, when the city awakens, and at dusk, when the lights shine in Pudong.

Our trips to Transrapid