There’s no better way to feel the pulse of modern China on arrival in Shanghai than by taking the futuristic Maglev  Train (Magnetic levitation) from Pudong airport into town. The German-designed locomotive floats on a friction-free magnetic cushion that enables it to travel at dizzying speeds of up to 268 mph (431k/h), covering the 19 miles / 30km of its route in just 7 minutes. The sensation of hurtling through the green belt at such a velocity is simply breathtaking, especially when you pass another train travelling in the opposite direction!