Eleri’s class has been studying magnets. The class field trip is to the Maglev, the Magnetic Levitation Train which runs to the airport, the first field trip of the year. Eleri was excited to wear her field trip shirt.

The Shanghai Maglev Train or Shanghai Transrapid (上海磁浮示范运营线) is a magnetic levitation train (maglev) line. It is notable for being the first commercial high-speed maglev line in the world — during a test run in November, 2003, a Maglev vehicle achieved a Chinese record speed of 501 km/h (311 mph). The journey was designed to connect Shanghai Pudong International Airport quickly to the outskirts of central Shanghai where passengers could interchange for their final destinations in the city centre. Construction of the line began in March 2001 and public service commenced on January 1, 2004.

The line runs from Longyang Road station in Pudong to Pudong International Airport; both stations provide transfers to Line 2 of the Shanghai Metro. At full speed, the journey takes 7 minutes and 20 seconds to complete the distance of 30 km. A train can reach 350 km/h (220 mph) in 2 minutes, with the maximum normal operation speed of 431 km/h (268 mph) reached thereafter. A one-way ticket costs ¥50/$7 or ¥80/$12 for a round-trip return ticket.

I have been to the museum with Emersyn’s class four years ago. I find the museum interesting with lots of facts. My favorite interesting fact is the glass on the train is a special decelerating glass for the viewing. If not, the outside scenery would be a blur due to the speed of the train.

I was in-charge of four children for the day as we had three parents from the class to volunteer.

Eleri with friends in her class.

A group of Eleri’s classmates having fun together.

Next, we rode the maglev to the airport to have lunch. We enjoyed our lunch on the airport floor – something we all have done before in our many airport sitting days. Eleri has a nice group of children in her class this year so they were all having fun together. Then, back on the train for the quick journey home. Jim takes the Maglev often from the airport when we have have a car issue/conflict. It is easy to get a taxi from the Maglev station or for Mr. Nie to get Jim on the way home if the timing is right. Jim generally travels with a carry-on suitcase – fast and light.

It was a fun field trip with Eleri. I enjoy the time with her while I can because soon field trips will be over in Middle School – they will have class trips.