A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometres per hour made its debut in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator.

China Railway said the train, which has a sleek, bullet-shaped nose and resembles an arrow when viewed from the side, is capable of running at a top speed of 450 kilometres per hour during trials.

It’s tipped to become the world’s fastest commercial train when it starts operations next year.

Reports said the train can essentially cut travel time from Beijing to Shanghai from the current four hours, to just 2.5 hours.