Taking speed to the next level: Shanghai Tower contains the world's fastest elevator that travels at a record-breaking 42.8mph.

Soaring upwards at speeds of 42.8 miles/hour (69 kilometres/hour) Shanghai Tower's lift has been named the fastest in the world and has tourists flocking to experience it. The tower is the tallest pictured.

During most elevator rides you might pass the time by checking your phone or chatting to a friend.

But a ride in the Shanghai Tower's elevator will have you grabbing your camera. 

Soaring upwards at speeds of 42.8 mph (69 km/h) the lift has been named the fastest in the world and has tourists flocking to experience it.

In a ceremony at the end of last year, the Shanghai Tower elevator was officially awarded the title by the Guinness World Records.

The speedy lift is operated by a Mitsubishi technician who can turn on a switch to make the capsule accelerate up to 42.8 miles/hour (69 kilometres/hour) as it travels up the 632 metre (2,074 foot) tall building.

In comparison, Usain Bolt - the fastest man in the world - runs at 27.44 miles/hour (44 km/hour).  

Although details on how the elevator travels so fast have not been revealed, a Mitsubishi statement said: 'The record-breaking speed was achieved through the development of new equipment, including control panel that can maximize the traction machine's performance, and improvements of safety devices such as the speed governor, brake device and buffer.'

You might expect a ride that fast to come with a roaring sound. 

But the statement added: 'While Mitsubishi Electric's cutting-edge technologies drastically increase the speed, the elevator also delivers enhanced safety, top-level riding comfort, silence and power saving.'

China is home to many of the fastest elevators in the world, and it has been estimated that by 2020, 40 per cent of all the world's elevators will be in China.