In 2026, the Qinghai–Xizang Railway marks the 20th anniversary of its full opening. On the route between Xining in Qinghai Province and Lhasa, the train passes through one of the highest and most demanding environments in the world.
During the journey, the altitude gradually rises from approximately 2,200 meters up to the Tibetan Plateau at elevations exceeding 5,000 meters. The landscape shifts seamlessly from urban areas through barren plains to high-altitude regions and permafrost zones.
On board the train, passengers from various regions meet alongside railway workers who have served on this line for years. Their everyday experiences reflect the workings of this vital transport artery.
The train is equipped with an oxygen supply system and other technical solutions that enable safe operation under extreme high-altitude conditions.
This railway, connecting eastern and western China across challenging terrain, remains key infrastructure for transport, mobility, and regional connectivity.
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