The Qinghai–Tibet Railway, also known as the Qingzang Railway, is a marvel of
modern engineering that stretches 1,956 kilometers from Xining in Qinghai
Province to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
Officially opened in 2006, it is the first railway to connect Tibet with the
rest of China, traversing some of the most challenging terrain on Earth. What
makes this railway truly extraordinary is its altitude—over 960 kilometers of
the track lie above 4,000 meters, with the highest point at the Tanggula Pass
reaching a staggering 5,072 meters above sea level. This makes it the highest
railway in the world, surpassing even the famed Andean railways of South
America.
Constructing the railway was no small feat. Engineers had to contend with
permafrost, low oxygen levels, and fragile ecosystems. To address these
challenges, the railway incorporates advanced technologies such as elevated
tracks to protect the tundra and oxygen supply systems in passenger cabins to
ensure comfort at high altitudes. The Fenghuoshan Tunnel, for instance, is the
highest rail tunnel in the world at 4,905 meters. The project was completed in
two phases: the Xining–Golmud section was finished in 1984, while the
Golmud–Lhasa stretch began in 2001 and was inaugurated in 2006.
Beyond its technical achievements, the Qinghai–Tibet Railway has had profound
social and economic impacts. It has significantly boosted tourism and trade in
Tibet, making the region more accessible while also raising concerns about
cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. The route offers
breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and sacred
lakes, turning the journey itself into a destination. With trains running from
major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, the railway has become a
vital artery linking the Tibetan Plateau to the rest of China.
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Xining Railway Station
Xining Railway Station, located in
the Chengdong District of Xining, Qinghai Province, serves as a vital
transportation hub in western China.
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Originally opened in 1959, the station has undergone significant
modernization, most notably in 2014 to accommodate the growing demand
for high-speed rail services. It marks the starting point of the
Qinghai–Tibet Railway, making it a gateway to the Tibetan Plateau.
Strategically positioned about 2.5 kilometers northeast of downtown
Xining, the station connects to several major rail lines, including
the Lanzhou–Xinjiang High-Speed Railway and the under-construction
Xining–Chengdu high-speed line.
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The station itself is expansive, covering 61,000 square meters and
featuring a three-story terminal building designed to reflect local
Tibetan culture, with architectural elements resembling a flying
lanneret and hada silk strips. It houses 17 platforms and 21 tracks,
supporting both conventional and high-speed trains. Facilities include
multiple waiting halls, ticket offices, restaurants offering Chinese
and Western food, and commercial areas for local products. The layout
is thoughtfully organized: arrivals and taxi pick-up zones are on the
B1 level, departures and ticketing on the 2F level, and a mezzanine
for dining and shopping.
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Xining Railway Station plays a crucial role in regional connectivity,
offering routes to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and
Urumqi, as well as direct trains to Lhasa in Tibet. It handles over 75
high-speed and bullet trains daily, making it one of the busiest
stations in western China. Public transportation options include taxis
and over a dozen bus routes, with the station square serving as a
central hub for local transit. Its proximity to Xining Caojiapu
Airport—just 27 kilometers away—further enhances its accessibility,
solidifying its status as a cornerstone of travel and commerce in
Qinghai.
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Taking a seat on the train from Xining to Lhasa
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Landscape between Xining and Qinghai Lake
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Qinghai Lake
Qinghai Lake, known as Cuo Wen Bu in
Tibetan, is the largest inland and saltwater lake in China, located in
the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai Province.
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Sitting at an elevation of over 3,000 meters, the lake spans more than
4,500 square kilometers, making it a shimmering sapphire set against
the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands. Its name,
which translates to “Blue Sea,” reflects the lake’s stunning hues that
shift with the sky and seasons. The lake’s unique blend of fresh and
saline water creates a rare ecological environment that supports a
variety of wildlife and plant species.
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The climate around Qinghai Lake is refreshingly cool in summer, with
temperatures hovering around 15–20°C, making it a popular escape from
the heat of urban centers. July and August are especially magical,
when fields of rapeseed flowers bloom in golden waves around the lake,
drawing photographers and nature lovers alike. The lake is also a
haven for migratory birds, including Tibetan gulls and bar-headed
geese, which flock to its shores during spring and autumn. Bird
Island, located within the lake, is a protected sanctuary and one of
the best spots for birdwatching in China.
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Beyond its natural beauty, Qinghai Lake holds deep cultural and
historical significance. It was a key waypoint along the ancient Silk
Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between China and the
West. Today, visitors can explore Tibetan villages around the lake,
sample traditional cuisine, and learn about local customs. Popular
activities include cycling the lake’s perimeter, hiking scenic trails,
and visiting the Erlangjian Scenic Area, which offers panoramic views
and water-based recreation. Whether you're drawn by its tranquil
landscapes or its rich heritage, Qinghai Lake offers a captivating
blend of serenity and adventure.
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Landscape between Qinghai Lake and Delingha Railway Station
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Delingha Railway Station
Delingha, the administrative seat
of Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province,
is a county-level city nestled on the northern edge of the Tibetan
Plateau.
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With an elevation of nearly 3,000 meters, it sits in a high-altitude
basin surrounded by rugged mountains and desert landscapes. The city
is divided by the Bayin River into two main districts—Hedong and
Hexi—with Hedong serving as the more urbanized center due to its role
as the prefectural seat. Despite its remote location, Delingha plays a
strategic role in regional governance and development, especially
given its proximity to the Qaidam Basin, a resource-rich area known
for oil, gas, and mineral deposits.
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Established as a city in 1988, Delingha spans over 27,000 square
kilometers and has a population of around 88,000 people. The name
“Delingha” comes from Mongolian and translates to “golden world,”
reflecting the city’s significant Mongol heritage alongside its
Tibetan cultural roots. Administratively, it includes three
subdistricts—Hexi, Hedong, and Railway Station—as well as several
towns and one township. The city’s economy is largely driven by
industry, agriculture, and increasingly, scientific research. Notably,
Delingha hosts the Delingha Observatory, part of China’s astronomical
infrastructure, taking advantage of the region’s clear skies and low
light pollution.
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Culturally, Delingha is a fascinating blend of Mongol, Tibetan, and
Han Chinese influences, visible in its architecture, festivals, and
daily life. Visitors can explore local markets, sample traditional
foods, and witness the coexistence of nomadic traditions with modern
urban development. Though not a major tourist destination, Delingha
offers a unique window into life on the high plateau and serves as a
gateway to the surrounding natural wonders, including salt lakes,
desert dunes, and geothermal springs. Its growing infrastructure and
scientific significance are gradually putting it on the map as more
than just a remote administrative outpost.
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Landscape between Delingha Railway Station and Ge'ermu Railway
Station
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Ge'ermu Railway Station
Ge'ermu, also known as Golmud, is a
county-level city in the Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
of Qinghai Province, China.
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It lies in the central-south part of the Qaidam Basin and serves as a
vital gateway between Qinghai and the Tibet Autonomous Region. With an
elevation of around 2,809 meters, Ge'ermu is the second-largest city
in Qinghai and the third-largest on the Tibetan Plateau, after Xining
and Lhasa. The name "Ge'ermu" originates from a Mongolian word meaning
"rivers," reflecting the region’s hydrological significance,
particularly the Golmud River that flows northward from the Kunlun
Mountains into the Qarhan Salt Lake area.
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Covering a vast area of approximately 124,500 square kilometers,
Ge'ermu is known for its dramatic landscapes, including salt lakes,
desert plains, and snow-capped mountains. It serves as a major
transportation hub, intersected by key highways such as the
Qinghai–Tibet Highway and the Qinghai–Xinjiang Highway, and is a
crucial stop on the Qinghai–Tibet Railway. The city also includes an
exclave known as Tanggula Town, which lies closer to the Tibetan
border and adds to its strategic importance. Ge'ermu’s climate is arid
and continental, with cold winters and mild summers, making it
suitable for scientific research and astronomical observation.
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Culturally, Ge'ermu is a melting pot of ethnic diversity, home to 27
ethnic groups including Mongols, Tibetans, Hui, and Miao. This
diversity is reflected in its festivals, cuisine, and religious
practices, ranging from Mongolian Nadam fairs to Tibetan opera and
Islamic celebrations. Though not a mainstream tourist destination,
Ge'ermu offers access to some of China’s most remote and awe-inspiring
natural wonders, such as the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, Kunlun Mountains,
and the source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. Its blend of
rugged beauty, cultural richness, and logistical significance makes it
a compelling point of interest on the Tibetan Plateau.
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Landscape between Ge'ermu Railway Station and sunset
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Landscape between dawn and Lhasa Railway Station
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Lhasa Railway Station
Lhasa Railway Station is the largest
and most significant train station in Tibet, serving as the terminal
point of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway—the world’s highest railway line.
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Located in the Liuwu New Area of Doilungdêqên District, the station
sits at an altitude of 3,641 meters (11,946 feet), making it the
highest train station on Earth. Opened in July 2006, it was a landmark
achievement in connecting Tibet to the rest of China by rail,
dramatically improving accessibility to the region. The station lies
about 8 kilometers southwest of the Potala Palace and is linked to
central Lhasa by the Liuwu Bridge, which spans the Lhasa River.
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Architecturally, Lhasa Railway Station is designed to reflect Tibetan
cultural motifs while accommodating modern infrastructure needs. The
main building covers 23,600 square meters and includes six platforms
and ten tracks. It features multiple waiting rooms, including
Tibetan-style VIP lounges, and is equipped with elevators and oxygen
supply systems to help passengers cope with the high altitude. The
station also incorporates solar energy to reduce environmental impact,
aligning with the region’s emphasis on sustainability. Its spacious
layout and thoughtful design make it both functional and symbolic—a
gateway to the Tibetan Plateau.
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Beyond its role in the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, Lhasa Railway Station is
a hub for other key lines, including the Lhasa–Shigatse Railway and
the Lhasa–Nyingchi Railway, which is part of the future Sichuan–Tibet
Railway project. Trains from Lhasa connect to major cities such as
Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, offering both hard and soft
sleeper options for the long journey across China. The station has
become a vital artery for tourism, commerce, and cultural exchange,
welcoming thousands of domestic and international travelers each year.
As Tibet continues to develop, Lhasa Railway Station remains a
cornerstone of its integration with the rest of the country.
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