Qingzang railway, Railway line between Xining and Lhasa, China.
Qingzang railway is a 1,956 kilometer rail line between Xining and Lhasa in China, running through mountains and high plateaus. The route crosses several passes and traverses wide, treeless landscapes, with bridges and tunnels offsetting the extreme changes in elevation.
The first section from Xining to Golmud opened in 1984 and initially served transport within Qinghai Province. The extension to Lhasa began operations on July 1, 2006, establishing the first direct rail link to the Tibetan capital.
The name Qingzang combines short forms of Qinghai and Tibet, showing the link this railway creates between two regions. Travelers today use the line for pilgrimages and trade alike, with carriages fitted with large windows that frame views of the high plateau.
Trains run more slowly than on lowland routes to ease adjustment to altitude, and carriages provide oxygen supply throughout the journey. Warm clothing is advisable even in summer, as temperatures on the plateau often remain below freezing.
Tanggula station stands at 5,068 meters (16,627 feet) above sea level, making it the highest rail station in the world. Around half the route runs over permafrost, requiring special cooling systems beneath the tracks to prevent thawing.
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