The Qinghai-Tibet railway is a high-altitude railway that connects Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, with Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is the world's highest railway, with a maximum elevation of 5,072 meters (16,640 feet) above sea level. The railway is 1,956 km (1,215 mi) long and was completed in 2006 after five years of construction.
The railway passes through several major cities and towns in Tibet and Qinghai, including Golmud, Nagqu, Damxung, and Lhasa. It is considered a significant engineering achievement, as the route passes through permafrost areas, earthquake-prone zones, and environmentally sensitive regions. The railway has also been controversial due to its potential impact on the fragile ecosystem of the Tibetan Plateau and the displacement of Tibetan nomads living along the route.
The Qinghai-Tibet railway has become a popular tourist destination, with travelers from all over the world taking the train to experience the stunning landscapes and unique culture of Tibet. The train offers oxygen supplies for passengers to alleviate altitude sickness and features large windows to take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, grasslands, and lakes along the way. It is also an important transport link for the region, facilitating the transportation of goods and people between Tibet and mainland China.