Inside world’s highest train line with over 600 miles of track & speeds of 100mph before terminating at famous landmark.

The Highest Railway Route in the World

According to The Sun: This is a view of the world's highest railway connection with over 600 miles of track and speeds of up to 100 miles per hour – it terminates near an iconic landmark.

This railway route, known as Sky Train, has become a true "marvel" of engineering.

Journey to Lhasa

This railway route connects Xining in Qinghai Province, central China, with Lhasa in Tibet.

In addition to its hundreds of miles, the line crosses complex terrain – from permafrost to the Kunlun Mountains.

It rises to an impressive height of 5,702 meters, making it the highest railway line in the world.

Moreover, the route ends at a famous landmark – the city of Lhasa, Tibet. Known as the Forbidden City, Lhasa is celebrated for its spiritual and cultural significance in Tibetan Buddhism.

50 Years of Project Implementation

The railway route also offers scenic views of the "roof of the world" as passengers enjoy vast landscapes.

Work on this grand project began over 50 years ago, in 1958.

Today, the line can carry up to 70,000 passengers per day.

In 1984, the first section was completed, connecting Xining with Golmud. During this phase, trains operated on steam power, while today, locomotives use diesel or electricity.

In 2006, the section from Golmud to Lhasa opened, marking the completion of the project.

The Tourism Boom in Lhasa

After the route's completion, the region experienced a real tourist boom, with 2.5 million visitors just in the first five months.

This led to a surge that exceeded the national average and caused radical changes in Lhasa to cope with the sudden rise.

Hotels quickly appeared, along with new roads and residential complexes.

During the inauguration ceremony at Golmud station, President Hu Jintao described this part of the railway as a "miracle in the history of railway construction in China."

"We overcame serious difficulties with the foundation, and one-seventh of the route was built on bridges," the president added.

The main route from Xining to Lhasa takes about 20 hours, and trains offer various types of seating, including soft and hard compartments.

This largest railway project in the world has become an important milestone for infrastructure development in the region, contributing not only to the growth of tourism but also to the improvement of local residents' lives. With convenient connections to other parts of China, Lhasa has transformed into one of the most attractive tourist destinations, where culture and nature intertwine in a unique blend.