One of the high-altitude railways in the world, the Qingzang Railway connects Lhasa, Tibet with Golmud in Qinghai.
The Qingzang Railway runs through a series of mountains and beautiful lakes. Inaugurated in the year 2006, the train travels a total distance of 1,957 km. The first 815 km between Xining to Golmud was opened in 1984, however the 1,142 kilometers section from Golmud to Lhasa was built after the economic growth of China. For most of its track, the rail line travels at an altitude of 4000 meters above the sea level.
Throughout the 1,957 km journey, there are 45 stations and visitors get ample opportunities to enjoy the stunning beauty of nature. On the way there are nine view platforms built at nine stations. These stations include Yuzhu Peak Station, Chumaer River, Tuotuo River, Buqiangge, Tanggula Mountain, Lake Namtso, Nagqu, Damshung and Yambajan. Visitors can stand on these platforms to get the best views of nature. Trains along the Qingzang Railway have been scheduled in a way that visitors get enough time to enjoy the views.Yuzhu Peak Station: It is the first lookout point located at 4159 meters above sea level. From this point visitors can enjoy views of the Yuzhu Peak and the Kunlun Mountains.
Chu'erma River Station: It is located at an important point on the Qingzang Railway. The bridge is almost 2,565 meters long and has over 78 arch bridges. This point is at an elevation of 4,495 meters.
Tuotuo River Station: The Tuotuo River is the source of the longest river of China, the Yangtze River. The Tuotuo River Station is located at an elevation of 4,547 meters.
Buqiangge Station: This is from where visitors can enjoy amazing views of vast meadow, prairie and snow-capped mountains. This station is located at 4,823 meters
Tanggula Station: This is believed to be the highest station in the world at an altitude of 5,068 meters. The Geladandong Peak, which is the highest peak of the Tangula Mountain, can be seen from this viewpoint.
CoNag Station: The CoNag Lake is sacred to the locals. This alpine lake is set amidst beautiful grassland and offers a scenic view. The station is located 4,594 meters above sea level.
Nagqu Station: This is the place from where visitors can get excellent views of the Changtang prairie. Enjoy amazing scenes of white clouds, crystal lakes and flock of sheep grazing on the grassland. This viewpoint is located at an elevation of 4,513 meters.
Damshung Station: The lovely grassland that spreads from from Nagqu to Damshung offers a beautiful sight. In this area, the rail line runs parallel to the Qinghai-Tibet highway.
Yambajan Station: From this viewpoint visitors can see the hot springs located along the roads.
The Qingzang Railway is possibly one of the quickest and the most efficient ways to enjoy the natural beauty of China.
