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Qinghai-Tibet railway, world’s highest, begins operation in 2006 – SCMP archive

This article was originally published on July 2, 2006
‘Sky trains’ begin first run to roof of the world
by Shi Jiangtao
The first train from Beijing to…

By Samantha Johnson / July 1, 2026

This article was originally published on July 2, 2006

‘Sky trains’ begin first run to roof of the world

by Shi Jiangtao

The first train from Beijing to Lhasa on the world’s highest railway pulled out of the West Railway Station at 9.30pm, packed with 600 excited passengers and 100 journalists on what some described as a hotel on wheels.

Trains earlier left from Golmud and Chengdu.

For Lhasa student Bianba, it meant more opportunities to return home to see family.

“It’s much cheaper to go home by train,” said the 22-year-old, who has lived in the capital for 11 years but has returned home only twice.

A ticket for a hard seat costs 389 yuan, while a bottom bunk bed in hard sleeper costs 813 yuan and a soft sleeper 1,262 yuan. An air ticket to Tibet from Beijing costs more than 2,500 yuan.

Aboard, a distinct ethnic culture is immediately clear, with upholstery featuring the auspicious Tibetan colours of yellow and red.

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