World's highest railway begins operation in 2006 - SCMP archive

World’s highest railway begins operation in 2006 marked a major milestone for rail travel between China’s capital and the Tibetan Plateau, with the first trains starting service 20 years ago today. The initial Beijing to Lhasa departure left from West Railway Station at 9:30pm, carrying about 600 passengers and 100 journalists, described as a “hotel on wheels.” Earlier trains also departed from Golmud and Chengdu. For 22-year-old student Bianba, the route offered cheaper access to family; a hard seat ticket cost 389 yuan, a hard sleeper bottom bunk 813 yuan, and a soft sleeper 1,262 yuan. An air ticket to Tibet from Beijing was priced at more than 2,500 yuan, while the onboard decor featured Tibetan yellow and red colors.