The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, a plateau railway boasting the highest elevation and longest distance in the world, did go beyond the Kunlun Range. It was completed on July 1, 2006, amazing the whole world and creating a pioneering work in railway construction history.

The construction of the railway took fifty years from

the first survey in 1956 to completion in 2006. Over the tedious half-century. several generations of railway workers challenged extreme conditions finally to solve three major global engineering problems: permafrost, alpine hypoxia and vulnerable ecology.

Preface

I  A Millennium-long Dream of the Snow-covered Plateau

The Ancient Tang-Tibet Road

Plateau Post Road

The Roads to Tibet

Call for a Railway

II  Beyond the Roof of the World

After Two Times of Advancement, Phase I Opened for Traffic

Decision Comparison: It's Time for Building the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Railway Laid to Tibet after Five Years of Construction

III Through the Permafrost Regions

Frozen Earth: a Lethal Killer

Innovative Design Thinking of the Three Changes

Take Proper Measures to Conduct Comprehensive Management

Roadbed in the Permafrost Regions Remains Stable and Withstands Challenges

IV  Challenge Alpine Hypoxia

Health is the Priority

The Three-level Medical Treatment Network

Quality Food and Sleep for Employees

Aim: Zero Deaths from High Altitude Diseases

V  Pave a "Green Sky Road" 

Enforcing Environmental Protection by Law, Giving Priority to Prevention and Protection

Bottom-up Environmental Protection - Achievement in both Construction and Environmental Protection

Environmental Protection with Science and Technology - Stressing both Exploitation and Protection

VI  A "Golden Bridge" to Wealth and Civilization 

Expedite Railways Extend and Wind on the Plateau

Tibet Enters into the "Railway Economy" Age

World-class Popular Travel Route Opened