Journey on the Sky Road - Traveling the Qinghai-Tibet Railway by Train

Author: Guo Min
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway starts in Xining and ends in Lhasa, with a total length of 1,956 kilometers. Along the way, the train takes our sight from vast plains to snow-capped mountains, experiencing different landscapes and folk customs, as if immersing ourselves in a movie. In different cities, we feel different vibes, allowing us to cleanse the worldly mundane and experience this paradise-like world. The starting station of Xining, meaning "tranquility in the western frontier," is the eastern gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and has been known as the "key to the western sea" since ancient times. Xining has always been a strategic stronghold with a diverse ethnic population, so you can experience various ethnic customs here. Xining is an ancient plateau city with over 2,100 years of history. It was once the base for General Zhao Chong of the Western Han Dynasty to establish farmland and served as a key passage along the Silk Road in Qinghai, connecting the Central Plains with the western frontier. It was also a must-pass point for the historical "Tang-Tibet Trade Route." Today, Xining is the terminus of the Lanqing Railway, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and Highway, and remains a crucial transportation hub to the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It often serves as a junction for tourists traveling along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Tibet and visiting the Ta'er Temple or Qinghai Lake. However, if you have a calm mindset, you will still find joy in this city. Although you can't see the roaring Yellow River here, the countless small streams from its source nourish this land, and their endless flow reminds you of the resilience of life. Xingju Lake, historically used to refer to the entire Yellow River source area, can be seen as a refueling station for the Yellow River after it leaves Shandong. The lake is dotted with lakes and ponds of various shapes, like pearls embedded in shimmering mirrors. On the night of the full moon when the sky is clear, the moon rises over the eastern mountains, casting silver light on the water, as if a round ice mirror has emerged from the ocean. Countless clear springs are hidden among them, resembling large and small pearls falling on jade. A gentle breeze stirs the waves, scattering the silver moonlight, dazzling and breathtaking—truly a marvel of the northern frontier.
If you don’t visit Qinghai Lake, you haven’t truly been to Qinghai. The plateau’s gem, Qinghai Lake, like a piece of jade hidden among the mountains, reflects the beauty of green grass, blue water, and lush greenery, creating a magnificent landscape. When visiting Qinghai Lake, you must explore the Heart Island in the lake and the Bird Island. At Bird Island, you can see migratory birds from southern China and Southeast Asia in early summer. Another must-visit place in Qinghai Lake is the Beifan Temple. Located on the northern hillside by the Huangshui River, the Beifan Temple, also known as "Beishan Temple," is a Taoist temple. It features typical Danxia landforms, with uneven layered rocks resembling wood ear mushrooms growing on ancient trees, showcasing the marks of time everywhere. In Xining, you should also take time to enjoy Laoye Mountain, known as the "Northern Wudang." The unique charm of Laoye Mountain is nurtured by its "bold, magnificent, perilous, and secluded" beauty. The Yawater Hot Springs, known as the "Divine Spring of the Ma Ridge," are located in the Ma Ridge Gorge, 40 kilometers south of Xining in Huangzhong County. The water in Yawater Hot Springs is so clear that you can see the sand and stones at the bottom. Quietly, the springs reflect the elegance of birch and willow trees, with faint clouds floating above, creating a poetic atmosphere. If you don’t have enough fun in Xining, the next stop, Huangyuan County, known as the "throat of the sea and Tibet," will extend your joy. Mount Riyue, made more attractive by the legend of Princess Wencheng stopping here on her journey to Tibet, adds to its mystery with every tale about the flowing water of the Datong River. The Huangyuan Gorge offers a different scene at every step, with historic sites like Foer Cliff, Yueyabai, Shiyazhuang, and Beigucheng always captivating the eye. The lush green forests and strange rocks are equally enchanting. The rock carvings discovered in Dahei Valley are also a must-see. These carvings are composed of countless shallow dots, mostly depicting hunting scenes with lifelike and vivid details, truly showcasing the wisdom of ancient people.
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