The Lhasa-Shigatse railway in southwest China's Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region has transported 14.29 million passengers and 5.24 million tons of goods after its opening 10 years ago.
To celebrate the railway's 10th anniversary, many fun activities were held in the carriages of a bullet train on Friday, treating passengers with local folk songs and dances and prize-giving quizs.
The 251-kilometer line links Lhasa, the regional capital and also the largest city, and Shigatse, the second largest city of Xizang, with both places at an elevation of above 3,500 meters.
It has significantly reduced the travel time between the two cities from six to seven hours by bus to about two hours by an ordinary train, providing great convenience for people.
Initially, there were only ordinary trains running on the railway line. Now fancy bullet trains with increased departures have provided passengers with faster and more comfortable services.
Tibetan girl Lahm who lives in Lhasa and works in a hospital in Shigatse takes the train almost every week. She said the bullet train allows her to have more rest time.
"It's very convenient now. I can go home and rest for a day every week, and return to Shigatse in no rush because there are many train departures," said Lahm.
Local villager Sonam Puchi who is head of a cleaning team at the Shigatse train station directly benefits from the railway's opening. "I lead a 20-plus cleaning team now. I earn good money here while being able to take care of my children," said Sonam Puchi.
More than 300 people from various ethnic groups have been locally employed because of the railway.
Lhasa-Shigatse railway transports 14.29 mln passengers 10 years into service
