1. Mt. Yuzhu

The first sightseeing station in the Golmud-Lhasa section of the Tibet Railway is Mt. Yuzhu. With an altitude of 6,178 above the sea level, Mt. Yuzhu is the main peak of Kunlun Mountain and a place favored by lovers of mountaineering. Standing on the sightseeing platform, one can admire the snow-covered Mt. Yuzhu and glacier even in summer.

Looking towards the southwest, Kekexili - the unmanned area - where over 100 rivers flow is worthy of appreciation. Other scenes such as jokul, gorge, stone forest, and saline can be seen from here. Reputed as the 'Kingdom of Animals', some rare wild animals such as Tibetan antelope, yak, etc. are often visible.

2. Chumaer River

At Chumaer River station, visitors can see Chunaer River known as the central area of the Tibet antelope migration routes. Standing 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) long and 78 bridge holes, Chumaer River Bridge was built for wild animals to pass below. To the north, the majestic Qingshui River Bridge, the longest railroad bridge that also has animals' migration routes can be seen. Animals such as Tibetan antelope, wild donkey, and wild yak often appear near the bridges especially during the summer (June, July, and August).

3. Tuotuo River

   The first bridge of Yangtze River.

Springing from the main peak of Tanggula Range, Tuotuo River is where Yangtze River begins. Standing on the sightseeing platform here, the clear Tuotuo River, Highway Bridge 273 meters long over the river, and the first bridge of Yangtze River - Railroad Bridge of Tuotuo River - are easily seen and worth a visit.

4. Buqiangge

Buqiangge railway station at an altitude of 4,823 meters (15,824 feet) is a place rich in plateau meadows, grasslands, and jokul.

5. Tanggula

With an altitude of 5,068 meters (16,627 feet), Tanggula Station is the highest railway station above sea level in the world. Looking to the west from the station, one will become intoxicated with the charismatic scenery of Tanggula Mountain covered with snow all the year around. Also, the vast plains, lakes, Tanggula River and glacier are within one's sight.

6. Cuona Lake

Covering an area of over 400 square kilometers, Cuona Lake is regarded as the highest freshwater lake in the world. Like Namtso Lake in Tibet, Cuona Lake means 'Heavenly Lake' to the Tibetans. Numerous believers often come all the way to worship this holy lake. The water here is crystal clear with fish jumping freely. Together with the boundless plains and clear sky, the scenery surrounding Cuona Lake are of great beauty, attracting cranes, mandarin ducks, swans and other wild animals. Around the lake is the famous Qiangtang Nature Reserve where Tibetan yak, donkey, snow leopard and so on live.

Cuona Lake is the nearest lake to Tibet Railway with the nearest shore only tens of meters distant, so passengers can enjoy the serenity of the lake with great ease.

7. Nakchu

   Boundless plains with wild animals strolling on.

The Nakchu railway station stands on the Qiangtang Plain which is one of the five biggest pastures in China. From the station, splendid vistas include the clear blue sky, lakes, plains, flocks of wild birds and the magnificent jokul are all within the passengers' vision. The Qiangtang Plain has a great reputation, and every year in August, the Nakchu Horse race is held here which attracts numerous people.

8. Damxung

Damxung means 'the selected fine place' in Tibetan language. As it is 60 kilometers from Lhasa, and is called 'the north gate of Lhasa'. Medicinal plants and wild animals are numerous, including plants like lotus flowers, caladiums, and animals like Tibetan antelope, hares, argali, foxes, and lynx.

People living in this mountainous region have come to regard the horse as an indispensable ally, assisting them in all aspects of their daily lives. Grand horse races are held in Damxung in August each year, lasting five to fifteen days. Nowadays, the race has expanded into a larger Native Games, including Tibetan style weight lifting, tug-of-war, and archery. It is a place where one can feel the friendliness and hospitality of the Tibetan people. It is also the fire-gathering place for the Asian Sports Meeting.

Damxung railway station is regarded as the most characteristic Tibetan style architecture along the Tibetan railway.

9. Yangpachen

Shuttling in the fast train to Tibet, one will be surprised to see some hot gases rise from the earth through natural outlets when arriving at Yangpachen, over 90 kilometers away from Lhasa. It is a place rich in earth heat resources and hot springs. The hottest namma in China and the largest earth heat power plant are situated here. As the hot spring contains sulphated hydrogen that has a beneficial effect on many chronic diseases, many tourists come here to enjoy the therapeutic and medicinal hot water.

Because it is comparatively cold in the morning, heated gases issue from the earth, creating peculiar and spectacular scenes. With jokul and the glacier located to each side of Yangpachen, bathing in the hot spring is a special enjoyment, particularly in winter.

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Source: Travel China Guide