The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest railroad in the world, carried 2,569 passengers to Tibet Autonomous Region in the first three days of operation.

 

Three passenger trains, starting from Beijing, Lanzhou and Chengdu pulled into the Lhasa Railway Station one after another on Monday.

 

Before the opening of the railway, flights from Beijing, Chengdu and several other Chinese cities carry hundreds of people to Lhasa everyday.

 

"I came to the platform everyday to present had a (a white silk scarf symbolizing respect and blessings) to passengers when they got off the train," said Zhoima, 18, a student at Lhasa Teachers Professional School.

 

Zhoima was one of the volunteer groups organized by the Lhasa Youth League Committee to participate in activities celebrating the opening of the railway on July 1.

 

"I feel tired, but excited, and I will take part in a dance performance in the square in front of the Potala Palace Tuesday," Zhoima said.

 

A young woman surnamed Chen, arriving from Beijing, said, "I enjoyed the journey and the beautiful scenery. It's a pity that I can only stay in Lhasa for a week before I have to return to work."

 

"We never expected to make a profit from singing and dancing," said Cering Wangdu, head of the committee of Sangmu Village in Doilungdeqen County, which is administrated by Lhasa.

 

Last year, the village began performances of Tibetan dance and songs and other activities showcasing Tibetan folklore to entertain visitors.

 

"The railway brings us guests and business," Cering Wangdu said.

 

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway stretches 1,956 kilometers from Xining to Lhasa. About 960 kilometers is located 4,000 meters above sea level and the highest point is 5,072 meters, at least 200 meters higher than the Peruvian railway in the Andes, the former world's highest track.

 

The first train from the Chinese capital started its journey of 4,060 kilometers to Lhasa on Saturday evening and arrived late Monday after more than 48 hours.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2006)