Spectacular trains through world's landscapes
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, July 24, 2014
• Chang'an Route
The Silk Road is an ancient corridor for trade and cultural exchange running from China to the Mediterranean Sea. It was traversed by traders, merchants, pilgrims, monks, soldiers, nomads, adventurers and many others.
This 11-day railway route along key points was launched by the Xi'an Railway Bureau. It starts in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, passes through Gansu Province and ends in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Xi'an is one of the oldest cities in China and was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
The express also stops in Dunhuang, site of one of China's most famous Buddhist grottoes, the Mogao Grottoes. It is the world's largest, best preserved and richest treasure house of Buddhist art, also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring in Gansu are also hot destinations.
Only the morning is spent in Dunhuang.
Travelers take in dramatic views of Xinjaing's Kanas Lake, sometimes compared with Lake Geneva in Switzerland because of similar climate and scenery.
Urumqi is a major stop along the journey, a major Silk Road hub during the Tang Dynasty (AD618-907 AD). The trip also includes a visit to the regional museum for a glimpse of history and archeology.
Route: Xi'an to Urumqi, China
Duration: 11 days
Tickets: 1,680-3,480 yuan
Tips: Discount for seniors. Medics aboard.
• Qinghai-Tibet Railway
This route contains the world's highest train station at Tanggula Pass in Tibet at 5,072 meters above sea level.
The high-elevation railway connects Xining in Qinghai Province with Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
The trains wind their way past meadows, snowy mountains and Qinghai Lake, the biggest saltwater lake in China at 3,260 meters above sea level. Millions of migratory birds can be seen on the islands.
The views are breathtaking, literally, so the railway is prepared for altitude sickness. Trains are specially built for high elevations and each passenger has an oxygen supply. Every train has a doctor.
Each passenger is required to obtain a Health Registration Card to take the train between Golmud and Lhasa. The card can be obtained when purchasing tickets. Passengers must read the notice for high-elevation travel and sign the agreement on the card.
Route: Xining to Lhasa, China
Duration: 24 hours
Tickets: 217-794 yuan
Tips: Not recommended for people with heart problem or hypertension.
A Passenger Health Registration Card is required.
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