The line
The Qinghai-Tibet railway links Xining with Lhasa and was one of China's major engineering projects of the new century. It is the first railway to reach the Tibetan plateau and the highest in the world.
On board
Carriages are oxygen-supplied, with soft sleeper, hard sleeper, hard seat and a dining car. Soft sleeper berths are few and sell out early in peak season, so book ahead.
Compartments and meals
A soft sleeper compartment has four berths with bedding, a small table and a flask; staff push meal trolleys through the train at mealtimes and there is also a dining car.
Medical support
Because of the altitude, each train carries medical staff, and first-aid stations operate at key stations on the plateau section for altitude-related problems.
Comfort
Carriages have displays showing outside temperature, speed, oxygen content and altitude — useful for understanding how your body is adapting as the train climbs.
