Pic story: 20 years of dedication along China's Qinghai-Xizang Railway

Members of a railway protection team have lunch at their barrack in Seni District of Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 18, 2026. Since the Qinghai-Xizang Railway became fully operational in 2006, a railway protection team has stationed in Nagqu, the city with the highest altitude in China. They are in charge of a 25-kilometer section of track, with duties of identifying potential hazards, preventing people and livestock from entering the railway, and taking part in rescue operations following accidents along the line. For 20 years, they have overcome the challenges of high altitude and harsh weather. During the busy herding season, they also help local herders shear sheep and repair fences.

Over the years, their living conditions have improved significantly. Tents have been replaced by buildings equipped with running water, electricity and heating. Shelters have also been built along the patrol route.

The story of this team is just one example. Along the Qinghai-Xizang Railway, countless railway protection workers have been safeguarding the safety of passengers through their hard work. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Members of a railway protection team play basketball during break time in Seni District of Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Members of a railway protection team arrange equipment at their barrack in Seni District of Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

A member of a railway protection team salutes to a passing train in Seni District of Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Members of a railway protection team patrol in Seni District of Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Members of a railway protection team patrol in Seni District of Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

An aerial drone photo taken on June 18, 2026 shows a train passing a barrack of the railway protection team in Seni District of Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 27, 2026 shows a train heading Xining City of northwest China's Qinghai Province in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)