The Lijiang-Shangri-La Railway, a marvel of modern engineering and design, now threads through the picturesque landscapes of Yunnan Province, southwest China. This newly inaugurated railway serves as a vital link connecting the tourist-favored cities of Lijiang and Shangri-La, marking a significant milestone in regional transportation and development.
Inaugurated on a Sunday, the railway’s first journey from Shangri-La in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to Lijiang was completed in a mere one and a half hours. This new route drastically reduces travel time, with a trip to the provincial capital, Kunming, now taking only four and a half hours. Designed for speeds up to 140 kilometers per hour and stretching across 139 kilometers, the railway shortens the journey between Lijiang and Shangri-La to just 78 minutes, offering passengers a quick and convenient travel option.
This railway is not just a transportation link; it’s a journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in China. As an integral part of the Yunnan-Xizang Railway, passengers are treated to a captivating blend of nature’s unspoiled beauty and human ingenuity. The route weaves through stunning landscapes, making the journey itself a tourist attraction.
The construction of the Lijiang-Shangri-La Railway was a colossal undertaking, beginning in 2014 and engaging about 20,000 workers over nine years. The project involved the building of 34 new bridges and 20 tunnels, navigating through complex terrain and covering over 70 percent of the route. The construction team, led by Zhang Minyin of the Western Yunnan Railway Construction Headquarters, overcame numerous technical challenges, setting new benchmarks for plateau railway construction in China.
The railway is poised to significantly benefit the ethnic minority regions it traverses. It’s expected to enhance national unity, bolster border stability, and spur high-quality development in Yunnan. The connectivity provided by the railway is anticipated to create synergies among renowned tourist destinations like Dali, Lijiang, and Diqing. This improved accessibility will allow these areas to share and develop their rich cultural and tourism resources collectively.
The impact of the railway extends beyond tourism. Shangri-La, known for its mineral wealth and distinctive agricultural products, will see a boost in economic activities. The railway is set to facilitate the export of approximately 300,000 tonnes of copper and iron ore annually and streamline the transportation of local agricultural produce like matsutake mushrooms to wider markets.
Sustainability was a key focus during the construction of the Lijiang-Shangri-La Railway. Efforts were made to protect the environment, with the implementation of eco-friendly practices. Huo Erlun, from the Lijiang-Shangri-La Railway Project Department, highlighted the project’s commitment to green standards. For instance, at the Haba Snow Mountain tunnel entrance, located in the Tiger Leaping Gorge scenery spot and the Jinsha River water source protection area, a sewage treatment station was established to ensure environmental protection.
The project also included the construction of eight sewage treatment stations, over 40 sedimentation tanks, and extensive wall support and green planting along the route, covering key areas like Wenbi Sea, Lashi Sea, and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Xu Huifeng, the deputy commander of the project, emphasized these efforts, underscoring the project’s commitment to ecological preservation.
In summary, the Lijiang-Shangri-La Railway stands as a landmark achievement in Yunnan’s infrastructure development. It not only enhances travel efficiency and regional connectivity but also reflects China’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation. The railway, with its scenic route and modern amenities, is set to become a new attraction in itself, offering travelers a unique and memorable journey through the heart of Yunnan Province.
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