{"id":9349,"date":"2026-06-24T17:00:53","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T09:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=9349"},"modified":"2026-06-06T18:08:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T10:08:42","slug":"qingzangrailway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/qingzangrailway\/","title":{"rendered":"Tibet | 7 Essential Things to Know Before Taking the Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway"},"content":{"rendered":"

For travelers from Taiwan, there are two ways to enter Tibet: by plane or by train. I had heard that the scenery between Xining and Lhasa is breathtaking, so for this trip to Tibet and Mount Kailash, I decided to \u201center Tibet by train and leave by plane.\u201d\nI\u2019ve put together seven practical tips about taking the Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway for anyone planning a trip to Tibet:<\/p>\n

01\uff5cThe latest Tibet entry regulations
\n02\uff5cAltitude changes and how to deal with altitude sickness
\n03\uff5cTrain ticket booking tips and important things to know
\n04\uff5cThe differences between soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat cabins
\n05\uff5cHow to board and take the train
\n06\uff5cThe train environment and food options
\n07\uff5cMy personal experience riding the Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway
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\u25e6 Required Documents<\/span><\/h6>\n

Travelers from Taiwan must hold a Tibet Travel Permit in order to enter Tibet by either train or plane. Since independent travel is not permitted in Tibet, your itinerary must be arranged through an authorized travel agency, which will also apply for the permit on your behalf. The application process usually begins about one month before departure, and approval is typically confirmed around one week before entering Tibet.<\/p>\n

Applying for the Tibet Travel Permit also requires a valid Taiwan Compatriot Permit. Travel agencies usually request your documents around 45 days before departure, so it\u2019s recommended to apply for your Taiwan Compatriot Permit at least two months in advance to avoid affecting your travel plans.<\/p>\n

\u27a4 Taiwan Compatriot Permit Application Service<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 Can Taking the Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway Help You Adjust to Altitude Sickness?<\/span><\/h6>\n

Many people assume that because the Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway gradually climbs from Xining to Lhasa, the body can \u201cadapt slowly\u201d to the altitude, making altitude sickness less likely.<\/p>\n

In reality, that\u2019s not entirely true.<\/p>\n

Although the train activates its oxygen supply system after entering the high-altitude region \u2014 increasing oxygen levels inside the cabins \u2014 and each sleeper berth is equipped with an individual oxygen outlet for emergency use, the altitude still rises very rapidly in a relatively short period of time. After departing from Xining, the train climbs from an elevation of 2,275 meters to Tanggula Pass at 5,072 meters. This sudden change can still trigger symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, chest tightness, insomnia, or an increased heart rate. The onboard oxygen system can help relieve discomfort, but it cannot completely prevent altitude sickness. I strongly recommend visiting a travel medicine clinic before departure to obtain altitude sickness medication. Remember to start taking it the day before boarding the train, or follow your doctor\u2019s instructions carefully.<\/p>\n

\u27a4 Travel Medicine Clinics in Taiwan<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Buying Tickets for the Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway<\/span><\/h6>\n

To purchase tickets for the Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway, you\u2019ll need not only a Taiwan Compatriot Permit, but also access to a Mainland Chinese bank card or payment methods such as Alipay or WeChat Pay. At the time of my trip, I hadn\u2019t yet activated these payment methods, so I asked the travel agency to book the tickets for me. If you already have suitable payment tools in China or have completed the required identity verification, you can purchase the tickets yourself at a significantly lower price. One thing to keep in mind is that during the peak travel season from June to September, train tickets are extremely difficult to secure. Even locals often struggle to get them, so in that case, it may still be easier to rely on an experienced travel agency to help.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude86 Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway Train Ticket Booking<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 The Differences Between Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper, and Seat<\/span><\/h6>\n

The Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway offers three types of seating: soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat. The two sleeper options are by far the most popular. For my trip from Chengdu to Lhasa, which took around 35 hours, I chose the most comfortable option \u2014 the soft sleeper. Here\u2019s a breakdown of each type of carriage, along with their pros and cons:<\/p>\n

01\uff5cSoft Sleeper: The Most Comfortable and Private Option<\/h6>\n

The soft sleeper is the most expensive option on the Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway, but it also offers the highest level of comfort and privacy. Each compartment contains four beds arranged as upper and lower bunks, and there is a door that can be closed, making the environment quieter and more private.<\/p>\n

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The blankets and pillows were reasonably clean, and each bed came with a reading light and clothing hooks. There was also an individual power outlet located beneath the small table inside the compartment. I highly recommend choosing a lower bunk if possible. Besides being more convenient for charging devices, the lower bunk also provides a much better view of the scenery outside the window.<\/p>\n

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02\uff5cHard Sleeper: The Best Value for Money<\/h6>\n

The hard sleeper is generally considered the best balance between price and comfort.\nEach open-plan carriage contains several small sections, with six beds per section arranged in upper, middle, and lower bunks. Unlike the soft sleeper, there are no doors separating the compartments, so the environment feels more open and lively. Compared to the quieter soft sleeper cabins, hard sleeper carriages tend to be noisier and less private, but they are still a very practical and popular choice for long-distance travel.<\/p>\n

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03\uff5cSeat: The Cheapest but Least Comfortable Option<\/h6>\n

The hard seat is the cheapest option, but also the least comfortable. For a journey as long as mine \u2014 around 35 hours from Chengdu to Lhasa \u2014 I personally would not recommend it. However, for shorter routes, such as the 3\u20134 hour journey between Lhasa and Shigatse, hard seats can still be a very affordable and reasonable choice.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 How to Board the Train<\/span><\/h6>\n

I boarded the train at Chengdu West Railway Station. Since passengers must go through identity verification and security checks before boarding, I recommend arriving at the station around 1 to 1.5 hours early. Once you arrive, you can check the electronic display boards to find the correct entrance gate. Trains heading to Lhasa usually depart from Entrance No. 2.<\/p>\n

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Throughout the entire journey, your Taiwan Compatriot Permit is used both for entering the station and boarding the train, so there\u2019s no need to exchange for a paper ticket. When transferring to the Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway at Xining, staff will also check your Tibet Travel Permit. After completing the baggage inspection, you can line up at the ticket checkpoint. At that point, the station usually becomes extremely crowded, with everyone rushing to board early and secure luggage space.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Train Environment & Food<\/span><\/h6>\n

The train departs from Chengdu in the evening, and around noon the next day, passengers transfer at Xining. The Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway train used after Xining is newer and generally offers a wider selection of food in the dining car.<\/p>\n

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01\uff5cBasic Washing Facilities<\/h6>\n

At both ends of each carriage, there are open-style sinks where passengers can brush their teeth and wash their faces. There are no shower facilities onboard, so I recommend bringing wet wipes for basic cleaning during the journey.<\/p>\n

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02\uff5cRestrooms<\/h6>\n

Each carriage has restrooms at both ends, including both squat toilets and western-style seated toilets. However, the seated toilets tend to get dirtier more quickly, so most passengers prefer using the squat toilets instead.<\/p>\n

03\uff5cOxygen Supply System<\/h6>\n

The Qinghai\u2013Tibet Railway is equipped with an oxygen supply system. After departing from Golmud, the train gradually increases the oxygen supply to help passengers adapt to the high altitude. Both soft sleeper and hard sleeper berths are equipped with individual oxygen outlets beside the beds. If needed, passengers can purchase oxygen tubes onboard for personal use.<\/p>\n

04\uff5cFood & Meals<\/h6>\n

On the Chengdu-to-Xining train, breakfast costs around 20 RMB and usually includes congee, side dishes, steamed buns, and eggs. There are also food carts that move through the carriages selling simple meals and snacks.<\/p>\n

On the Xining-to-Lhasa section, set meals are available during meal times, typically priced between 60 and 90 RMB. These usually include one vegetable dish, one meat dish, rice, and soup. I ordered the Sichuan-style \u201cBig Plate Chicken\u201d meal for 65 RMB, and it was actually surprisingly good \u2014 definitely worth trying. If you bring instant noodles or powdered drinks, hot water is also available onboard throughout the trip.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h6>\n

The landscapes between Xining and Lhasa are truly unique and unforgettable. Watching the scenery gradually change as the train crosses the Tibetan Plateau is an experience in itself. That said, to be completely honest, even in a soft sleeper cabin, it\u2019s difficult to get proper rest because people are constantly moving around, boarding, and getting off throughout the journey. If you\u2019re concerned that lack of sleep might worsen altitude sickness, flying into Tibet may ultimately be the safer and more comfortable option.<\/p>\n

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