Aerial photo shows the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway. [China Tibet News/Tenzin Xidan]

Since it has been officially put into operation on August 16, 2014, the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway has totally changed the transportation history of southwest Tibet. With a overall length of 253 kilometers, it provides great convenience for local people and tourists to travel in and out Shigatse.

With the implementation of the "One Belt and One Road" initiative as well as the construction of the South Asia Channel, Lhasa-Shigatse Railway plays a more important role in promoting the social and economic development of Shigatse City and even Tibet Autonomous Region.