A new railway line connecting the cities of Lijiang and Shangri-La in Yunnan Province, China has opened, marking a significant development for tourism and economic growth in the region. This railway is part of the larger Yunnan-Tibet Railway and is designed to enhance transportation connectivity in Southwest China.
With a remarkable top speed of 140 kilometers per hour, the railway has drastically reduced travel time between Lijiang and Shangri-La from approximately 4 hours by bus to just 1 hour and 18 minutes. Furthermore, it acts as a vital link between Shangri-La and the provincial capital, Kunming, offering a swift journey of 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Positioned in the transitional zone between the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, this 139-kilometer railway line connects numerous renowned attractions such as Lijiang Ancient Town, Yulong Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Haba Snow Mountain, and the famous Shangri-La. These connections hold great potential for boosting tourism and local economic development along the route.
To make the railway suitable for the high-altitude environment of Shangri-La, the Fuxing trains on this route have been meticulously redesigned. This ensures passengers have a comfortable and safe experience while adapting to the challenging altitude conditions of the area.
As one of the three major railways connecting Tibet with other provinces, this new addition not only facilitates transportation but also promotes balanced regional development and prosperity. Despite some sections still under construction due to the harsh natural environment and high altitude along the route, the completion of the Yunnan-Tibet Railway will further enhance tourism opportunities, particularly in Shangri-La, a globally renowned destination.
Observers predict that the new Lijiang-Shangri-La railway will contribute to increased winter tourism in Shangri-La, as accessing the region during winter months has proven challenging due to adverse weather conditions. Dukezong Ancient Town, one of Shangri-La's popular attractions, had already welcomed more than 7 million visitors as of November.
