Touching "the Sky Road", Qinghai-Tibet Railway

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On board each train is an interpreter who speaks Chinese, Tibetan and basic English.

Since the railway went into operation last year, it's brought nearly 700,000 people to Tibet. About a fifth are foreigners.

Starting from Golmud, the train supplies oxygen and becomes smoke-free.

But some passengers still get queasy around the Tanggula Mountain pass which is more than 5000 meters above sea level.

The ride offers views of snowy mountains before cutting through Hoh Xil .

Then it darts through the grasslands of northern Tibet before arriving in Lhasa.

American tourist, said, "It's very comfortable so far."

But not everyone is so satisfied.

Austrian tourist, said, "There are a lot of improvements to be made. I am very outspoken. Sleepers are very narrow. There isn't enough space. The food is not very good. It's a fascinating experience looking out of the window."

The train covers the 1000 kilometers between Golmud and Lhasa in 14 hours. It may seem like a long ride, but it does help people get used to the altitude.

I was in Lhasa twice before, both times I came by plane and both times I felt altitude sickness. This time I came by train and I can still feel it-- the altitude sickness. But it's much better.

Editor:Du Xiaodan