On July 1, 2006, the Qinghai–Xizang Railway officially began full operation, making the snowy plateau no longer remote. Over the past 20 years, this “steel artery” has crossed snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, bringing unprecedented convenience to people along its route. 

On the Changtang Grassland in Nagqu, track patrol officers stand guard day after day. Whenever a train passes, they line up and salute—a gesture they have repeated for 20 years. What they safeguard is not only the railway tracks, but also the hope of development for their homeland.