Passengers chat on board the first Beijing-to-Lhasa train moments before it leaves the Beijing railway station July 1, 2006. [Reuters]

The first train from Lhasa Railway Station travels on a bridge heading for Lanzhou of Gansu province in Lhasa, Tibet July 1, 2006. [Reuters]

Passengers chat inside their compartment on board the first Beijing-to-Lhasa train moments before it leaves the Beijing railway station July 1, 2006. [Reuters]