The journey to Tibet may be one of the most difficult in the world. Only people who are as pious as saints are able to go attempt Tibet. This old soldier has been to every corner of Tibet. He is the first secretary of the Communist Party of Tibet Autonomous Region. His name is Yin Fatang.

Yin Fatang came to Tibet when he was 34 and has worked here for over 20 years. His legendary life is interwoven with the mountains of Tibet. Based on his experience and knowledge, Yin Fatang knew well that to build the second part of Qinghai-Tibet Railway was an urgent matter. Therefore, he was determined to report his idea to Deng Xiaoping.

Interview Yin Fatang, the former cadre of Tibet Autonomous Region: When I reported my work to Deng Xiaoping, the major reason was related to politics and economy. The railway itself was not the main topic. Actually before I mentioned the railway, Xiaoping talked about it himself since he paid much attention to the railway. He said that we must prove the theory quickly and start the project soon.

Deng Xiaoping's words showed his dedication and desire for the railway. He stated that 'The plateau cannot wait any longer and China cannot wait any longer.' These words inspired the dream of the century.

From the democratic innovation in the 1950s to today's reform and opening up policy, Tibet has enormously developed in all aspects especially apparent in the more important cities. But due to the complexity of the geography and landform of Tibet, most of the Tibetan people in the rural areas live in poverty. When natural disasters occur, the herdsmen find themselves quite helpless.

There is a 'general's residence'near Golmud. In the past, a general of the People's Republic named Mu Shengzhong lived there. In 1953, he was a vigorous soldier. He said that if the Qinghai-Tibet Highway failed, he would die there. At that time, humans began to build the first highway through Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. General Mu was in charge of the transportation of logistics. His previous Three difficult attempts to transport across Tibet caused him to ask the central government to build the plateau highway.

In order to have the highway built, General Mu began search for help. Finally, the Minister of National Defense Ministry Peng Dehuai was moved from his post and allocated 300 thousand yuan and 1500 kg of explosives to build the impossible highway.

The first highway on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau had begun construction. Less than one year later, a 1300-kilometer highway was completed. Considering the short time frame, this quick completion is amazing even when compared to modern days technology.

General Mu had been to Tibet many times. He knew clearly that a highway alone could not solve Tibet's problems. He dreamt of building a railway. But due historical reasons, his dream did not come true.

It is not a rarity to see a new road bring prosperity to an isolated place. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway will bring modern materials, facilities and transportation to the old and magical land.

The Tangula Mountain stands tall as the main watershed of North and South Tibet. It is also the last protective landmass from Qinghai to Tibet. When the railway was built in the town upon the Tangula, a herdsman named Jiangyongcuo and his family all worked for the railway