FOREWORD

I am delighted to hear about the upcoming publication of Mr. Wang Quanquan's book, We Built Railways on the Roof of the World. As a long-term colleague of his in Xizang, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and utmost admiration for the extraordinary contributions and incredible sacrifices made by those who dedicated themselves to constructing the railways. Additionally, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Wang Quanquan on this remarkable achievement.

We Built Railways on the Roof of the World provides a glimpse into the lives of workers involved in the construction of the Qinghai-Xizang and Sichuan-Xizang (Lhasa-Nyingchi) Railways. Moreover, Wang Quanquan intends this book to be a testament to his boundless adoration for the inimitable natural and cultural bounty represented in Xizang. With a wealth of stunning photos, a marvelously well-planned layout, and a heartfelt tone, the book portrays, in vivid detail, the incredible resolve of these railway builders as they persevered through frigid winter snows and scorching summer heat. Equally emphasized is the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Qinghai-Xizang and Sichuan-Xizang Railways, and the profound sense of pride among the people of Xizang. We Built Railways on the Roof of the World features a simple and non-assuming style of writing and illustration, rooted in the author's own personal and professional experiences. It allows readers to connect instantly with the author on an emotional level and experience a unique sense of affection for Xizang.

The book holds immense artistic, social, and educational significance. This extensive collection of photos showcases the unwavering dedication of Mr. Wang Quanquan and his fellow railway engineers to completing this momentous project enacted by the Central Government. It demonstrates their resilience and tenacity in conquering the “forbidden zone for humans” on the roof of the world to construct a pathway to development, unity, and prosperity for Xizang. Additionally, it highlights their deep resolve to work with people of all ethnic groups in Xizang to forge a stronger sense of the Chinese nation as one community.

I firmly believe that the book will serve as an extraordinary source of inspiration and encouragement for those currently involved in the construction of the Sichuan-Xizang Railway. In addition, it will undoubtedly contribute to the creation of a new chapter of enduring prosperity and stability for the people of Xizang.

Zhou Chunlai
Former Deputy Party Secretary and Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Xizang Autonomous Region

As we take immense pride in the achievements of over seventy years of development in Xizang, we have received a gift from a builder who has contributed to the region's development – a photographic collection by Wang Quanquan, titled “We Built Railways on the Roof of the World”.

As much as 85 percent of the land in Xizang sits over 4,000 m above sea level. Nicknamed the “roof of the world”, it is a dangerous place, where survival is an arduous feat. Construction in the wilderness is exceedingly difficult, and each challenge you face can be the difference between life and death.

However, Wang Quanquan, along with his fellow railway builders, chose to remain on this plateau constructing this miraculous feat of modern railway engineering. He also remembered to bring along a camera and keep a photographic record of history.

In the author's eyes, everything here is simply that beautiful, that precious, and that worthy of value. Whether it be the construction site, the workers, the people and animals of Xizang, or even the machinery and equipment, nothing is cold and lifeless any longer; everything has a sense of vitality and soul.

The frigid cold of the plateau and the scorching heat of the interior start to become one when viewed through this constant stream of photographs.

Although the lens is cold to the touch, through it we are able to feel warmth – to touch the mind of the author and feel his emotions.

Wang Quanquan is a passionate, determined, and endeavoring individual. This is true of his approach to railway work as well as to photography. There are many things that, upon initial inspection, may seem unremarkable and drab, but when caught in his lens, they are granted novelty, rarity, and color. By promoting the subjects of these photographs, he is endorsing their spiritual significance. It is an emotional expression.

Wang Quanquan worked in Xizang twice. During the construction of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway, he and his coworkers laid 500-plus km of track. Together, they completed the longest rail line to cross the highest-altitude permafrost plateau in the world, and in doing so, provided Xizang with its first ever railway. Ten years later, they undertook track-laying on another railway project in Xizang, this time being the Lhasa-Nyingchi section of the Sichuan-Xizang Railway. Thanks to workers like him, a “Fuxing” bullet train was able to make its first ever journey across the snowy plateau.

In recent years, transportation in Xizang has experienced changes on a scale never before seen in history. These successes have been made possible by the sweat and contributions of railway builders like Wang Quanquan....

The construction of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway and Sichuan-Xizang Railway (Lhasa-Nyingchi section) is not only a momentous achievement in the history of railway engineering, but also a precious symbol of moral wealth. The ideals and spirit of the plateau railway builders are ripe with revolutionary heroism and optimism. Though they may lack oxygen, they do not lack spirit; though they live difficult lives, they did not fear sacrifice. Even higher up than the altitude of the plateau is the “old Xizang spirit”, something clearly depicted in this book.

If you were to see Wang Quanquan, you would notice that since his first job on the plateau, there have been a great many changes to his appearance. His hair, for the most part, was left on the plateau. Because of the intense UV radiation, his skin has been tanned to the shade of bronze. Because of long-term exposure to decreased levels of oxygen, his lips have taken on a permanent shade of purplish black.

According to some, those that help advance the development of Xizang are like dandelions on the plateau; no matter where they are, they are able to create beautiful flowers. The dandelions of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway possess an extraordinary vitality. No matter how frigidly cold the weather, no matter how poor the soil, these dandelions find a way to thrive. Scattered across the vast landscape, they blossom, putting on a brilliant display of life. This book, a product of his and other plateau railway builders, like an unassuming dandelion, blossoms before your very eyes.

Zhou Jianwei
Former Vice President of Xinhua News Agency Xizang and Current Vice President of Xinhua News Agency Guangdong