As the highest prefecture of Tibet, Ngari is known as the "roof of the roof of the world". In order to meet the demand of more and more travellers to west Tibet, Ngari in west Tibet opens world's highest bus system which brings prosperity to this area.
Covering a vast 345-thousand square kilometers in Western China, it also has the world's smallest population density. Now, after decades of construction, this once barren land is becoming more developed and better connected. A reporter Wu Nina visited its capital Shiquanhe, to find out more about the town's first bus system.
Surrounded by clouds and mountains, Shiquanhe lies fairly isolated in vast wilderness. Prosperity gradually came to the area after 1964, when the
Xinjiang-Tibet Highway opened.
Since then number of residents has grown to over 20-thousand, and for the first time, a bus system has been introduced to Ngari area.
"This is the first bus that being put into official operation at this town for people's convenience, running more than 4,000 meters above the sea level. The very highest in the world."
Some say that Shiquanhe is like a pearl. It's a miracle to be able to build such a exquisite town in the wild desert. And its newest transportation system is just one of the signs of its continuing development.
Yuan Dan, General Manager, Ngari Transportation Development Co., said, "To solve the problems of limited and expensive transportation in Shiquanhe, the Ngari government has allocated more than 2 million yuan to purchase 6 self-ticketing buses. Students, elderly people above the age of 60 and low-income groups can all ride them for free."
On a route stretching for about 12 kilometers, the bus can take residents, and tourists, nearly anywhere in town.
Ci Ren, Local Resident, said, "I'm happy to take the bus into town. 2RMB per ride. And it's convenient and cheaper than a taxi."
Zhu Sang, Bus Driver, said, "I used to work as temporary driver and only earn 900RMB a month. Now my salary has quadrupled, which is great help for raising my family. I'm very satisfied."
Shiquanhe town has developed into the economic, cultural, cross-border trade center and transportation hub of Ngari. With more commerce projects and social services like water supply and power plants in the works, Shiquanhe will continue to develop into a modernized town on China's western border.
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