In 1984, Xining-Golmud section begins operation

On June 29, 2001, the Golmud-Lhasa section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway started construction. By the end of the year, the rail base of the Golmud-Wangkun section was completed

On November 20, 2002, track-laying in the Golmud-Wangkun section was completed

In 2004, the rail base, bridge and tunnel of the whole line was basically completed. On June 22, the Tibetan section began construction

On August 24, 2005, track-laying passed Tanggula railway station at an altitude of 5072 meters

On October 12, 2005, China announced completion of the world's highest railway

On March 1, 2006, the freight train trial operation was successful

On May 1, 2006, the passenger train (without passengers) trial operation was successful

On Jul 1, 2006, Entire line scheduled to start trial operations

On Jul1, 2007 Entire line scheduled to be officially fully operational