In an inspiring demonstration of dedication, Zhang Peng has formally requested permanent extension of his service at Lhasa Railway Station in the Xizang Autonomous Region, transforming what began as a temporary assignment into a lifelong commitment to the high-altitude community.
When Zhang first arrived in December 2023, he confronted severe altitude sickness that cast doubt on his ability to remain on the plateau. Despite these initial challenges, he persevered and has since evolved into an indispensable member of the station’s management team over the past two years.
Currently serving as head of the Technical Information Section, Zhang has made significant contributions to enhancing operational safety along the high-altitude railway corridor. His technical revisions include updating 21 critical regulations and pioneering the development of specialized equipment standards specifically engineered for the region’s extreme environmental conditions.
Zhang attributed his decision to remain permanently to the profound sense of responsibility exhibited by local railway workers and the exceptional cross-cultural collaboration among Tibetan, Han, and other ethnic colleagues. ‘The cadres and staff here guard this railway with their lives, not simply by holding their posts,’ Zhang told Xizang Daily, emphasizing that ‘I am a member of Lhasa Station.’
Reflecting on his transformative experience, Zhang described how working on the plateau has fundamentally shaped his perspective: ‘Here, I have truly felt the weight of the Qinghai–Xizang Railway spirit, challenging limits and striving for excellence. Working alongside plateau railway workers has become the most precious experience of my life.’