China has completed a 710-mile railway that will connect the country to Tibet for the first time by train, The Associated Press reported today. Beijing claims the project will bring economic development to the once-independent Himalayan nation. Tibetans and supporters of the government exiled in India argue the new rail line will destroy the unique ecosystem of the world’s largest mountain range.

I’ll be in Dalian, about as far from Tibet as possible in China, but the idea of a train ride to Tibet already has me thinking about travel writing, video features for my friend’s online magazine, and the 48-hour trip (Yes, two days) from Beijing to Lhasa. The two cities seem as far apart metaphysically as they are geographically. I can’t say for sure, since I still haven’t been to either. Dalian is only an hour’s flight from the Chinese capital, so the trip is doable if I get a little time.

I’m conflicted about taking the new train, too, since the Tibetans seem so opposed. I’m all for jumping into the middle of controversy, but I worry about making the situation worse.

Update: The AP and Reuters added follow-up stories documenting the two-day trip.

The AP story quoted Chinese president Hu Jintao saying at the inaugural event Saturday: “This is a magnificent feat by the Chinese people, and also a miracle in world railway history.”

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