The Trans-Mongolian Railway is a vital rail link that connects Beijing, China to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and extends to Irkutsk in Russia. This railway is part of the larger Trans-Siberian Railway network and plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and travel across East Asia and Siberia. Opened in 1956, the Trans-Mongolian Railway spans approximately 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles). It traverses diverse landscapes, including the vast steppes of Mongolia, and serves as a key route for passengers and freight, enhancing economic ties between the countries it connects.