Some might say New Zealanders have a reputation for enjoying extreme activities such as bungee jumping, canyon flying and motorsport. CGTN spoke to one New Zealand rally rider about taking part in China's Taklimakan Rally last month.

For motorsport lovers who enjoy the "adrenaline rush" of grueling distance and treacherous terrain, the Taklimakan Rally – believed to be the longest off-road endurance race in Asia – is a competition they cannot resist. Among them is New Zealand rally rider Charlie Brown.

"(After obtaining my visa,) I came to China straight away to race the rally. From what you see on media, to when you actually get to China, it is a lot more relaxed than what the media has reported. I think China is just as open as any other country," said Brown, a professional motorcyclist from New Zealand.

For years, sport has been used to help build relations between different people, countries and societies. More than just a professional event, the Taklimakan Rally is also an international extravaganza that brings together people from around the world.

Since its inception in 2005, the race has gained a reputation for its grueling distance and treacherous terrain, which includes challenging obstacles such as sand dunes, rocky outcrops and gravel tracks. Competitors are required to navigate through the expansive landscape using GPS and other advanced navigational aids while maintaining a fast pace to complete each stage within the allotted time. The rally also puts the endurance and mechanical reliability of the vehicles to the test, as they must withstand the harsh desert conditions.

After a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, drivers returned to Xinjiang to compete and learn from each other. Brown further added: "I think in the Western world, when young people (are) growing up, they need to do a lot of sports. China focuses more on education, which is good, but it makes the playing field uneven. Nevertheless, I was impressed by the skills of some young Chinese riders this time."

Brown had a Chinese support team during the rally. They might not have had the best equipment, but being on the same team promoted universal values that transcend language and culture.

Huang Tianrui, the manager of Xintianrui Motor Clubm which was Brown's support team during the rally, told CGTN, "Ten years ago, many foreign amateur riders signed up for the competition, and they could still win the trophy. Today, we are only seeing foreign professionals in the rally. Thanks to the sporting exchanges with other countries, the gap in technical skills between Chinese and foreign elite-level riders is diminishing progressively."