Taklimakan Rally at 20: How Xinjiang's local gem transformed into a world-class spectacle

Mud-caked vehicles tore across the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, weaving through steep dunes, rugged valleys and scorching heat waves in an unforgiving race. The visual prompts essential for gauging distance blurred into mere mirages as the ultimate trial of human tenacity and mechanical prowess took center stage, stretching from the breathtaking Auvergne region of France to the throbbing city of Senegal.

When Fang Faming, a savvy advertising executive in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, first laid eyes on the live coverage of the cross-country Dakar Rally on national TV in 2004, he was ensnared straight away by the stirring scenes of the world's most grueling long-distance event. The sheer audacity of the contestants, pushing their limits in the boundless desert landscape where even the smallest errors were seldom pardoned, sent an electrifying surge of adrenaline coursing through Fang's veins.

As the initial rush of exhilaration gradually subsided, a thought began to germinate in Fang's mind: Why not bring the thrill of such an engrossing rally to Xinjiang? With its expansive Taklimakan Desert, one of the largest in the world, and a terrain that encompassed deep canyons and awe-inspiring cliffs, the region seemed tailor-made for such an escapade. 

Fang wasted no time in immersing himself in extensive research as he conducted a thorough feasibility study. Aware of the need for some specialized know-how, he turned to the expertise of He Junhuai, a seasoned off-road racer, and Su Haobo, an astute businessman who has a soft spot for off-road motorcycle.

"The truth of the matter is, the three of us didn't know each other at first, but as fate would have it, we crossed paths in a bar," Su recounted to CGTN on a frigid Friday, his recollection of that pivotal night flowing smoothly. "It all started with Fang and He engaged in a lively conversation, and before I knew it, I was drawn into their discussion.

"As we talked, the idea of organizing a rally race in Xinjiang came up, and it immediately resonated with all of us. You see, Fang had a wealth of experience in advertising, He had connections with many well-known drivers, and I could provide financial support. We possessed the perfect combination of vision, resources, and fund to bring this idea to fruition."

For all the trio's zest and fire, organizing an off-road rally presented its fair share of logistical challenges. Su, Fang, and He dedicated an immeasurable amount of energy to charting each stage of the race and producing the road book, a detailed guide that diagrammatically broke down the rally's intended route into easily digestible segments. This invaluable manual equipped drivers with specific instructions on directions, coordinates, and potential perils, enabling them to navigate through unfamiliar terrain with precision. 

"Since we had no prior experience in hosting such a race, our only option was to scour the internet for the event plans and route maps of the Dakar Rally," Su said. "We scrupulously studied how they managed things, piecing together the available information, which was often scattered and included both English and French sources. We had to translate everything into Chinese before we could make sense of it all...

"We couldn't simply replicate the Dakar Rally's operating model because our own country had its unique characteristics, different race stages, and diverse terrains. Our event had to have its own distinctiveness and charm, tailored to our own national context."

And so, through their collaborative efforts and meticulous preparation, the first edition of the Taklimakan Rally came to fruition on May 1, 2005. However, faced with a lack of suaveness, a scarcity of manpower and a limited budget, the inaugural race could only muster a modest fleet of 18 cars and 28 motorcycles. On top of that, a barrage of unforeseen situations kept cropping up. For instance, despite initially envisioning six stages, only three could be completed due to inclement sandstorm conditions.

"During the inaugural race, we found ourselves confronting less-than-ideal conditions in various aspects," Su added. "Our surveillance and navigation equipment were nowhere near as advanced and sophisticated as they are today. I myself participated in the race as a rider and experienced firsthand the daunting trials and tribulations on those treacherous tracks. It was a true test of skill and resilience for everyone.

"But you see, organizing such a grand event in China for the first time, our collective focus was on how we could join forces and execute it steadily. Whenever a driver went off the radar, the organizers would spare no effort in launching immediate rescue operations. I'm proud to say that we successfully ensured the safety of every single driver, leaving no one behind."

Just as Su eloquently expressed, amid the myriad difficulties and hiccups that plagued the entire process, the first-ever Taklimakan Rally miraculously came to a close without any major hitches or complications. It represented a seminal turning point for China, as it finally took that crucial first step toward establishing its very own long-distance off-road rally.

As the calendar has flipped to 2024, it feels almost surreal to contemplate that the Taklimakan Rally is on the cusp of celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the years, the showpiece event has served as a living chronicle, bearing witness to the pronounced milestones and strides that have shaped China's rally history.

In 2006, the tournament experienced a breakthrough as the number of participating teams surpassed 100. The following year, it ascended to the ranks of the nation's top-tier events and went on to be recognized as the most prestigious rally race in Asia, boasting the highest number of off-road vehicles and mouth-watering prize money.

In 2010, the rally ventured beyond the confines of the Taklimakan Desert, delving into the uncharted territory of the Kumtag Desert. The year 2011 saw a critical moment as the event was broadcast live on national TV, complete with aerial coverage of the entire race from helicopters. In 2014, the rally turned into a major international sporting event, attracting a host of world-class drivers and pushing the boundaries with a single stage that exceeded the 500-kilometer mark.

In 2015, the Taklimakan Rally had yet another surge in participant numbers, positioning it as the world's second largest event in scale, trailing only the iconic Dakar Rally. The year 2019 brought about a momentous occasion as the race introduced a rare high-altitude stage, testing the mettle of contenders at an imposing elevation of 3,100 meters. Following a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the rally made a highly anticipated comeback in 2023, with a record-breaking number of top-rank drivers and a heightened level of competition.

The impending 2024 Taklimakan Rally is set to redefine the limits and take things to a whole new level. During a glitzy ceremony on Friday, the organizers revealed that the route ahead will encompass a whopping 50 percent of desert territory, along with other enthralling terrains like Gobi plateaus, canyons and the mesmerizing Yardang landforms.

The thrill is set to kick off on May 20, as the convoy embarks on a brutal race course spanning 4,600 km, divided into nine stages. Starting from the ancient city of Kashgar in southwestern Xinjiang, the route will wind its way through awe-inspiring regions, making a stop in Hotan before pressing on. Only the cream of the crop will have what it takes to conquer the punishing course and reach the finish line on June 1 in Aksu.

From the historic locales of Kashgar to the picturesque landscapes of Aksu, and all the spectacular destinations in between, this year's rally is poised to be a visual extravaganza, filled with an unparalleled level of unpredictability. It's no wonder that Zhou Yong, arguably the most iconic rally driver in China, is bubbling over with anticipation. "I'm eagerly looking forward to this year's race," he exclaimed to CGTN, a beaming smile lighting up his face.

A true stalwart of the Taklimakan Rally, Zhou has participated in this event 10 times, including five outings as a driver, and has clinched the final crown twice. He holds the distinction of being the most prolific Chinese driver in the Dakar Rally history, having competed a staggering 13 times. Notably, he has also achieved the best results for Chinese drivers in the arduous African and South American editions of the Dakar tournament.

Though held in high regard, Zhou exuded a cordial and affable demeanor. He gave his interview with the poise of a long-serving professional, willingly sharing his insights and responding generously to the questions posed.

"Truth be told, the Taklimakan Rally of the past had many flaws and couldn't hold a candle to the Dakar Rally," said Zhou. "But in recent years, our races have made phenomenal strides. The infrastructure and facilities of the events have reached a top-notch level, and the scenery along the routes rivals, if not surpasses, that of Dakar. In fact, some stages are even more fascinating and irresistible.

"Additionally, the overall caliber of Chinese drivers has undergone a tremendous improvement, drawing a multitude of foreign drivers to compete in China. These international participants have spread the word about the excellence of our races far and wide, enticing even more talented drivers to take part. This positive feedback loop has propelled our races towards international recognition and significantly elevated the value of the Chinese rally brand."

The Taklimakan Rally transcends being just a venue for car racing. It embraces the essence of Xinjiang's deserts, with their enthralling vastness and serene silence, offering a much-needed reprieve from the constant pressure, bustling streets, and blaring horns of metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai.

Tour companies have eagerly seized the opportunity, choreographing lucrative adventure tours that span several days, allowing groups to explore the designated zones along the race route as well as other scenic spots. The organizers have also gone the extra mile by arranging concerts, art festivals, and gastronomic events in the towns along the race course. In terms of commercial development in desert tourism, the Taklimakan Rally is gradually aligning itself with the Dakar Rally.

Yet there remains a palpable gap between these two rallying races. When probed about the most conspicuous disparities between them, Zhou offered an insightful perspective. He remarked, "It's evident that our exceptional Chinese drivers have gained global recognition by honing their skills in the Taklimakan Rally, which underscores the value of our own event.

"However, it's important to acknowledge that we still have a relatively limited number of top-ranked drivers coming to compete in China. This can be attributed to the constraints of time and resources, as some foreign racers who take part in the Dakar Rally in January may not have the capacity to join the Taklimakan Rally in May... It's a matter that demands careful contemplation and analysis. Only by continuously enhancing the quality of our races can we confidently attract the creme de la creme of the sport."

This sentiment echoed through the words of Su as well. "The only way the Taklimakan Rally can become increasingly competitive on the global stage is by relentlessly raising the bar of the tournament," he opined. "Behind the Taklimakan Rally stands a powerful China, the world's second-largest economy, providing us with a secure and stable environment to host the event. With the vast Asian and global markets at our disposal and favorable geographical advantages, why shouldn't this rallying race continue to progress?

"When Fang, He, and I launch the first Taklimakan Rally in 2005, we never imagined that it would undergo such stupendous changes 20 years later, nor did we anticipate it becoming a sporting gem not only for Xinjiang but for the whole of China. But as the saying goes, while the three of us have aged, the Taklimakan Rally will forever remain youthful. I firmly believe that it will sustain even more explosive growth in the future.

"The stage is set, and the best is yet to come."