The vast, empty landscapes of the Taklimakan Desert in China's far-northwest region of Xinjiang play host to one of motor racing's most attritional and grueling events - The Taklimakan Rally.
"Uncle Liang"
Living in Chengdu, 3,000km away from Xinjiang, 64-year-old racer Liang Yuxiang has competed in the annual rally every year since 2008, attracted by the challenging combination of long-distance routes, complex environments, and harsh climate.
Aerial photo taken on May 23, 2019 shows a racing car passing through desert during the Taklimakan Rally in Taklimakan Desert, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Aerial photo taken on May 21, 2019 shows a racing car passing through a valley during the Taklimakan Rally in Wensu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
"It's very difficult for a person as old as me, but the rally lit up my passion for racing," said the driver known as Uncle Liang by other competitors.
Complete with swarthy skin and a muscular physique, Liang is famed for his commitment to physical fitness to compete in an event notorious for its arduousness.
This year's race saw 30 vehicles spend a whole night in the desert after struggling with an unprecedented, high-intensity stage three, with Liang being one of 76 to arrive home within 14 hours.
China's Liang Yuxiang competes during the Dakar Rally in Lima, Peru, Jan. 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Song Yongchuan)
China's Liang Yuxiang (R) and his pilot celebrate during the 2019 Dakar Rally in Lima, Peru, Jan. 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Song Yongchuan)
"It's a process of realizing the inner order of nature, using its power to help human beings become braver when they face difficulties in life, rather than conquering nature through brute force," Liang said.
But despite his determination and force of will also having seen him complete several stages of the world famous Dakar Rally, Liang still maintains a soft spot for his home country's event.
"The Taklimakan Rally has roots in my heart. I want to race it as long as I'm healthy," he said.
China's Liang Yuxiang receives interview during the 2019 Dakar Rally in Lima, Peru, Jan. 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Song Yuanchuan)
Rally without borders
Surprise is a common response when people are told that Armand Monleon Hernandez, who has a formidable record in the Dakar Rally, began his rally career in China as an enduro rider, racing modified motorcycles over a series of stages and obstacles.
Spain's modified motorcycle rider Armand Monleon Hernandez of Klicen KTMR2R competes during the Taklimakan Rally, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2019. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
In the course of winning four titles in as many years, the Spaniard traversed unique landscapes like the Taklimakan and Gobi deserts, and the Kulun mountains, but he has something he values more - the chance to enjoy different cultures and make new friends.
All the riders would take a group photo every year before the start of the rally. For those "lone knights" competing in the enduro category, withdrawals due to accident or injury are commonplace.
Spain's modified motorcycle rider Armand Monleon Hernandez of Klicen KTMR2R gestures during the closing ceremony of Taklimakan Rally in Hetian, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 1, 2019. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Zhao Hongyi, a teammate of Hernandez, quit after breaking two ribs in the fifth stage. Showing solidarity with their fellow competitor, Hernandez and several other riders visited him in hospital.
"We all love the Taklimakan Rally and help each other along the route," said Hernandez, who describes their relationship as a brotherly one.
"I have been to Xinjiang many times and love staying here," the 32-year-old said, adding that he never refused requests from local fans, believing that enthusiasm can overcome distance and unfamiliarity.
A racing motocycle rider competes during the Taklimakan Rally in Qira County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 31, 2019. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
A dream factory
The Taklimakan Rally not only provides competitors with a chance to enjoy racing over the undulating landscapes, but also creates opportunities for the local Xinjiang people.
Sulutan Wupur uses his skills as a driver to transport photographers to suitable spots across the course.
Chinese driver Sulutan Wupur drives the service car for media during the Taklimakan Rally in Wensu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 31, 2019. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
"It's a great opportunity to meet rally enthusiasts, and I can display my advanced driving skills on roads like these, so that maybe customers will pay more attention to me and my travel projects," he said.
"People who live in developed countries sometimes want to experience something more basic, like camping and watching the sun set in the desert. I can help them, which will also give my family a better life," added Sulutan, whose company specializes in desert tourism.
A trapped racing car is towed by Chinese driver Sulutan Wupur (top) during the Taklimakan Rally, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 23, 2019. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)
The rally is also helping to bring prosperity to several previously impoverished areas along the route.
Makit, near the city of Kashgar, received almost 2,000 racers and staff members across three days, ensuring plenty of bookings at local restaurants and hotels.
People attend a music festival during the Taklimakan Rally in Aksu, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 18, 2019. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
The sudden influx of visitors to Xinjiang's hinterland also meant a spike in social media posts, with many taking the opportunity to share the scenery, cuisine and culture of a region largely unknown to much of the world.
Different people will go forward together, united by an undisguised passion. The Taklimakan Rally has more influence than they might know.
Aerial photo taken on May 31, 2019 shows a racing car going down the road during the Taklimakan Rally in Kunlun Mountains, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
(Xinhua reporters Hu Huhu, Ma Kai, Sun Zhe contributed to this story)
(Video reporters: Jiang Wenyao, Hu Huhu, Ma Kai, Sun Zhe; Video editor: Xia Yifang)
