As the largest province in China, Xinjiang attracts countless hikers and backpackers come to explore the beauty of the large amazing land. As the beginning of the last century, Sweden explorer Sven Hedin put forward the view that Lopnor is a "moving lake" being of uncertain whereabouts. Its mysterious existence has attracted more and more scientific and archaeological explorers from both home and abroad to make exploration here. If you are interested in archaeological researches or lost ancient cities, you can never miss the mysterious Lopnor Region. After the years' contant change and move, the former riverbed is now a none-man area. Besides, the permanent northeasterly winds had made the land a serious of the slope-like forms vertical to the northeasterly winds. Thus, the traveling here is especially difficult. So, you need to take the adventure mainly by 4WD cross-county jeep with an experienced guide and driver. Considering your safety, you may stop and hike around within distance when arrive at the sights. If you want to rent a jeep and drive on your own, please make sure you have ample experience on both driving in sand and non-man area and living a hard outdoor life with limited food and water. The suggested time for this itinerary is from middle September to the end of November.

On the first day, drive 310 KM from Urumqi to Dikan'er via Turpan. On the way, you may have a visit of the ancient Jiaohe City and the Karez. Set up the camp and stay overnight.

On the second day, you will ride 100KM from Dika'er to the Mountain Pass Camp site via Iron Mineral. Desert and gobi passed all along the way. Stay in the camp for the night.

On the third day, drive to the Yardan Dragon City on the north of the Lopnor. The straight distance is about 90KM. You will reach there via Mt. Kumtag. If lucky enough, you may see wild camels when passing the Baishiquan Wild Camel Protection Area. Hike or rest aside the Dragon City which got its name from the appearance of the landform. Stay overnight.

You will cross the area from the north to the south bank on the fourth day and the distance is about 180KM. On the way, there are two must stops. One is the gravestone of Yu Chunshun. The stone commemorate the great Chinese adventurer who ended his life at his 45 in sole hiking across the area in 1996. Only his body and some simple belongings left here forever. But it is a must place for many of his venerators to commemorate. Drive around about 30KM, you will reach the Lopnor Center. Stop here and hike around for a while and take pictures before the Lopnor Center Monument. Do not try to hike from the Gravestone of Yu Chunshun to the Lopnor Center. It is too hard and dangerous. Ride on and set up the camp after arrival the south bank.

On the fifth day, you will ride along the Mt. Altun which is the most important landmark of the south bank of the Lopnor. Before reach the Ruins of the ancient Loulan City, if lucky, you will also see some wild animals on the way. Hike for a while for fully appreciation of the best-preserved ancient castle. Also, you may stop for the Milan ancient city. Then, via No.36 Regiment of Production and Construction, you will come to Ruoqiang- the destination today. You may either stay at the Loulan Hotel for shower convenience or in the camp. The total drive today is about 260KM.

On the sixth day, we will get to Kerla before night. It is a full day drive for about 500KM. First, you will drive on to the No.218 National Highway to reach Yili County, Stop here for rest and visit. The villagers are the ancient Lopnor people, so you will find it interesting to view their way of life and the Tarim River and woods of Populus euphratica Oliv. Check in the hotel in Korla. Our Lopnor exploration stops here.