As the largest province in China, Xinjiang attracts countless hikers and backpackers who come to explore the beauty of this large amazing land. As the beginning of the last century, the Swedish explorer Sven Hedin put forward the view that Lopnur is a "moving lake" of uncertain whereabouts. Its mysterious existence has attracted more and more scientific and archaeological explorers from both home and abroad to carry out their researches here. If you are interested in archaeological research or lost ancient cities, you cannot afford to miss the mysterious Lopnur Region. After years of constant change and movement, the former riverbed is now a no-man's land. The prevailing northeasterly winds have caused the terrain to be covered in a series of undulations, each with a vertical face to these winds. Thus, traveling here is especially difficult. Consequently, it is necessary to venture across country mainly by a 4WD jeep with an experienced guide and driver. Consider your safety carefully when you stop and hike any distance upon arriving at the sights. Should you decide to rent a self- drive jeep, only do so if you have plenty of experience of both driving in sand and unpopulated areas and used to living a hard outdoor life with limited food and water. The suggested time to follow this itinerary is from middle September to the end of November.

Yardan Dragon City, Xinjiang province

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 drive 100KM from Dika'er to the Mountain Pass Camp site via Iron Mineral. Desert and Gobi passed all along the way. Camp here for the night.

On the third day, drive to the Yardan Dragon City on the north of the Lopnur. The 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 in the Dragon City which has 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, a distance of about 180KM. On the way, there are two stops you should make. One is the gravestone of Yu Chunshun. The stone commemorate the great Chinese adventurer who ended his life at age 45 when hiking alone across the area in 1996. Only his body and some simple belongings remain here forever. But it is a place that many of his venerators to feel obliged to commemorate. Drive on for about 30KM; you will reach the Lopnur Center. Stop here and hike around for a while, the Lopnur Center Monument being a good photo-stop. Do not try to hike from the Gravestone of Yu Chunshun to the Lopnur Center. It is too hard and dangerous. Ride on and set up the camp upon arrival at the south bank.

Ruins of the ancient Luolan City

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

On the sixth day, you should reach Kerla before nightfall. It is a full day's 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 Lopnur people, so you will find it interesting to view their way of life and the Tarim River and woods of Populus euphratica Olive. Check in the hotel in Korla. Your exploration of Lopnur ends here.