Taklimakan Rally kicks off in Aksu, Xinjiang

The 2025 Taklimakan Rally roared to life on Tuesday in Aksu Prefecture, northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

This year's Taklimakan Rally features 23 motorcycles and 105 vehicles, with racers set to tackle extreme heat and complex topography over approximately 5,200 kilometers, including 2,350 kilometers of timed special stages across deserts and Gobi plains, before concluding on June 1 in Makit County.

Participants wait for setting off during the starting ceremony of the 2025 Taklimakan Rally in Aksu, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

The Taklimakan Rally, often dubbed "China's Dakar," is widely regarded as the country's most challenging cross-country rally. Since its inaugural event in 2005, the race has continued to evolve. This year, it introduced a new energy vehicle category for the first time, with ten vehicles competing in the debut class.

Defending champion Han Wei remains a favorite in the car category, while veterans such as Sun Ping and Fan Gaoxiang are also strong contenders for the title. Chinese film stars Wu Jing and Han Dongjun are expected to draw attention in their rally debuts.

Among international competitors, female racer Aliyyah Koloc expressed excitement ahead of her first race in China.

"I'm feeling very excited to compete in this rally," said the 20-year-old. "It's been very hot these days, and maybe it won't cool down during the two weeks, but I think I've prepared physically and mentally."

The motorcycle category is expected to be fiercely competitive. Lithuania's Arunas Gelazninkas and Czech rider Martin Michek, both seasoned Dakar veterans, are among the favorites representing the strong Red Camel Motorbike Team. Young Chinese rider Fang Xiangliang will also challenge his teammates for the title.