The hardest path in the world
On October 31, the nonprofit team led by the on-site staff headed for the site of mysterious ancient Loulan. The distance from the protection work station to Loulan is only 45 kilometers but it is a dangerous journey, perhaps the hardest in the world to approach by vehicle. It takes 4 hours to reach their destination, even in the best SUV.
People who have been to Loulan have deep memories of the experience. "You are a tough guy if you come out of Loulan alive."
The team launched the expedition before dawn. Vehicles and personnel were required to work in groups, no lone adventurers allowed. Food and water, as well as tools for emergency situations, were packed, hoping they would be sufficient to meet any needs or dangers the team faced.
The ride was rough and sharp turns appeared constantly. The drive was interrupted by four-to-five yadan (steep mounds common to desert landforms) which appeared to block the way. The only choice was to drive up one side and down the other, which set our heads bumping against the interior of the car.
Unsolved puzzle
An iron fence came into view signaling the team had finally reached the ancient city of Loulan. Walking among its ruins, people get a strong sense of its history and of the massive changes a place can undergo during the course of time.
The city pagoda and a single three roomed house are regarded as the landmarks of Loulan's ruins. Only four walls of the house still stand, and the pagoda is seriously weathered, reduced to a cylindrical mound.
The pagodas is proof that Buddhism was first brought to Loulan Kingdom, then to the central plain of China, said Jiao Yingxin, the chief of Loulan Cultural Relics Bureau.
China's intention to promote the greater Loulan project is part of providing better protection and maintenance for national-class cultural relics in the Lop Nur region, explained Jiao. A steel watchtower 35 meters in height is planned for the area.
The sudden disappearance of Loulan remains an unsolved puzzle that Jiao feels it's imperative to solve some day. "As soon as possible, a large-scale excavation will be organized, but not now" he concluded.
