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China Tour - Golmud to Urumqi
Limited by difficult driving conditions from Golmud to Urumqi, the Red Miles Tour encountered a number of cities and cultural areas steeped in tradition and history.
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti outside a mosque near Gaochang
The Ferrari 15,000 Red Miles Tour reached an important milestone on the evening of 28 September 2005: driving along a famed stretch of the fascinating and age-old Silk Road, the cars entered the city of Urumqi.
After reaching Dunhuang by descending from the 3,000 metres above sea level starting point, the cars headed for Hami, Xinjiang. The city is a centre of trade and cultural exchange between populations on the borders of the Asian continent.
The next leg between Hami and Urumqi resulted in the crews uncovering a vast tapestry of art and history. This was especially true of the villages of Gaochang and along the Flaming mountains close to Turpan. This was how the sixth stage of the gripping Ferrari tour came to a close.
Leaving the city of Golmud on the morning of 25 September 2005, the two 612 Scagliettis took the 315 state road that crosses the parched and sandy country. The difficult conditions meant that the cars were forced to limit their speed to less than 40 km/h for most of the day. Dunhuang was reached after a long descent along the plain.
The city revealed its most precious charms to the Ferraris. Dunhuang is known for its 'Thousand Caves of Buddha', an enormous complex that is adorned with 45,000 square metres of murals. The city is surrounded with greenery and semi-desert scenery. This environment makes the constructions appear even more imposing.
Dunhuang is situated in a fundamental part of the celebrated Silk Road. From the city the way continues northwards via Turpan, Kucha and Aksu or heads south in the direction of Khotan.
The caves at Mogao Ku
The Scagliettis' route was north and they made their first top at Hami. The city is a cultural and commercial crossroads and peopled by different ethnic groups who live together harmoniously. The population was attracted to the city by the presence of water and its position in the centre of the Asian continent.
Hami is famous for its Arab art, still testimony to the mix of traditions in the area. The expedition moved on towards Gaochang, a town built around the Flaming Mountains and centre of the ancient religions Buddhism and Manicheism.
On their way towards the final destination of Urumqi, the Ferraris reached Turpan. The route taken was again along the Silk Road, a highway that presented even more examples of Arab art. One such monument was the Sungong mosque. The cars made a stop close to the complex so that they could have a good view of the soaring minaret.
The crews got going once more along the road that hugs the towering Tian Shan mountain range. The Scagliettis then drove along another stretch where the altitude topped 1000 metres above sea level before descending to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. The name of the city is inspired by its renown as the 'city of the beautiful pastures' in the language of Mongolia. It is situated west of the Bogda Mountain (5400) and 100 kilometres from the Azure Lake, the surface of which reflects the surrounding mountains.
The Maranello 2+2s took the road that edges the lake, one that features a number of curves. This led to the capital city, found at a little over 800 metres above sea level. The team spent the day in Urumqi, allowing them to visit the urban centre as it was when it was constructed in the era of Ming rule. The city became capital of Xinjiang in 1884 and is now an industrial town but one set in a scenic natural environment.
The stop and a number of engagements with the local authorities over, the journey continued on 30 September 2005. The objective was Kashi, a three day journey away.