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China Tour - Urumqi to Kashi
Upon reaching its mid-way point the expedition continued to stir up passions and emotions in fans and locals, as it passed colourful bazaars and ever-changing scenery.
Urumqi, Korla - Going up to the Tian Mountain pass (4280 m)
In discovering ever more remote and fascinating places, the 612 Scagliettis reached the midway point of their journey and made the westernmost city in China, Kashi. The cars, in the space of three days, crossed very different areas, both in terms of scenery and culture.
The early stages towards the Tian Mountain peak were difficult as heavy snow slowed progress. On the descent into the Xinjiang region, the Ferrari caravan was able to admire the Arabesque architecture found in the city of Kashi. The site is an ancient crossroads on the Silk Road, with a history and commercial tradition dating back long into the past.
The 612 Scagliettis got going again on the way to Korla for the seventh stage. The cars were driven by journalists from Evo and Vogue and a brief stop was made in the city of Urumqi. The cars then ventured onto the peaks of the Azure Mountains, spending the whole of 30 September coping with difficult, icy roads. The testing conditions were dealt with superbly by the Maranello 2+2s.
The following day the Ferraris took the 314 state road that led them from Korla to Aksu. Looming over the cars the entire length of the journey was the Halik Shan mountain range with its harsh colouring and pronounced ridges that rendered the scenery extremely enchanting. The crews reached the city of Kuqa in the afternoon and there the 612 Scagliettis were able to visit the traditional market place.
At the end of the visit to the market, the cars took in the Arab mosque and its beautiful minarets. In the final stretch before Aksu, some cotton and chilli fields began to break up the barren desert scenery. These products form an important part of the local economy.
Urumqi - Route near the Celestial Lake
The Ferrari 15,000 Miles Red Tour continued to stir the passions of fans and those directly involved. The emotions felt were ever-changing as the cars come into contact with places of great interest and age-old history. This is true of Kashi, a cultural and commercial crossroads since its foundation in 170 AD. At the time, silk was already much appreciated in Rome by the social classes who could afford its long and complicated transportation.
The city of Kashi, known as 'Casciar' in the thirteenth century, was citied by the great explorer Marco Polo in 'The Million'. He spoke of the city as an ancient realm in which the people 'adore Mohammed', an explicit reference to the Arab culture that is today seen in the mosques and the lively and colourful bazaar.
He went on: 'it has many quarters and castles [...] and they live on trading and the arts. They have fine gardens and vines and possessions and cotton. There are many merchants'. Polo's descriptions reflect the appearance of the city even today as the Maranello 2+2s saw it. The team drove along the main street, allowing the crews to admire the multi-cultural scene and the vivid colours.
So ended this stage of the China Tour, one which the Scagliettis again tackled brilliantly.