HAMI, Xinjiang - Dubbed "China's Dakar Rally", the Tour de Taklimakan Desert Auto and Motorcycle Rally is expected to become the country's first international rally in two years, although sponsorship remains a major concern for the organizers.

Starting in 2005, the rally in the world's second largest desert has attracted more than 100 drivers and 40 riders from all over the country this year, including six-time Dakar participant Lu Ningjun.

"We now regard the Tour de Taklimakan as a mini-Dakar. It is very challenging and I believe it will prepare me for next year's Dakar," Lu, of the Rely x5 team, said of the 3,800 km event.