To challenge human extremities and support Beijing's Olympic bid, a team of explorers from China's northwest is actively preparing for crossing the world fourth, China second large desert ---Badain Jaran.

Located in western Inner Mongolia the Desert covers part of Inner Mongolia, Gansu and Ningxia, totaling 47,000 sq.km. It is the world only desert known for its clusters of huge sand hills and dunes, hence known as a "Desert Qomolangma" and a "sea of death".

As a site on the World Heritage List, the Desert has attracted many scholars and explorers worldwide, but nobody has so far succeeded in crossing it.

Last December, the Sports Committee of Jinchang City of Gansu, after months of on-the-spot exploration and training, brought out a feasible study report, saying that the sand hills can be conquered with the desert to be crossed. So an attempt is thus scheduled for this March with the starting point set at the southern border.

Equipped with 4 motorcycles and 4 jeeps the attempt is reported to begin at 10 am March 17, by 5 Jinchang drivers and 3 local herdsmen as both guides and drivers.

It will take 8 to 10 days to cover a distance of 800 to 1000 km, expert predicts. If successful, the attempt will be recognized by Guinness Book of World Records as human's first crossing of Badain Jaran Desert by means of motorcycles and jeeps.

(People's Daily 03/14/01)