Day 62–63: Kumul to Guazhou
Testing Grounds in Turpan
Turpan revealed a different kind of energy after dark. The team noticed numerous camouflaged vehicles navigating the streets — unmistakable signs of heat testing by automotive manufacturers. As one of China’s hottest and lowest locations, Turpan has become a proving ground for new vehicles in extreme conditions.
The ID. Buzz joined this quiet test zone atmosphere, but the night came with its own challenge. Some local charging stations lacked proper grounding, which caused a short circuit in the mobile charging setup. While not ideal, the team continued onward with plans to complete the repair once they reach Beijing.
Facing the Huangsha
Soon after leaving Turpan, the route crossed paths with a Huangsha, a desert sandstorm. Visibility dropped dramatically as wind swept the Gobi’s fine dust across the highway. The ID. Buzz powered through, but it was a stark reminder of the region’s unpredictable conditions. Much like navigating snowstorms in Europe, the shifting sands here bring their own set of driving challenges.
Arrival in Guazhou
As the storm cleared, the road eastward opened again. Wind turbines continued to dominate the skyline, stretching along the desert’s edge and reinforcing the region’s growing focus on renewable energy.
The team arrived in Guazhou by nightfall, marking the end of another demanding stage. With the vehicle recharged and next steps planned, attention now turns to repairs and preparation.
Next stop: Datong.
