URUMQI, May 25 -- The 2014 Taklimakan Auto and Motorcycle Rally kicked off Sunday in northwest Xinjiang's Tacheng City, marking the 10th anniversary of the most grueling off-road endurance race in China.

This year's rally will last for 13 days, covering 4,318 km in northern and eastern Xinjiang with a record-breaking distance of 2,613km amid dunes, mud and rocks.

A total of 120 cars and 28 motorbikes from 35 teams are competing. More than 500 supporting vehicles and 1,500 members of staff as well as volunteers will join the rally.

The first Taklimakan Rally was held in 2005.