Also in Lop Nur is a site called Miran, an ancient city on the Silk Road, which has been opened to the public.

Gao Jinglian is a member of the Miran site protection station, and has worked there for 24 years. "Although the work is tiring, it's meaningful and I have learned a lot from it. I will continue to accomplish my tasks and hope more people can get to know the history and culture of Miran," says Gao.

Over the years, five stations have been built in Lop Nur, and altogether 20 people are working there safeguarding heritage, according to Feng Jing, director of Loulan Museum in Ruoqiang.

Mao Weihua and Zhang Xiao contributed to this story.