Ruins of Desert Cathay 115 - Ruin of ancient dwelling LA.i, and of stupa, Lop-nor site, seen from south. Excavation at the medieval Chinese fort and station at Lou-lan in the Lop-nor desert was one of Stein's main objectives for the second (and third) expeditions. He was not simply interested in the place for its own sake, but also was determined to prove that it was the important supply base and caravan route station for the entire Chinese occupation of the northern side of the Taklamakan.