Little White Poplar Outpost: A Living Monument of Loyalty on the Northwest Frontier

1.The Little White Poplar: Outpost, originally known as the Tasti Outpost, is a significant cultural and military landmark located on the Barluk Mountains in Yumin County, Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang. Situated on the border between China and Kazakhstan, this site has become a national symbol of patriotism and the dedication of border defense soldiers. The outpost gained nationwide fame through the popular song "Little White Poplar," which tells the moving story of a soldier who brought saplings from his hometown to plant at his remote station.

The history of the outpost is deeply intertwined with the survival of a single white poplar tree. In the early 1980s, a soldier returning from leave brought ten saplings to the station, which was situated in a harsh, arid environment with poor soil and scarce water. Despite the soldiers' careful nurturing, only one tree survived the extreme conditions of the Gobi desert fringe, becoming a "living monument" that reflects the resilience and high character of the frontier guards. Every brick, tile, and artifact within the outpost tells a story of decades of soldiers standing guard against wind and sand to protect the vast northwest territory.

Today, the site includes the Little White Poplar Memorial Museum, which displays a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling the history of the outpost and the "Little White Poplar" legend. Visitors can also climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of the Tasti River valley and the majestic Barluk Mountains, where the line between the homeland and the frontier is visibly drawn. The nearby Long Gui Martyr Cemetery further emphasizes the site's role as a place for remembrance and education regarding national defense.