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Xiaobaiyang Sentry Post was a Tasti Sentry Post in Yumin County, Tacheng District, Xinjiang, on the China-Kazakhstan border. It was later renamed Xiaobaiyang Sentry Post.
In the early 1980s, Chen Fusen, a soldier from the Xibe ethnic group in Yili, returned home to visit his family and told his mother about the border post. His mother encouraged him to work hard in the army and not miss home. She also asked him to bring 10 poplar saplings back to the post to plant, and urged him to take root in the borderland like the poplar trees, guarding the border for the motherland and serving the soldiers at the post. Upon returning to the border post, Chen Fusen and his comrades planted the saplings next to the barracks, and the post was renamed "Little Poplar Post."
Yumin County has a typical temperate continental climate, with large temperature differences between day and night and long sunshine hours.
Xiaobaiyang Outpost is a symbolic border defense site in Tacheng, representing the dedication of soldiers guarding China's frontier. It has cultural and patriotic value as a national defense education base.
Located in Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang, near the China-Kazakhstan border. Visitors usually reach it by car or organized tour from Tacheng city, about 1–2 hours away.
Daytime visits are recommended. Best months are May–October for comfortable weather and clearer views.
Typically free or low-cost, sometimes arranged through local tourism offices. Not widely available online.
Advance booking not required unless joining a group tour. For organized visits, book a few days ahead.
1–2 hours is sufficient to tour the site and enjoy the views.
Local guides are sometimes available in Chinese. No official audio guides.
Start at the entrance, visit the soldier exhibition area, walk to the flag square, then finish at the observation point.
No night visits or light shows; mainly a daytime patriotic site.
Not crowded. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends or holidays.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest spots. Food options are limited, so bring snacks and water.
Yes, but some paths are uneven. Elderly and children can manage with care; wheelchair access is limited.
Carry some cash; mobile payments may not always work due to weak signals in border areas.
No restaurants inside. Nearest dining options are in Tacheng city or nearby towns.
In Tacheng city, halal food is common; vegetarian dishes can be found but limited in smaller areas.
Hotels are mainly in Tacheng city, ranging from budget inns to mid-range business hotels.
No shops on-site. In Tacheng, souvenirs include Xinjiang dried fruits, nuts, and ethnic handicrafts.
