The Site of the Saitula Outpost

The Site of the Saitula Outpost

The Site of the Saitula Outpost is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

In 1878, the fourth year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign, Zuo Zongtang endured great hardship to recover the entire Xinjiang region. To strengthen and consolidate defenses within Xinjiang, Zuo Zongtang established an extensive military defense line in southern Xinjiang. This winding defensive line stretched over 5,000 li, starting from Turpan, passing through Korla, Aksu, and Kashgar, and finally reaching the southernmost part of Xinjiang—Hetian. Along this long defensive line, Zuo Zongtang’s army set up 67 stations, with troops stationed at each.

Zuo Zongtang placed great importance on the defenses of southern Xinjiang and ordered the renowned general Dong Fuxiang to be stationed in Kashgar, commanding all infantry and cavalry forces in the western four cities of southern Xinjiang. The western four cities of southern Xinjiang refer to Kashgar, Yingjisha, Yarkant, and Hetian. Soon after, Dong Fuxiang dispatched a cavalry unit of over a hundred soldiers to the embrace of the Karakoram Mountains. There, they built the earthen and stonework structure of the highly significant — Saitula Outpost. This outpost, named Saitula, was the very last post of Zuo Zongtang’s over 5,000-li military defense line.

On October 7, 2019, the Site of the Saitula Outpost was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units