Xiao Baiyang Outpost

Xiao Baiyang Outpost

Xiao Baiyang Outpost

This outpost was established in 1962. Originally named Tastesi Outpost, it was later renamed Xiao Baiyang Outpost. There is a very moving story behind it. (In front of the white poplar tree)

In the 1980s, a soldier of Xibe ethnicity from Ili named Chen Fussen went home on leave and brought more than ten small white poplar saplings from his hometown, planting them around the outpost. Due to the harsh climate, strong winds, and sandstorms, the saplings died one after another, with only one surviving. The soldiers cherished this little white poplar tree immensely — they saved water by not using soap or toothpaste when washing their faces or brushing their teeth, instead storing the water to nourish the tree. Eventually, the white poplar grew strong and thrived, keeping watch day and night alongside the soldiers at the outpost.

The renowned military writer Liang Shangquan came to Xinjiang for artistic inspiration and happened to hear this story. Inspired, he composed the widely known song “Xiao Baiyang” (The Little Poplar). As the song spread, so did the fame of Xiao Baiyang Outpost across the country. In 2004, both the China Film Artists’ Inspiration Delegation and the “Heart-to-Heart” Art Troupe visited the outpost to see the soldiers stationed there. Notably, the famous singer Yan Weiwen, who rose to fame with the song “Xiao Baiyang,” also came and performed the song on site.

In 2006, Chen Fussen, the soldier who had planted the tree back then, returned with his mother. They planted a small pine tree opposite the white poplar. The two trees stand facing each other, together guarding the borderland and accompanying the soldiers stationed at the outpost.