Beitaishan Battlefield Site

Beitaishan Battlefield Site

The Beitaishan Battlefield Site is a cultural tourism attraction.

Beitaishan is located in the northeastern part of Xinjiang, bordering Outer Mongolia, at approximately 41°3′ north latitude and 91°1′ east longitude, with an elevation of around 1,500 meters. It lies about 140 kilometers from Qinghe County.

Due to Outer Mongolia’s frequent attempts to invade the Beitaishan region, the Second Regiment of the Fifth Cavalry Division of Xinjiang, led by Ma Xizhen, commander of the cavalry company, was ordered to station troops there and build an extensive system of battlefield fortifications, which locals referred to as the “Beitaishan Ancient Fort.”

Starting from May 1947, the Outer Mongolian military, long coveting Chinese territory, repeatedly used Soviet-made fighter planes to strafe and bomb our positions. Under artillery cover, they launched fierce attacks on our defenses. After multiple intense battles, the Mongolian forces suffered heavy losses. In subsequent large-scale offensives, facing overwhelming enemy numbers, Commander Ma Xizhen sent Deputy Company Commander Ma Jinfu to seek assistance from local herders. Through patient persuasion and education, over 100 herders joined the frontline to fight alongside the unit.

From July 5 to 27, more than 20 battles of varying scales took place. To prevent further large-scale attacks by the Outer Mongolian army, with approval from headquarters, General Han ordered the regimental commander, Han Pan, to personally lead five companies of the Second Regiment to Beitaishan. Additionally, the 150-strong Kazakh Independent Cavalry Battalion, led by Battalion Commander Danaba and Deputy Commander Shahadula, was deployed to Beitaishan under the command of Captain Han Pan to coordinate operations. Learning that Chinese forces had reinforced their presence, the Outer Mongolian army dared not act recklessly, leading to a stalemate. However, small enemy units frequently launched nighttime raids on our defensive positions, all of which were detected and repelled by our troops.

In the autumn of 1948, Outer Mongolia withdrew its forces from Beitaishan. The First Regiment was ordered by higher authorities to fully pull out of the defensive zone by late autumn, with the border defense unit commanded by Captain Ni Kailin taking over. Thus, the Battle of Beitaishan came to an end.

The Battle of Beitaishan can be described as a joint effort by local herders and armed forces to defend the homeland against foreign aggression. The Beitaishan Battlefield Site serves as an excellent patriotic education base.