Mazhatag

　　Mazhatag is an east-west oriented mountain range situated in the heart of the Taklamakan Desert, close to the Hotan River, and occupies a critical position along the north-south transportation route. The garrison fortress was built along the mountain’s ridgeline on Red Mountain Mouth, covering a total area of 1,100 square meters and presenting a majestic sight. The fortress walls consist of a main wall, crenellations, and an outer wall. The main wall was constructed using adobe bricks, and within the fortress there are residential structures also built from adobe. Han, Tibetan, and Khotanese documents as well as wooden slips have been unearthed here, attesting to the historical role and significance of the fortress during the Han and Tang dynasties.