Summary of Key Points
This news article focuses on a 65-kilometer border stretch between Gansu and Mongolia: it has made Gansu one of China’s nine provinces with land borders (otherwise, Gansu would be an entirely inland province), and it was almost assigned to Inner Mongolia. Although this border is so short that it is often overlooked on maps (many people think that Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang are directly connected), it is a strategically important location that connects five major geographical regions. It also harbors mysterious historical sites such as the Black Gobi, the Black Lama Fortresses, and the Yang Zengxin Fortress.
Detailed Analysis
1. How Did Gansu Become a Border Province? All Thanks to This 65-Kilometer “Tail”
Gansu was originally an inland province, but thanks to this 65-kilometer border with Mongolia, it has joined the club of provinces with land borders (out of a total of nine in China). Interestingly, this border section was almost assigned to Inner Mongolia during the administrative division process. It was thought that it would be more convenient to manage it as part of Inner Mongolia, but in the end, it was retained for Gansu, giving it its border status.
2. Despite Being Short, Is This 65-Kilometer Stretch Really a “Geographical Crossroads”?
Don’t underestimate the significance of these 65 kilometers; they are located at the intersection of five major geographical regions: to the north lies the Mongolian Plateau (the grassland area of Mongolia), to the south it connects to the Tibetan Plateau (in Qinghai), to the east it borders the Loess Plateau (in eastern Gansu), and to the west it leads to the Junggar Basin in Xinjiang. In between lies the Hexi Corridor, which is a vital lifeline for Gansu. This area serves as a transportation hub; ancient Silk Road caravans passed through here, and today it facilitates border trade and energy transport. Militarily, it is a key node for controlling different regions, making it a true strategic location.
3. Why Is the Black Gobi So Mysterious? It Hides Two “Legendarary Landmarks”
The Black Gobi is the central area of this border. The name itself evokes a sense of mystery, as the rocks in the gobi are mostly black, and the constant wind and sand create a desolate and enigmatic landscape. This region contains two famous historical sites:
- Black Lama Fortresses: In the early 20th century, a man named Danbi Jianzan built fortresses here to control a section of the Silk Road and established an armed separatist regime. He was later eliminated by a joint effort from the Soviet Union and China, turning the fortresses into legendary ruins.
- Yang Zengxin Fortress: Yang Zengxin, a local warlord during the Republic of China era, built this fortress to protect the border from unrest (such as threats posed by the Black Lama) and ensure the security of the borders between Xinjiang and Gansu. It now serves as a testament to history.
4. Why Is This Border Always Overlooked on Maps? Because It’s Too “Low-Profile”
What does 65 kilometers represent? It’s roughly the distance from Tiananmen Square in Beijing to Tongzhou. On China’s vast territory of 9.6 million square kilometers, this border section is like a tiny thread. Many people overlook it when they look at maps, as the areas of Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang seem to be seamlessly connected, leading them to assume that Gansu has no border with Mongolia. However, this border indeed exists and plays a crucial strategic role.
Conclusion
This seemingly insignificant 65-kilometer border stretch holds great value in terms of geography, history, and strategy. It has given Gansu its border status and serves as a connection point between five major geographical regions. It also preserves historical relics from the Black Lama and Yang Zengxin, making it a place that is “small but not simple.” The next time you look at a map, take a closer look at this 65-kilometer border between Gansu and Mongolia; you might discover even more interesting stories!