A Tree of Remembrance: A Chinese Border Guard’s Legacy of Patriotism

Nestled amidst the rugged landscape of Inner Mongolia, the Alshan National Border Gate serves as a potent reminder of China’s unwavering commitment to its territorial integrity. A short distance away, the triangular mountain outpost, perched on a hilltop overlooking the border, holds a moving story of patriotism and sacrifice. In 1984, during a patrol, Li Xiang’en, a young border patrol commander, tragically lost his life trying to save his comrades from a flash flood. The following spring, his grieving widow visited the outpost and planted a pine tree, a lasting tribute to her husband’s devotion to duty. This tree, affectionately nicknamed ‘the longing tree’, has become a poignant symbol of unwavering patriotism and love for the homeland, a sentiment echoed by the generations of soldiers who have since patrolled this remote border post.