Patrolling at an Altitude of 5000 Meters: They Guard the Motherland in the Sea of Snow and Sky

The Biaosha Laco outpost in Tibet is located on the southwestern border defense line at an altitude of over 4,600 meters. The mountain closure period lasts for more than half a year, and the oxygen content is less than one-third of that at sea level. In the face of harsh natural conditions, the soldiers at the outpost have been stationed here year-round, demonstrating the loyalty and dedication of border defense troops. Recently, they once again set out on patrol.

In April, the Biaosha Laco outpost area continues to experience snowfall. Early in the morning, the soldiers at the outpost began shoveling snow to clear the path.

Chen Jie, Tibet Shigatse Military Sub-district: From October to May of the following year is the heavy snow closure period. It has been snowing continuously for the past few days, and the temperature has dropped to below minus ten degrees Celsius. The snow accumulation on the road is too thick; if not cleared in time, it will affect daily commuting.

According to the patrol plan, the soldiers are to perform duty on a patrol route at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. Due to the complex terrain, the soldiers can only walk through knee-deep snow, and the thin oxygen makes them gasp for breath with every step.

Leading the team is Squad Leader Fan Zhixin, who joined the army in 2017 and came to the Tibet border defense. Two years later, he was admitted to a military academy with excellent results, and upon graduation, he chose border defense again with the top comprehensive ranking. Under his leadership, the Biaosha Laco outpost has been rated as a five-star outpost for two consecutive years and has received collective third-class merit awards four times.

Fan Zhixin, Tibet Shigatse Military Sub-district: I have walked the border defense path for a few more years than my younger comrades and encountered some complex situations. The longer you stay here, the more you understand that the reluctance is not due to habit, but because once you leave, you will always think about the border defense and the outpost.

Not long after the patrol team set out, a nearly 70-degree steep slope appeared before the soldiers. Fan Zhixin once again rushed to the front, scouting the route and guiding the soldiers safely through.

Private Zhang Tairan is the youngest in the patrol team. Although he has not been in the army for long, he has already developed a good rapport with the veteran squad leaders. In 2024, he graduated from Tibet Minzu University and enlisted at the Biaosha Laco outpost. The wind and snow here have left marks of hardship on the face of this 23-year-old college student soldier, helping him grow into an excellent border defense warrior.

Zhang Tairan, Tibet Shigatse Military Sub-district: Coming to the Biaosha Laco outpost, I have become braver. The army is a great place for personal development and growth. Every day is fulfilling, and there are many things I need to learn slowly, and my abilities are gradually improving.

After more than three hours of difficult trekking, the soldiers finally reached the end of this patrol and began their observation tasks.

I stand on Chinese soil, defending it with my life. With me at the border, the motherland and the people can rest assured! — Soldiers of the Tibet Shigatse Military Sub-district