A few kilometers to the east of this stretch of wall can be seen today a fort, whose
construction is typical for the Han fortifications 
in the region. The size of the structure is impressive; the thick
walls, tapering at the top, are constructed of tamped earth strengthened by regular
rows of branches, visible now because the outer layer of mud plaster has sloughed off
(photo below). Looking northwest from the fort shows the ridges overlooking the relatively
lush valley, with a now dry alkiline lake, and the mountains off on the right. Clearly the
choice of the fort's location took into account the grazing needs
for horses and the proximity of a
water supply.
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in the region. The size of the structure is impressive; the thick
walls, tapering at the top, are constructed of tamped earth strengthened by regular
rows of branches, visible now because the outer layer of mud plaster has sloughed off
(photo below). Looking northwest from the fort shows the ridges overlooking the relatively
lush valley, with a now dry alkiline lake, and the mountains off on the right. Clearly the
choice of the fort's location took into account the grazing needs
for horses and the proximity of a
water supply. 
