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.