53rd Division (1st Formation) (People's Republic of China)

53rd Division (1949–53) 53rd Infantry Division (1953–57)
Active	1949.2 - 1957.4
Country	People's Republic of China
Branch	People's Liberation Army
Type	Division
Role	Infantry
Part of	18th Corps
Engagements	Chinese Civil War, Liberation of Tibet

The 53rd Division was created in February 1949 under the Regulation of the Redesignations of All Organizations and Units of the Army, issued by Central Military Commission on November 1, 1948, basing on the Independent Brigade of Yuwansu Military District, formed in December 1946.

The division was a part of 18th Corps. Under the flag of 53rd division it took part in the Chinese civil war. In 1950 the division entered Tibet with the Corps and took part in the Battle of Chamdo.

As of 1950 the division was composed of:

• 157th Regiment;
• 158th Regiment;
• 159th Regiment.

Since then the division was stationed in Tibet.

In early 1950s, 308th Artillery Regiment was activated and attached to the division.

On 13 February 1952, its 158th Regiment was detached and was absorbed by 156th Regiment, 52nd Division. On 11 May, 156th Regiment returned to the division following 52nd Division's disbandment.

In 1953, the division was renamed as 53rd Infantry Division.

On 17 April 1957, the division was disbanded. As of disbandment the division was composed of:

• 156th Regiment;
• 157th Regiment;
• 159th Regiment;
• 308th Artillery Regiment.