Awang Township of Gonjo County in Chamdo

Awang Township (阿旺乡) is located in the southeastern part of Gonjo County (贡觉县), Chamdo Prefecture (昌都市), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区), China. The township is bordered to the east by Muxie Township (木协乡), Xiongsong Township (雄松乡), Mindu Township (敏都乡), Shadong Township (沙东乡), and Luomai Township (罗麦乡); to the south, it adjoins Latuo Township (拉妥乡); to the west, it is adjacent to Haga Township (哈加乡); and to the north, it borders Zeba Township (则巴乡). The township covers an area of 852.95 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population was 1,880.

The government seat of Awang Township is located in Awang Village (阿旺村).

History

  • 1959-1962: Awang was administered under Haga District (哈加区).

  • 1962-1987: Awang was part of Latuo District (拉妥区).

  • 1973: The commune was established, and the Commune Revolutionary Committee was set up.

  • 1980: The Awang Commune Revolutionary Committee was abolished, and the Awang Commune Management Committee was formed.

  • 1984: The political and social functions were separated, and Awang Township was established.

  • 1987: Awang was formally established as a township after the district was dissolved and merged.

As of June 2020, Awang Township governs 12 administrative villages.

Geography and Environment

Location

Awang Township is situated in the southeastern part of Gonjo County, covering an area of 852.95 square kilometers. It shares borders with Muxie Township, Xiongsong Township, Mindu Township, Shadong Township, and Luomai Township to the east, Latuo Township to the south, Haga Township to the west, and Zeba Township to the north.

Climate

Awang Township has a continental plateau monsoon climate. The average annual temperature is 6.3°C, with an average annual precipitation of 480 mm. The area enjoys 2,100 hours of sunlight annually, and the frost-free period lasts for about 80 days each year.

Natural Resources

Awang Township is home to several natural resources, including multi-metallic deposits, particularly the Luoguo Nduo metallic ore in the region. The area also has abundant pastoral land and wildlife.

Population and Demographics

  • 2011: The total population of Awang Township was 2,262.

  • 2017: The permanent population was 1,743.

  • 2018: The registered population was 1,801.

  • 2019: The registered population grew to 1,880 by the end of the year.

Economy

Overview

In 2019, Awang Township had three comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a total area of over 50 square meters. The local economy is predominantly based on agriculture and animal husbandry.

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Awang Township is a purely pastoral area. In 2011, the township’s gross domestic product was 22.64 million RMB. The livestock farming sector plays a significant role in the local economy, with a focus on yaks (牦牛) and the high-quality coarse wool sheep of eastern Tibet (藏东优质粗毛羊).

In 2011, the township had a total of 36,254 livestock, including 5,218 cattle, 109 horses, and 5,549 sheep. The livestock yield included 13,280 newborn animals, with a survival rate of 98.5%. A total of 10,876 livestock were sent to market, with a turnover rate of 30%.

The per capita income for farmers and herders in 2011 was 3,340 RMB, with 2,435 RMB coming from cash income.

Social Services

Education

By the end of 2011, Awang Township had one primary school with 10 full-time teachers and 1 substitute teacher. The school had 239 enrolled students.

Healthcare

Awang Township has a health clinic with 2 medical staff members. By the end of 2011, 1,664 people were enrolled in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance program, with a participation rate of 97.5%. The vaccination rate for eligible children was over 95%.

Social Security

By the end of 2011, 900 people in Awang Township were enrolled in the New Rural Social Pension Insurance program, with an enrollment rate of over 60%.

Postal and Telecommunications

All 12 villages in Awang Township had access to postal services by the end of 2011. The telecommunication infrastructure was also fully developed.

Tourism and Scenic Attractions

Religious Sites

Awang Township is home to two Nyingma (宁玛派) monasteries: Deze Monastery (德色寺) in Ayi Village (阿益村) and Guokong Monastery (果空寺) in Awang Village (阿旺村). These monasteries are significant cultural and religious sites for Tibetan Buddhists and offer visitors insight into the region’s spiritual life.

Natural Beauty

Awang Township’s highland landscapes, including vast pastures and grazing grounds, are an ideal destination for nature lovers. The area’s diverse flora and fauna, including the Tibetan antelope and yaks, make it an attractive location for ecotourism and wildlife enthusiasts.