Binda Town of Riwoqê County in Chamdo

Binda Town (宾达乡) is located in the southeastern part of Riwoqê County (类乌齐县) in the Chamdo (昌都市) region of Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). It lies along National Highways 214 (214国道) and 317 (317国道), 32 kilometers from the county seat and 73 kilometers from the main city of Chamdo. The total area of Binda Town is 355.5 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population of Binda Town was 2,946 people.

Binda was originally established in 1959, restructured into a commune in 1975, and restored as a township in 1984. As of June 2020, Binda Town governs three administrative villages: Binda Village (宾达村), Rixi Village (热西村), and Yangzong Village (央宗村).

History

  • 1959: Binda Township was founded.

  • 1975: The area was reorganized into a commune.

  • 1984: The commune was restructured back into Binda Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of June 2020, Binda Town consists of 3 administrative villages:

  1. Binda Village (宾达村)

  2. Rixi Village (热西村)

  3. Yangzong Village (央宗村)

The town is home to 12 natural villages.

Geographic Environment

Location and Terrain

Binda Town is located in the southeastern part of Riwoqê County. The terrain is varied, with the eastern part characterized by the high mountain valleys typical of eastern Tibet, while the western part belongs to the Tibetan Plateau’s northern region. The land follows the direction of the Zhaqu River (扎曲河), which flows from northwest to southeast, exhibiting a general west-high, east-low gradient. The average elevation of Binda Town is 3,600 meters.

Climate

Binda Town experiences a high-altitude temperate semi-humid climate. The region enjoys abundant sunlight, rich pasture resources, and a small annual temperature range, with cooler temperatures overall. The average annual temperature is 2.5°C, with an average annual precipitation of 600 millimeters. The snowfall season lasts from January to March and November to December, with an average snow depth of 20 millimeters.

Natural Resources

Binda is rich in underground resources, with proven deposits of lead-zinc ore. The wildlife in the area includes species such as elk (马鹿), black bears (黑熊), monkeys (猴), leopards (豹), foxes (狐狸), and wild goats (岩羊). The region is also home to valuable medicinal plants, including caterpillar fungus (虫草), fritillaria (贝母), rhubarb (大黄), and various types of mushrooms like the cordyceps mushroom (章子菌).

Population

  • 2011: Binda’s population stood at 2,458.

  • 2017: The permanent resident population was 2,699.

  • 2019: The registered population reached 2,946.

Economy

Economic Overview

Binda Town is a mixed agricultural and pastoral region. In 2011, the per capita income of farmers and herders was 4,680 yuan, with cash income accounting for 3,040 yuan. The land area devoted to farming was 3,083.09 acres, with 2,740 acres used for grain production and 795 acres dedicated to growing medicinal herbs. Livestock farming is a major economic activity, with 14,597 livestock (cattle, sheep, and horses) raised in the town.

In 2011, the total regional production value reached 26.3 million yuan, generated through sales of agricultural products, collection of natural resources, labor export, and handicrafts. Labor export was responsible for 1,600 person-times, contributing 1.25 million yuan in income. Additionally, 126 individuals were employed in trade and ethnic handicrafts, generating 120,000 yuan in revenue.

Agriculture and Livestock

Binda Town is a typical semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral region. In 2011, the town had 3,083.09 acres of arable land, producing 235.07 tons of grain. It also managed 55,920 acres of pasture. Livestock farming predominates, with 14,597 animals, including cattle, sheep, and horses.

Social Development

Education

By the end of 2011, Binda Town had one central primary school with 314 students and 17 teachers. The school maintained a 100% enrollment rate for children of school age. The town also has three smaller teaching points to cater to remote areas.

Healthcare

Binda Town has one township-level health clinic, staffed with one doctor and three village-level medical workers. The rural cooperative medical insurance program was fully implemented, ensuring that all residents were covered.

Social Welfare

In 2011, Binda Town provided minimum living security to 45 households (188 people), including 10 households receiving welfare support. The town also had 12 elderly residents who were part of the “Three Olds” program (elderly, disabled, and widows), and 28 centenarians.

Transportation

Binda is well-connected by roads, with National Highways 214 and 317 passing through the area. However, the road quality in some areas remains poor, and there is still a need for improved infrastructure for bridges and other transportation services.

Scenic Attractions

Binda Town has several points of cultural and natural interest, including historical sites such as the Binda Pagoda (宾达塔林), a significant religious site in the region. Visitors can also enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding highland landscapes, the rivers, and the valleys that are characteristic of the Tibetan plateau. These attractions provide an immersive experience of Tibet’s culture and natural beauty.