Bumgyê Township of Gonjo County in Chamdo

Muxie Township (木协乡) 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 Baiyu County (白玉县) and Batang County (巴塘县) in Sichuan Province, separated by the Jinsha River (金沙江). To the south, it adjoins Mangkang County (芒康县); to the west, it borders Laoyao Township (拉要乡); and to the north, it is adjacent to Xiongsong Township (雄松乡). The total area of the township is 472.55 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, Muxie Township had a registered population of 2,171.

The government seat of Muxie Township is located in Muxie Village (木协村).

History

  • 1959-1962: Muxie was under the jurisdiction of Xiongsong District (雄松区).

  • 1962: Muxie was officially established as a district.

  • 1988: Muxie District was upgraded to a township, and the area was renamed Muxie Township.

As of June 2020, Muxie Township governs 10 administrative villages.

Geography and Environment

Location

Muxie Township is situated in the southeastern part of Gonjo County, covering an area of 472.55 square kilometers. It is bordered by Baiyu County and Batang County in Sichuan Province to the east, Mangkang County to the south, Laoyao Township to the west, and Xiongsong Township to the north.

Terrain

The average elevation of Muxie Township is 3,000 meters, providing it with stunning highland views and a unique environment for flora and fauna.

Climate

Muxie Township enjoys a continental plateau monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of around 6°C. The area experiences about 150 days with temperatures above 10°C and receives between 550 to 620 millimeters of precipitation annually. With an average of 2,700 hours of sunlight per year, Muxie has a relatively long frost-free period, lasting over 280 days.

Natural Resources

Muxie Township is rich in natural resources, including:

  • Mineral Resources: The area has known deposits of gold and silver mixed ores.

  • Forests: The region boasts an abundant forest cover, with over 150,000 cubic meters of timber, including valuable species such as Qinggang wood and high-grade medicinal herbs like Dongchongxiacao (winter worm, summer grass).

  • Famous Fungi: Muxie is renowned for producing high-quality matsutake mushrooms (松茸), a prized edible mushroom.

Population and Demographics

  • 2011: The total population of Muxie Township was 3,408, with a natural population growth rate of less than 11‰.

  • 2017: The permanent population was 1,809.

  • 2018: The registered population was 1,832.

  • 2019: By the end of the year, the registered population reached 2,171.

Economy

Overview

In 2019, Muxie Township had a comprehensive store or supermarket exceeding 50 square meters in area. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the primary economic activities in the region.

Agriculture

In 2011, Muxie Township had a cultivated area of 2,917.5 acres, mainly for growing barley (青稞) and wheat. The total crop planting area covered 3,488.55 acres, with an annual grain yield of 693 tons, which included corn (玉米), beans, and buckwheat (荞麦).

Livestock

Muxie is known for its livestock farming, particularly raising cattle, yaks (牦牛), and horses. By the end of 2011, the township had 17,321 livestock, with 3,254 animals born that year. The township’s livestock sector showed high survival and yield rates, with 13,054 animals surviving and 10,876 sent to market.

In 2011, the per capita income for farmers and herders in Muxie was 3,015 RMB, with 1,952 RMB derived from cash income.

Transportation

By the end of 2011, Muxie Township had full road connectivity, ensuring smooth transportation across the township.

Social Services

Education

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

Healthcare

Muxie Township has a local health clinic with two medical staff members. By the end of 2011, 97% of the population was enrolled in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance, ensuring basic healthcare coverage for the residents.

Social Security

By the end of 2011, Muxie Township had completed 65 housing projects for residents as part of a settlement program and provided earthquake resistance reinforcement for 65 households.

Tourism and Scenic Attractions

Religious Sites

Muxie Township is home to four Nyingma (宁玛派) monasteries:

  • Magongxi Monastery (麻贡西寺) in Luoniang Village (洛娘村),

  • Rilang Monastery (日朗寺) in Muxie Village (木协村),

  • Jiangcun Monastery (江村寺) in Yegu Village (也古村),

  • Quchi Monastery (曲持寺) in Muxie Village (木协村).