Changmaoling Town of Riwoqê County in Chamdo

Changmaoling Town (长毛岭乡) is located in the northwest part of Riwoqê County (类乌齐县), Chamdo (昌都市), Tibet Autonomous Region. It borders Kamao Township (卡玛多乡) to the east and south, Xiexiong Township (协雄乡) of Dingqing County (丁青县) to the west, and Gangsè Township (岗色乡) to the north. The town is situated 42 kilometers away from the county seat.

Key Information

  • Location: Northwest of Riwoqê County

  • Area: 888.63 km²

  • Population: 7,991 people (as of the end of 2019)

  • Postal Code: 854000

  • Area Code: 0895

  • Climate: Plateau temperate semi-humid climate

  • License Plate Code: Zang B (藏B)

Administrative History

  • 1959: Changmaoling Township was established.

  • 1975: The area was reorganized into a commune.

  • 1984: The area reverted to township status.

As of 2020, Changmaoling Township is divided into 14 administrative villages.

Administrative Divisions

Changmaoling Town is divided into the following administrative areas:

Villages:

  1. Muchi Village (木尺村)

  2. Zhujiang Village (珠江村)

  3. Xuetai Village (学塔村)

  4. Gangta Village (岗塔村)

  5. Puqiong Village (普穷村)

  6. Deta Village (德塔村)

  7. Gangxiong Village (岗雄村)

  8. Shani Village (沙尼村)

  9. Daxiong Village (达雄村)

  10. Longsang Village (龙桑村)

  11. Xietang Village (协塘村)

  12. Gangge Village (岗格村)

  13. Gongda Village (贡达村)

  14. Quge Village (曲格村)

Geography and Natural Resources

  • Elevation: The average elevation of Changmaoling Town is approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.

  • Geographical Features: The town is located in the Eastern Tibet Plateau, with the eastern part of the town characterized by typical high mountain and canyon terrain, while the western part is part of the Northern Tibetan Plateau. The topography slopes from the northwest to the southeast, with a high elevation in the west and a lower elevation in the east.

  • Climate: Changmaoling has a plateau temperate semi-humid climate. The area experiences abundant sunlight and rich pasture, with small temperature differences throughout the year but large diurnal temperature variations. The average annual temperature is 2.5°C, and the annual precipitation is about 600 mm. The snow season lasts from January to March and November to December, with an average snow depth of 20 mm.

  • Natural Resources: The area is home to a national-level elk wildlife protection zone and hunting prohibition area. The main wildlife species in the area include elk (马鹿), black bears (黑熊), monkeys (猴), leopards (豹), foxes (狐狸), wild goats (岩羊), and snow chickens (雪鸡). The wild medicinal herbs found in the region include Cordyceps (虫草), Fritillaria (贝母), Anemarrhena (知母), Rhubarb (大黄), San Ke Zhen (三颗针), and Rhodiola (红景天).

Population and Economy

Population Growth

  • 2011: 6,942 people

  • 2017: 5,000 people

  • 2018: 8,148 people

  • 2019: 7,991 people (registered population)

Economic Overview

In 2011, the per capita net income of farmers and herders in Changmaoling Town was 5,336 yuan, with cash income accounting for 4,342 yuan.

In 2019, the town had 3 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area of more than 50 square meters.

Agriculture

  • 2011: The total GDP of Changmaoling Town was 37.05 million yuan. The winter grazing land area was 464,107 acres, and the summer grazing land area was 439,990 acres. The total cultivated land area was 1,752 acres, with a total grain production of 133.5 tons. The livestock industry in the region mainly focuses on yak (牦牛), horses (马), and sheep (羊). By the end of 2011, the total livestock population reached 47,119, with 14,876 livestock sold during the year.

Livestock and Animal Husbandry

The town focuses on breeding yaks, horses, and sheep. In 2011, there were 47,119 livestock at the beginning of the year, with 14,876 animals sold by the end of the year. The total livestock increase rate was 25%, and the total revenue from labor exports reached 2.5 million yuan. The town also has 393 workers engaged in commercial and ethnic handicrafts, generating an income of 1.034 million yuan.

Social Development

Education

In 2011, Changmaoling Town had two central primary schools with more than 40 staff members and over 800 students. The enrollment rate for school-age children reached 100%.

Healthcare

In 2011, the town had a township-level health clinic with one chief physician and 14 village-level health workers. The new rural cooperative medical program had a 100% participation rate.

Social Security

  • 2011: The town had 113 households receiving minimum living guarantees, totaling 599 people. There were 57 individuals receiving welfare, 45 with “one-child” or “two-girl” policies, 67 elderly people, and 12 veterans.

Transportation

By the end of 2011, Changmaoling Town had access to highways, including National Highway 214 (214国道), providing easy transportation for the town’s residents.

Cultural and Scenic Attractions

Changmaoling Town is home to several scenic areas and Tibetan monasteries that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the high plateau and learn about the traditional Tibetan lifestyle. The town’s proximity to grazing pastures, scenic canyons, and wildlife protection areas make it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and cultural exploration.