Dêrdoin Township of Jomda County in Chamdo

Dêrdoin Township (德登乡) is located in the northwestern part of Jomda County (江达县), Chamdo (昌都市), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). Covering a total area of 1,453.39 square kilometers, the township is home to a registered population of 7,317 as of 2019. The region is known for its picturesque landscapes, strong cultural traditions, and its emphasis on livestock farming.

Administrative History

  • In April 1988, during an administrative restructuring in Jomda County, the township system was re-organized, and Dêrdoin became one of the 18 townships under the new system.

  • In December 1998, the administrative boundaries were further adjusted, and Chawutong Township (查吾通乡) was merged into Dêrdoin Township.

  • As of June 2020, Dêrdoin Township governs 12 administrative villages.

Administrative Structure

Dêrdoin Township consists of the following 12 villages:

  1. Ren Zhen Village (仁真村)

  2. Menmo Village (门莫村)

  3. Cuori Village (措日村)

  4. Gaxu Village (嘎戌村)

  5. Jiran Village (吉然村)

  6. Xiajie Village (夏吉村)

  7. Mengqing Village (梦青村)

  8. Duodui Village (多堆村)

  9. Dipo Village (地普村)

  10. Luguer Village (鲁格村)

  11. Shenqinglong Village (神青龙村)

  12. Waiqing Village (外青村)

These villages form the heart of the township, offering visitors a blend of Tibetan cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Geography and Climate

Geographical Location

Dêrdoin Township is located at an elevation of 4,038 meters above sea level, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Its area is predominantly mountainous, contributing to the township’s rugged and natural beauty.

Climate

The region experiences a plateau temperate semi-humid monsoon climate, characterized by warm and humid conditions. Due to its high altitude, the temperature can fluctuate significantly, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 36.6°C and minimum temperatures dropping to around -10°C. The average annual temperature is approximately 12°C, and the area receives about 400mm of precipitation annually. This unique climate has earned the area the nickname “Tibet’s Jiangnan” (西藏江南), as it shares similarities with the temperate climate of southern China.

Population and Economy

Population

  • As of the end of 2011, the population of Dêrdoin Township was recorded at 643 people.

  • By the end of 2017, the permanent population had grown to 7,074.

  • The township’s registered population as of 2019 was 7,317.

Economy

Dêrdoin Township has a primarily agricultural economy, with livestock farming as the central activity. The area is known for raising cattle, sheep, and horses. In 2011, the livestock turnover reached 1,200 animals, with a turnover rate of 32%. By the end of the year, the total livestock population stood at 2,100 animals.

In 2011, the total GDP of the township reached 61.9 million RMB, with an average per capita income of 4,820 RMB. The financial income for the year was 240,000 RMB, marking a 28% growth compared to the previous year. While agriculture remains the primary income source, the township is also home to some commercial establishments. In 2019, there were three supermarkets or general stores with a floor area of over 50 square meters.

Livestock and Agriculture

  • The township’s economy is heavily reliant on pastoralism, and Dêrdoin is known for its large-scale animal husbandry, particularly the breeding of cattle, sheep, and horses.

  • The livestock sector saw 1,200 animals sold in 2011, with a turnover rate of 32%. By the end of that year, the township had a livestock population of 2,100 animals.

Education and Healthcare

  • Education: By the end of 2011, Dêrdoin Township had a central school with 22 staff members, including 16 teachers. The township’s financial investment in education was 200,000 RMB.

  • Healthcare: The township’s health services are managed by a local health center, with a staff of seven medical personnel, including five health workers and two township doctors. Dêrdoin’s New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (新型农村合作医疗) reached full participation, ensuring that all residents were covered for medical expenses. The township had reimbursed 110,000 RMB in medical costs by the end of 2011.

Infrastructure and Social Development

  • Infrastructure: By the end of 2011, Dêrdoin Township had completed the road project connecting Dêrdoin to Mengqing Village (梦青村). A total of eight villages were connected to public roads.

  • Social Welfare: Dêrdoin Township also focused on social welfare programs. In 2011, 74 rural households participated in the rural resettlement program, which aimed to improve living conditions for local farmers and herders.

Recognition and Honors

In February 2022, Dêrdoin Township was included in the list of candidates for the 2021 Tibet Autonomous Region Ecological Civilization Construction Demonstration Township, a recognition for its efforts in environmental protection and sustainable development.