Gyanbê Township of Gonjo County in Chamdo

Xiangpi Township (相皮乡) is located in the northwestern part of Gonjo County (贡觉县), Chamdo Prefecture (昌都市), Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It borders Jiangda County (江达县) and Zeba Township (则巴乡) to the east, Molo Town (莫洛镇) and the Ke Ran Niu Ranch (察雅县科然牛场) to the west, and the Bai Ri Niu Ranch (昌都县白日牛场) to the northwest. The southern boundary meets Molo Town’s Xia Ru Village (夏如村) and Jue Long Village (觉龙村), while the northern border connects the 318 National Highway (国道318线) to Qingni Cave (青泥洞道班) and Chishuo Village (赤所村) in Jiangda County.

Xiangpi Township covers an area of 1,091.92 square kilometers. By the end of 2019, the registered population of Xiangpi Township was 7,542.

History

  • 1959: Xiangpi Township was officially established.

  • 1962: It was renamed Xiangpi District (相皮区).

  • 1974: The Revolutionary Committee of the Xiangpi Commune was formed.

  • 1978: The Revolutionary Committee of Xiangpi was replaced by the Xiangpi District Office.

  • 1981: The commune management was changed to the Xiangpi Commune Management Committee.

  • 1984: Administrative reforms led to the separation of government and commune functions, with Xiangpi becoming an official township.

  • 1987: Xiangpi District was dissolved, and the area was restructured as a township.

As of June 2020, Xiangpi Township governs 23 administrative villages, with the township government based in Chadi Village (查地村).

Geography and Environment

Location

Xiangpi Township is situated in the northwestern part of Gonjo County, Tibet. The township lies to the east of Jiangda County (江达县) and Zeba Township (则巴乡), and to the south, it borders Molo Town (莫洛镇), Xia Ru Village (夏如村), and Jue Long Village (觉龙村). The northern boundary connects to the 318 National Highway (国道318线), with Chishuo Village (赤所村) in Jiangda County. The township covers a total area of 1,091.92 square kilometers.

Climate

Xiangpi Township has a plateau climate, characterized by cold, dry winters and warm, mild summers. The region enjoys long sunshine hours, but the precipitation is minimal and unevenly distributed. Winter temperatures are mild, and summers are not excessively hot, making the region suitable for both agricultural and pastoral activities.

Hydrology

The largest river in Xiangpi Township is the Requ River (热曲河), which originates from Angqing Bomula (昂青波姆拉) in Yamba Township (晏坝乡), Changdu County (昌都县). It flows from the northwest to the southeast, passing through Dongba, Chadi, and Puxiong villages before converging with the Maqu River (马曲河) near Xia Ru Village. The river then continues its course through Songxi Village (宋西村), Zeba Township (则巴乡), and Keri Township (克日乡) into the Jinsha River (金沙江).

The total length of the Requ River is 147 kilometers, with 104 kilometers running through Xiangpi Township. The lowest point in the river’s basin is 2,880 meters above sea level, and the drainage area is 5,510 square kilometers.

Natural Resources

Xiangpi Township is rich in mineral resources, including gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc, along with significant coal deposits. Sand gold reserves exceed 500 kilograms, and anthracite coal reserves are around 36 million tons. Mining prospects for other minerals like copper and gold in the Duogaila Mine (夺盖拉煤矿) and Wadatang Gold Mine (瓦达塘金矿) are promising.

Population and Demographics

  • 2011: The total population was 6,615, with the majority being Tibetan.

  • 2017: The permanent population was 8,115.

  • 2018: The registered population reached 8,452.

  • 2019: The registered population was 7,542.

Most of the residents of Xiangpi Township belong to the Tibetan ethnic group, and the community retains strong cultural traditions.

Economy

Overview

Xiangpi Township’s economy is primarily agricultural and pastoral. In 2019, there were two comprehensive stores or supermarkets larger than 50 square meters.

Agriculture

Xiangpi Township is a key agricultural area with 793.33 hectares of cultivated land. The township’s primary crops include barley (青稞), oilseeds, and wheat. In 2011, the total grain output reached 2,550 tons. The region is highly productive in terms of crops, supported by favorable climatic conditions.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry plays a significant role in Xiangpi’s economy. The township primarily raises yak (牦牛) and high-quality coarse wool sheep (藏东优质粗毛羊). By the end of 2011, the township had a livestock population of 53,200, including 19,300 newborns, with a survival rate of 98.35%. Xiangpi Township also saw 12,840 animals being slaughtered that year, further supporting the local economy.

Forestry

Xiangpi has a forest area of 1.55 million acres, with 458,000 acres designated for forestry use. The township’s forest cover includes natural forests, sparse forests, and shrub lands. The forest’s total standing timber volume is approximately 553,700 cubic meters, with the dominant tree species being spruce, cypress, and birch. The forest coverage rate is about 26.3%.

Social Development

Education

By the end of 2011, Xiangpi Township had a primary school enrollment rate of 98.82% for children of school-going age. The middle school enrollment rate for eligible children exceeded 90%.

Healthcare

In 2011, the township had a new rural cooperative medical scheme coverage rate of over 86%, ensuring that most residents had access to basic healthcare services.

Social Security

As of 2011, Xiangpi Township had successfully facilitated the migration of 2,135 rural residents for employment, and about 85% of the local population was covered by the new rural pension system.

Tourist Attractions

Xiangpi Township is home to several Buddhist monasteries of the Nyingma (宁玛派) and Sakya (萨迦派) traditions. These include:

  • Zhalang Monastery (扎郎寺) in Longda Village (龙达村)

  • Niangla Monastery (娘拉寺) in Desi Village (德西村)

  • Sangzhu Monastery (桑珠寺) in Sangzhu Village (桑珠村)

  • Duo Cuo Ri Zhui (德措日追) Nunnery in Se Ga Village (色嘎村)

  • A Niang Ri Zhui (阿娘日追) Nunnery in Xiangpi Village (相皮村)

The township also boasts a Kagyu (噶举派) monastery:

  • Dima Monastery (底玛寺) in Se Ga Village (色嘎村)

These monasteries offer visitors a unique insight into Tibetan religious practices and architecture.