Gyirong Town of Gyirong County in Shigatse

Gyirong Town (吉隆镇) is located in the southern part of Gyirong County (吉隆县), Shigatse (日喀则市), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区), China. The town is situated 73 kilometers from the county seat and is only 23.5 kilometers away from the Nepal border. Gyirong lies at an elevation of 2,600 meters and is nestled at the southern foot of the Himalayas, earning it the nickname “The Garden of the Himalayas.” The town is traversed by the Gyirong Tsangpo River (吉隆藏布), which flows southward into Nepal.

Gyirong Town is a gateway for cross-border trade and cultural exchange between Tibet and Nepal. The town is known for its diverse flora and fauna, as well as its rich cultural heritage.

Geography and Location

Gyirong Town is located in the southern part of Gyirong County in Shigatse, Tibet, bordering Nyalam County (聂拉木县) to the east and Nepal to the south and west. It is approximately 73 kilometers from the county seat and just 23.5 kilometers from the Nepalese border. The town is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,600 meters. The main river, Gyirong Tsangpo, flows through the town, eventually draining into Nepal.

Natural Resources

Gyirong is rich in medicinal plants, including Cordyceps (虫草), Fritillaria (贝母), Gastrodia (天麻), Lingzhi mushrooms (灵芝), and over 80 other herbal species. The area is also abundant in wild vegetables, edible fungi, and timber resources. Notable plant species include rare Chinese species such as the Red-Leafed Yew (红豆杉), Himalayan Long-Leaf Pine (喜马拉雅长叶松), and Long-Leaf Spruce (长叶云杉). Due to its biodiversity, Gyirong is often referred to as a “World Plant Museum.”

Wildlife in the area includes snow leopards, leopards, black bears, langurs, rhesus macaques, elk, wild goats, and clouded leopards, earning it the reputation as a kingdom of biological diversity.

Population and Ethnic Groups

As of 2017, Gyirong Town had a population of 3,946 residents. The population consists primarily of Tibetans, as well as a unique group of Daman people (达曼人), who are descendants of Nepalese cavalry. These people migrated from Nepal over 200 years ago and were without nationality for many years. In 2003, they were granted Chinese nationality by the State Council, ending their long period of statelessness.

The total population statistics are as follows:

  • Total Population: 3,946 (as of 2017)

  • Male: 1,970

  • Female: 1,943

  • Households: 772

  • 0-14 years: 1,256

  • 15-64 years: 2,378

  • 65 years and above: 279

Ethnic Composition

  • Tibetans

  • Daman People (Descendants of Nepalese Cavalry)

Economic Development

Border Trade

Gyirong Town is strategically located as a major border trade hub between Tibet and Nepal. The Gyirong Port (吉隆口岸) is one of the oldest land trading posts in Tibet and has a long history of cross-border commerce. In 2017, the State Council approved the expansion of Gyirong Port, turning it into an international border port to further enhance trade and exchange between China and Nepal.

Infrastructure and Development

Gyirong Town has seen significant infrastructure development in recent years:

  • 2004: The construction of the Daman Village (达曼村) relocation project was completed, providing new homes for the Daman people, with a total housing area of 3,664 square meters.

  • 2011: A disaster recovery project was launched to rebuild Daman Village after a natural disaster, with investments totaling 5.64 million RMB.

  • 2017: The construction of “Gyirong Characteristic Town” began, covering 20 sub-projects, including the construction of roads, water plants, and a new gatehouse.

  • 2019: Rural passenger transport lines between Gyirong Town and neighboring areas were officially launched.

Cultural Heritage

Paba Monastery

One of the town’s most famous landmarks is Paba Monastery (帕巴寺), a thousand-year-old Tibetan Buddhist temple built in Nepalese architectural style. The monastery is associated with the historical legend that it was built by King Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布) to welcome the Nepalese princess during their marriage. Paba Monastery is a cultural treasure and has been designated as a county-level heritage site.

Naisong Village (乃村)

Naisong Village is naturally positioned as a scenic viewpoint, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and flying clouds. It also features grasslands, wetlands, Buddhist stupas, and prayer flags, making it a beautiful spot for visitors interested in Tibetan culture and nature.

Climate

Gyirong Town experiences a plateau climate, characterized by mild temperatures and high altitudes. The area has cool summers and cold winters, with substantial variation in temperature between day and night.

Spirit of the Town

Gyirong is a town that not only embraces the culture and history of Tibet but also celebrates traditional ethnic festivals. Notable events include the annual Archery Festival (射箭节), held from May 23-25, where archery, stone-throwing, and tug-of-war competitions take place. In addition, Gyirong also hosts an “Anti-COVID-19” celebration, recognizing the local healthcare team’s dedication during the pandemic.

Historical Memory

2003: The Daman People Join China

Before 2003, the Daman people lived in statelessness, being referred to as “people without nationality” for over a century. In 2003, the Chinese government officially granted them citizenship, allowing them to become Chinese nationals and improving their living standards.

2015: Nepal Earthquake

Gyirong was severely affected by the Nepal Earthquake (尼泊尔地震) of April 25, 2015, which had a magnitude of 8.1. The earthquake impacted 18 counties in Shigatse, and Gyirong was one of the hardest-hit regions, suffering extensive damage.

Honorable Achievements

Gyirong Town has received various national recognitions, including:

  • 2020: Gyirong Town Health Clinic was awarded the title of “National Advanced Collective in the Fight Against COVID-19.”

  • 2022: Gyirong Town was included in the list of “Agricultural Industrial Strong Towns.”

  • 2022: Gyirong was also selected as one of the “National Key Rural Tourism Towns.”

Gyirong continues to evolve, balancing its rich cultural heritage and ecological beauty with modern development and international trade.