Jiasangka Town of Riwoqê County in Chamdo

Jiasangka Town (甲桑卡乡) is located in the northern part of Riwoqê County (类乌齐县), which is part of the Chamdo (昌都市) region in Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). The town borders Nangqian County (囊谦县) in Qinghai Province to the east and south, sharing boundaries with the towns of Baida (百达乡) and Jiqu (吉渠乡) in Nangqian County. The total administrative area of Jiasangka Town spans 397.98 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population of Jiasangka Town was 4,667 people.

In 1984, Riwoqê County restructured its administrative divisions, creating two towns and eight townships. Jiasangka became one of these eight townships. As of June 2020, Jiasangka Town governs 10 administrative villages.

Historical Development

In 1984, the administrative restructuring of Riwoqê County resulted in the creation of Jiasangka Town, which was established as part of the restructuring of two towns and eight townships in the region.

Administrative Divisions

As of 2020, Jiasangka Town includes 10 administrative villages:

  1. Duiva Village (堆瓦村)

  2. Bianpu Village (边普村)

  3. Wuran Village (乌然村)

  4. Sangka Village (桑卡村)

  5. Kangsha Village (康沙村)

  6. Warizhi Village (瓦日村)

  7. Guowa Village (国瓦村)

  8. Dongdengka Village (东登卡村)

  9. Meicai Village (美才村)

  10. Mengka Village (孟卡村)

These villages collectively contain 24 natural villages.

Geographic Environment

Location and Terrain

Jiasangka Town is situated in the northern gateway of Riwoqê County. It shares borders with Baida Township (百达乡) and Jiqu Township (吉渠乡) in Nangqian County, Qinghai. The average elevation of Jiasangka is 3,500 meters above sea level. The region has a predominantly plateau topography with significant variations in elevation.

Climate

Jiasangka Town experiences a plateau temperate semi-humid climate. The area enjoys abundant sunlight, but with significant temperature differences between day and night, and relatively low average temperatures. The annual average temperature is 2.5°C, with January temperatures averaging -6°C and July temperatures averaging 12°C. The region experiences around 120 days per year with an average daily temperature above 5°C, and about 250 days per year with temperatures above 0°C. The temperature fluctuation between day and night averages around 15°C. The area has a short frost-free period, with only about 50 days annually. The region receives an average annual precipitation of 566 millimeters and boasts 2,163 hours of sunshine each year.

Natural Resources

Jiasangka is home to several nationally protected species, including the pheasant (马鸡), white-lipped deer (白唇鹿), snow leopard (雪豹), and elk (马鹿). The region’s rich biodiversity makes it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Population and Economy

Population

At the end of 2011, Jiasangka Town had a population of 3,701 people. By the end of 2019, the population had increased to 4,667.

Economic Overview

In 2011, Jiasangka’s gross domestic product (GDP) was 35.31 million yuan, with a per capita income of 4,340 yuan for farmers. By 2019, the town had one industrial enterprise, with one large-scale industrial business. The town also had two comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a retail area of over 50 square meters.

Agriculture and Livestock

Jiasangka is a semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral township. In 2011, the township had a cultivated land area of 7,697 acres, with a total grain production of 1,565 tons. The livestock sector primarily focuses on cattle, sheep, and horses. The township had 1,487 livestock units by the end of 2011, with a pasture area of 385,300 acres. Additionally, the township’s farmers and herders earned a total of 20 million yuan from labor exports and achieved an income of 7.4 million yuan from business and ethnic handicrafts.

Social Development

  • Education: By the end of 2011, Jiasangka had one central primary school with 19 teachers and 302 students. The enrollment rate for children of school age reached 90%.

  • Healthcare: The town had one township health clinic, and the new rural cooperative medical insurance program had a 100% participation rate.

  • Social Security: In 2012, the government built 73 houses as part of the rural and pastoral housing project.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Postal and Telecommunications

By the end of 2011, Jiasangka had developed a broadband information platform with wide coverage and large capacity, ensuring broadband access throughout the town.

Transportation

Jiasangka is connected to National Highway 214 (国道214), which links the town to Qinghai Province. The township has a basic road network with a 46% coverage of integrated passenger transport services.

Cultural and Scenic Attractions

Historical and Cultural Sites

Jiasangka is home to several important historical and cultural landmarks, including the Jiasangka Monastery (甲桑卡寺) and Naideng Monastery (乃登寺). The town also features the Tibet-famous Iron Chain Bridge (铁索桥), built by the renowned Tibetan architect Tang Dongjiebu (唐东杰布). This bridge is considered a significant cultural relic of the region and is listed as a provincial-level heritage site.

These attractions, along with the rich natural beauty and unique Tibetan culture, make Jiasangka Town an interesting destination for travelers seeking an authentic Tibetan experience.