Jiduo Town of Riwoqê County in Chamdo

Jiduo Town (吉多乡) is located in the northern part of Riwoqê County (类乌齐县) in the Chamdo (昌都市) region of Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). The town lies along National Highways 214 (214国道) and 317 (317国道), 86 kilometers from the county seat. Covering an area of 486 square kilometers, Jiduo Town had a registered population of 5,961 people by the end of 2019.

Historically, Jiduo was part of the Jiasangka District (甲桑卡区) until 1987, when the district was dissolved, and Jiduo was established as a township. By June 2020, Jiduo governed five administrative villages. The township’s government is located in Daru Village (达如村).

History

Pre-1987: Jiduo was part of Jiasangka District.
1987: Jiduo was established as a township after the district was dissolved.

Administrative Divisions

As of June 2020, Jiduo Town consists of five administrative villages:

Daru Village (达如村)
Gerandu Village (格然多村)
Abazhuoba Village (阿巴卓巴村)
Dazi Village (达孜村)
Xiangba Village (香巴村)

The township comprises 23 natural villages in total.

Geographic Environment

Location and Terrain

Jiduo Town is situated in the northern part of Riwoqê County. To the east, it borders Yiri Town (伊日乡), while to the south it adjoins the town of Riwoqê (类乌齐镇). The western and northeastern borders are shared with Nangqian County (囊谦县) in Qinghai Province, and to the north, it borders Jiasangka Township (甲桑卡乡). The town spans 486 square kilometers and is 86 kilometers from the county seat.

Jiduo’s terrain is diverse, with a mix of mountainous landscapes and valleys. The region features a variety of geographical formations and elevations, making it an important area for both biodiversity and natural resource exploration.

Natural Resources

Jiduo is rich in natural resources. The town is known for its significant mineral deposits, including tin, lead-zinc, iron, garnet, crystal stones, magnesium, marble, mica, gypsum, and limestone. Among these, lead-zinc reserves are particularly notable, with famous mines like the Jiamo Mountain Lead-Zinc Mine (加莫山铅锌矿) and Guojiao La Mountain Lead-Zinc Mine (果角拉山铅锌矿).

The region also boasts a wealth of wildlife. Common species include elk (马鹿), roe deer (獐子), Tibetan wild ass (石青羊), Tibetan gazelles (藏原羚), brown bears (棕熊), leopards (豹子), foxes (狐狸), and wolves (狼). There is also a diverse range of birds, including vultures (秃鹫) and snow chickens (雪鸡), as well as a variety of fish species like the chain fish (链鱼).

The forest floor is abundant with medicinal plants, such as fritillaria (贝母), angelica (党参), and cordyceps (冬虫夏草), which is highly valued both locally and internationally. The region is also home to one of Tibet’s renowned hot spring resorts, where the natural spring water, averaging 30°C, contains beneficial minerals.

Population

2011: The total population of Jiduo was 5,318 people, with a natural growth rate of 12.5‰.
2017: The permanent resident population was 5,000 people.
2019: The registered population reached 5,961 people.

Economy

Economic Overview

Jiduo is a mixed agricultural and pastoral region. In 2011, the total agricultural output value of Jiduo was 11 million yuan, and the per capita net income for farmers and herders was 4,700 yuan, with cash income of 3,100 yuan. By 2019, the town had three comprehensive shops or supermarkets, each with an area exceeding 50 square meters.

Agriculture and Livestock

In 2011, Jiduo had a total grain planting area of 8,707.42 acres. The main crops grown include barley (青稞), spring wheat (春麦), peas (豌豆), medicinal herbs (元根), and vegetables such as cabbage, potatoes, spinach, and garlic. Livestock farming is central to the economy, with herders primarily raising yaks (牦牛), sheep (绵羊), goats (山羊), and horses (马).

Social Development

Education

By the end of 2011, Jiduo had a school enrollment rate of over 98% for school-age children. The local education system includes a central school and several satellite teaching points, providing education to the children of remote villages.

Healthcare

Jiduo has a township-level health clinic, staffed with doctors and medical personnel to ensure access to healthcare services. The area has achieved full participation in the New Rural Cooperative Medical System, offering medical care to all residents.

Social Security

By the end of 2011, Jiduo had implemented social security programs, including the New Rural Social Pension Insurance, which had over 90% coverage. The immunization rate for children was also high, reaching 92%.

Communications and Infrastructure

Jiduo’s infrastructure includes broadband internet access to the township government and basic postal services. The town is well connected by roads, with National Highway 214 passing through the area and providing transportation links between villages.

Scenic Attractions

Jiduo is home to several cultural and historical sites, including Jiduo Pagoda (吉多塔林), a religious site of historical importance. Visitors can explore the unique landscapes and traditional Tibetan culture that the town preserves. The natural beauty, alongside the rich cultural heritage, makes Jiduo an attractive destination for those interested in experiencing rural Tibet.

Recognition

In February 2022, Jiduo Town was included in the list of potential candidates for the 2021 Tibet Autonomous Region Ecological Civilization Construction Model Town.