Jomda Town of Jomda County in Chamdo

Jiangda Town (江达镇) is located in the central-western part of Jomda County (江达县), Chamdo Prefecture (昌都市), Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is bordered by Kagong Township (卡贡乡) to the south, Ziga Township (字嘎乡) to the west, and Tongpu Township (同普乡) to the north. The total area of Jiangda Town is 365.84 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population of Jiangda Town was 8,526.

Historical Background

• Before 1950: Jiangda was under the jurisdiction of the Dege Chieftain (德格土司) and later the local government of the Tibetan Gashar (噶厦).

• 1950: After the peaceful liberation of Tibet, Jiangda and Xidengke were directly governed by the Changdu People’s Liberation Committee.

• 1959: Jiangda County People’s Government was established, and Xidengke was merged into Jiangda County.

• 1988: Jiangda County underwent administrative restructuring, resulting in the establishment of Jiangda Town as one of the new administrative regions.

As of June 2020, Jiangda Town governs one community and eight administrative villages, with the town government situated in Gatong Village (嘎通村).

Geography and Environment

Location

Jiangda Town is located in the central and southwestern part of Jomda County, Tibet. It is bordered by Kagong Township (卡贡乡) to the south, Ziga Township (字嘎乡) to the west, and Tongpu Township (同普乡) to the north. The town is situated within a total administrative area of 365.84 square kilometers.

Climate

Jiangda Town has a plateau semi-arid warm climate, characterized by cold, dry winters with plenty of sunshine and less precipitation. The summer is mild, without extreme heat, while the climate is generally favorable for farming and livestock raising. The region experiences moderate rainfall, with the majority concentrated in the warmer months.

• Annual Rainfall: The total annual rainfall is relatively low, with an uneven seasonal distribution.

• Temperature: The town enjoys a mild climate with no severe winter cold and no intense summer heat.

Natural Resources

Jiangda Town is rich in natural resources, including valuable medicinal herbs such as caterpillar fungus (虫草), fritillary bulbs (贝母), and rhizoma anemarrhenae (知母). The area is also home to diverse wildlife, including roe deer, deer, and wild pigs. The town has significant mineral resources, including deposits of zinc and copper.

Population and Demographics

• 2011: The population of Jiangda Town was 3,581, predominantly Tibetan.

• 2018: The registered population dropped to 3,052.

• 2019: By the end of 2019, the registered population had increased to 8,526.

The majority of the population is Tibetan, with the community maintaining a rich cultural heritage.

Economy

Overview

Jiangda’s economy is based on both agriculture and animal husbandry. In 2012, the average per capita net income of rural residents was 4,627 yuan, with cash income accounting for 3,238 yuan.

Agriculture

Jiangda Town is a semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral area. The total area of cultivated land is 1,497.61 acres, with 31,530 acres of pastureland and 13,880 acres of forest. Major crops include barley (青稞), wheat, oilseed rape, potatoes, and other root crops. Local households also collect caterpillar fungus and engage in trade or temporary employment to increase family income.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is an important part of the local economy. By the end of 2012, Jiangda Town had a total of 11,453 livestock, including 7,287 cattle, 2,126 goats, 1,320 sheep, and 279 horses. The survival rate for young livestock was 98.5%, and the overall livestock turnover rate was substantial, with 3,609 animals being slaughtered that year.

Industry and Commerce

By the end of 2019, Jiangda Town had 10 industrial enterprises, including 4 larger-scale factories. The town also boasts 33 comprehensive shops and supermarkets with an area exceeding 50 square meters.

Infrastructure and Social Services

Education

By the end of 2011, Jiangda Town had one teaching point and three teachers. The school enrollment rate for primary-age children exceeded 98.8%, and the enrollment rate for middle school-age children was over 95%. Education remains a priority in the region, with continuous improvement in school facilities and teaching staff.

Healthcare

Jiangda Town had one health clinic by the end of 2011, with a 100% participation rate in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme. Despite the challenges posed by remoteness, health care access continues to improve for local residents.

Social Security and Postal Services

Jiangda Town implements various social welfare programs, including direct grain subsidies, integrated subsidies, and new rural insurance. The town also ensures that postal services reach all villages, with telecommunication coverage expanding in recent years.

Transportation

National Road 317 passes through Jiangda Town, providing convenient access to neighboring areas. All nine villages in the town have road access, and transportation infrastructure continues to improve, with a high percentage of paved roads.

Culture and Traditions

Traditional Clothing

Tibetan clothing is distinctive and varies by region and function. In both farming and pastoral areas, older residents tend to wear traditional Tibetan robes (藏袍), which are characterized by long sleeves, wide waistbands, large collars, and straight skirts. The clothing differs based on climate conditions and labor intensity. Tibetan men often wear their hair in braided styles, with wealthy individuals adorning their braids with ivory, coral, and other precious stones.

Traditional Food

Tibetan cuisine is centered around tsampa (barley flour), yak butter, meat from yaks and sheep, and dairy products. The popular drink is butter tea (酥油茶), made by mixing tea leaves with yak butter and salt, which is then churned in a special container. The tea is served hot and is a symbol of hospitality. Another common beverage is milk tea (奶茶), and qingke wine (青稞酒), made from barley, is also a staple.

Nomadic Lifestyle

In rural pastoral areas, tents made from yak hair are commonly used. These tents are rectangular and are supported by wooden poles. The interior is surrounded by low walls made of straw or yak dung, and the tent is designed for portability and ease of assembly, accommodating the nomadic lifestyle.

Honor and Recognition

• February 2022: Jiangda Town was included in the list of “Ecological Civilization Demonstration Towns” in Tibet for 2021.

• November 2022: Jiangda was recognized as one of the “Key Rural Tourism Towns” in China by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.