Lha’gyai Township of Gonjo County in Chamdo

Hajia Township (哈加乡) is located in the southeastern part of Gonjo County (贡觉县), Chamdo Prefecture (昌都市), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区), China. It borders Awang Township (阿旺乡) to the east, Latuo Township (拉妥乡) to the south, Molo Town (莫洛镇) and Chaya County (察雅县) to the west, and Zeba Township (则巴乡) to the north. The township’s administrative center is in Bianba Village (边巴村), located 34 kilometers from the county seat.

The total area of Hajia Township is 465.96 square kilometers. By the end of 2019, the registered population of Hajia Township was 6,290 people.

History

1959: Hajia was established as the third district of Gonjo County.
1962: The area was renamed Qudeng District (曲登区), and later changed to Hajia District (哈加区). The district government was initially based in Hajia Village.
1974: The Revolutionary Committee of the Hajia Commune was formed.
1979: The region was divided into two townships, A Luo (阿洛) and Ren Da (仁达).
1981: The commune management system was converted into a commune management committee.
1984: The government and commune functions were separated, officially establishing Hajia Township.
1987: The small township of Sa was merged into Hajia Township, and its government was dissolved, with the area being managed as a village committee.

As of June 2020, Hajia Township administers 22 administrative villages, with the township government located in Bianba Village.

Geography and Environment

Location

Hajia Township is situated in the southeastern part of Gonjo County. To the east, it shares a border with Awang Township (阿旺乡), while to the south, it adjoins Latuo Township (拉妥乡). To the west, it borders Molo Town (莫洛镇) and Chaya County (察雅县), and to the north, it connects with Zeba Township (则巴乡). The township covers a total area of 465.96 square kilometers.

Climate

Hajia Township experiences a continental plateau monsoon climate. The region has distinct seasons, with abundant sunlight, and a climate where rainfall and heat occur simultaneously. The weather conditions support both agricultural and pastoral livelihoods in the area.

Natural Resources

Hajia Township is rich in natural resources, including a wide distribution of salt mines, with significant reserves, especially in the Yozha Salt Mine (油扎盐矿), which holds over 390 million tons of salt. The region also has valuable metal deposits, including gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc.

Population and Demographics

2011: The total population of Hajia Township was 7,208.
2017: The permanent population was 6,362.
2018: The registered population was 8,452.
2019: The registered population decreased to 6,290.

The majority of the residents in Hajia Township are ethnic Tibetans, with the community maintaining its cultural heritage and traditions.

Economy

Overview

Hajia Township’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and animal husbandry. In 2011, the township’s GDP was 63 million RMB, with an average net income of 3,157 RMB per capita.

Agriculture

Hajia Township is predominantly agricultural, with an area of 12,900 acres of cultivated land. The main crops include barley (青稞), oilseeds (油菜), and wheat (小麦). In 2011, the total grain output reached 3,002.5 tons, while economic crops produced 131 tons. The township also grows potatoes (土豆) and other essential crops.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is an important aspect of the local economy. The township raises yaks (牦牛) and high-quality Tibetan coarse wool sheep (藏东优质粗毛羊). In 2011, the livestock population reached 42,100, with 13,700 newborn animals. The survival rate of newborn livestock was 97.16%, and approximately 12,900 animals were slaughtered, with a rate of 30.6% for livestock turnover. Additionally, the region produced 105 kilograms of caterpillar fungus (虫草), valued at 3.36 million RMB.

Mineral Resources

Hajia is rich in mineral resources, including gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and extensive salt reserves. The Yozha Salt Mine (油扎盐矿) alone holds more than 390 million tons of salt, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Social Development

Education

By the end of 2011, Hajia Township had two primary schools: Hajia Central Primary School and the Second Primary School of Hajia Township. The number of students attending primary school was over 300, and middle school enrollment stood at more than 80 students. The school-age enrollment rate for children was over 97%.

Healthcare

In 2011, 4,800 residents in Hajia Township were enrolled in the new rural cooperative medical insurance program, with a coverage rate of 72.8%. The township also achieved a 100% immunization rate for children of appropriate age.

Social Security

By 2011, 2,584 people in Hajia Township were enrolled in the new rural social pension insurance, ensuring a large proportion of the population had access to social security benefits.

Infrastructure

2020: In February, the township completed the construction of the Quka Demonstration Village (曲卡小康示范村), featuring 21 new buildings, including residential spaces, shops, and livestock pens. The development project was funded with a total investment of 19.64 million RMB from Tianjin’s aid to Tibet.
2019: The village of Nianglie (娘列村) was connected to broadband internet, improving communication and access to information for the local population.

Transportation

As of the end of 2011, Hajia Township had completed essential infrastructure for its 24 village committees, with every village having access to postal services, water, electricity, and roads.

Tourist Attractions

Hajia Township is home to several important monasteries, primarily from the Nyingma (宁玛派) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as a few from the Kagyu (噶举派) and Gelug (格鲁派) traditions. These include: