Lhato Township of Gonjo County in Chamdo

Latuo Township (拉妥乡) 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. The township is bordered to the east by Muxie Township (木协乡), to the south by Angduo Township (昂多乡) in Mangkang County (芒康县), to the west by Zongsha Township (宗沙乡) in Chaya County (察雅县), and to the north by Awang Township (阿旺乡) and Haga Township (哈加乡). The township covers an area of 720.13 square kilometers, and by the end of 2019, its registered population was 2,271.

The government seat of Latuo Township is located in Latuo Village (拉妥村), which is approximately 122 kilometers from the county seat.

History

  • 1959-1962: Latuo was part of the administration of Haga District (哈加区).

  • 1962: Latuo was established as its own district, and the area was subdivided into six purely pastoral towns: Latuo, Awang, Ayi, Jinggu, Luoma, and Zongba.

  • 1975: A commune was established in Latuo.

  • 1978: The Latuo District Office was created.

  • 1980: The Latuo Commune Management Committee was established.

  • 1984: The political and social functions were separated, and the Latuo Township People’s Government was formed, with the administration of Awang, Ayi, and Jinggu being transferred to Awang Township.

  • 1987: Latuo was restructured from a district to a township.

As of June 2020, Latuo Township administers 9 villages.

Geography and Environment

Location

Latuo Township is located in the southeastern part of Gonjo County, covering an area of 720.13 square kilometers. The township is bordered by Muxie Township to the east, Angduo Township to the south, Zongsha Township to the west, and Awang and Haga Townships to the north.

Terrain and Landscape

The township is situated at an average altitude of 4,320 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding high-altitude landscapes.

Climate

Latuo Township has a temperate semi-arid, semi-humid mountain climate. The average annual temperature varies little, with significant daily temperature fluctuations. The average annual precipitation is 425 millimeters, and the region enjoys around 2,700 hours of sunshine annually. Most of the rainfall occurs between May and October.

Natural Resources

Latuo Township is home to various wildlife species, including Tibetan antelope (藏原羚), roe deer (马鹿), wolves (狼), grey cranes (灰鹤), and red-crowned cranes (丹顶鹤). The township also has fertile wetlands that support a diverse range of plant and animal life.

Population and Demographics

  • 2011: The total population of Latuo Township was 2,010, with a total area of 616 square kilometers.

  • 2017: The permanent population was 2,185.

  • 2018: The registered population was 2,209.

  • 2019: By the end of the year, the township’s registered population had grown to 2,271.

Economy

Overview

In 2011, the per capita income for farmers and herders in Latuo Township was 3,800 RMB, with 2,500 RMB coming from cash income.

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Latuo Township is a predominantly pastoral area, with a focus on livestock farming. In 2011, the township had a total of 30,700 livestock, including 20,400 yaks (牦牛), 1,025 horses (马), and 9,217 sheep (绵羊). The livestock yield included 188 newborns, with a survival rate of 98%. A total of 9,811 livestock were sent to market, with a turnover rate of 32%.

In addition to livestock, the township also produces labor, with 534 people engaging in seasonal work and contributing 340,100 RMB to the local economy.

Social Services

Education

By the end of 2011, Latuo Township had one township primary school, one village primary school, and three teaching points, serving over 300 students. The enrollment rate for school-age children was 97%.

Healthcare

Latuo Township has one health clinic, and the immunization rate for eligible children reached 95%. The coverage rate for the new rural cooperative medical insurance program was 95%, and medical costs for farmers and herders were fully reimbursed.

Social Security

In 2011, 900 people in the township participated in the new rural social pension insurance program, with an enrollment rate of over 60%.

Postal and Telecommunications

By the end of 2011, all 7 villages in Latuo Township had access to postal services, and telecommunication infrastructure was fully established.

Tourism and Scenic Attractions

Latuo Wetlands

Latuo Township is home to the largest wetland in Gonjo County. This high-altitude wetland is particularly notable for its rich biodiversity, especially during the spring and autumn seasons when migratory birds such as grey cranes, red-crowned cranes, and egrets (白鹭) are commonly found. The wetland is also inhabited by various wild animals, including mountain sheep (盘羊), rock goats (岩羊), roe deer (马鹿), foxes (狐狸), and wolves (狼).

The Six Syllables of Tibetan Mantra

One of the unique features of Latuo Township is the Tibetan mantra inscribed on the cliffs opposite the Damo Monastery (达摩寺). The giant Tibetan characters, “Om Mani Padme Hum” (阿玛尼玛尼哄), are several meters high and appear to have been carved by human hands. Local legend tells that Princess Wencheng (文成公主), on her journey to Tibet during the Tang Dynasty, casually inscribed the mantra with her whip while resting at the site. Despite the passage of time and the wear of wind and rain, the inscription has remarkably remained untouched, still visible as though freshly carved.

Latuo Wetland: Source of the Lancang River

Latuo Wetland is a vital water source conservation area, located in the upper reaches of the Maqu River (马曲河), a tributary of the Lancang River (澜沧江). The wetland is known for its rich vegetation and healthy ecosystem, making it an essential part of the region’s environmental conservation efforts.