Nyaxi Township of Jomda County in Chamdo

Niangxi Township (娘西乡) is located in the southern part of Jomda County (江达县), Chamdo Prefecture (昌都市) in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The township has an administrative area of 519.20 square kilometers. By the end of 2019, the registered population of Niangxi Township was 2,644 people.

Historical Background

Niangxi Township was established in 1959. In 1979, the township was reorganized into a commune with smaller town units, and in 1984, it was restored to its original township status. As of June 2020, Niangxi Township comprises 7 administrative villages.

Geographic and Environmental Features

Location and Terrain

Niangxi Township is situated in the southern part of Jomda County. The area lies in the upper reaches of the Hengduan Mountain Range, within the river valleys of the Jinsha River (金沙江). The average altitude of the township is 3,840 meters above sea level, with the lowest elevation at 3,100 meters.

Climate

Niangxi Township experiences a plateau temperate semi-humid mountain climate. The region has distinct wet and dry seasons, with strong solar radiation and long daylight hours. The daily temperature variation is significant, with the highest recorded temperature reaching 28°C and the lowest falling to -25°C. The average annual temperature is 3.5°C, with January averaging -5°C and July averaging 13.2°C. The frost-free period lasts between 60 to 80 days, and the period with an average daily temperature above 5°C lasts between 150 to 170 days. The average annual precipitation is 549 millimeters.

Hydrology

Niangxi Township is part of the Jinsha River basin, with the Requ River (热曲河) and its tributary, the Niangqu River (娘曲河), running through the region before flowing into the Jinsha River. There are three major rivers in total within the township.

Natural Resources

The region is rich in mineral resources, with known deposits of lead, zinc, and other metals. The area also boasts a variety of wildlife, including pheasants, wild boars, wild sheep, sika deer, black bears, wolves, and various other animals. Additionally, there is an abundance of wild plants, such as caterpillar fungus, fritillary, Gastrodia elata, Rhodiola rosea, and Codonopsis pilosula.

Population and Ethnicity

As of the end of 2011, the population of Niangxi Township was 2,200 people. By the end of 2019, the registered population had increased to 2,644 people.

Economy

General Overview

In 2012, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Niangxi Township reached 30.75 million yuan, with a per capita net income of 3,789 yuan. By 2020, the township had 3 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a business area of more than 50 square meters.

Agriculture and Livestock

Niangxi Township is a typical semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral region. The main crops grown include barley, wheat, rapeseed, yams, and various beans. The township’s livestock industry primarily raises yaks, cattle, horses, goats, and sheep.

Infrastructure and Social Services

Education

As of 2011, Niangxi Township had one central primary school, with 116 students enrolled in 2012.

Healthcare

By the end of 2011, the township had one health center with 3 hospital beds and 4 health technicians. There were also 7 village clinics, staffed by 7 village doctors and 7 preventive health doctors. The township had a 98% participation rate in the New Rural Cooperative Medical System.

Broadcast and Television

Since 2009, Niangxi Township has implemented the Satellite TV to Rural Homes Program, providing satellite reception equipment to over 80 households. By the end of the program, the township achieved 100% coverage of radio and television services.

Social Security

In 2011, 963 people from Niangxi Township were enrolled in the New Rural Social Pension Insurance system, with a participation rate of 67.3%. In total, pension funds were provided to 143 elderly individuals aged 60 and above. Additionally, 13 new homes were built as part of the housing project in 2012, including 6 home renovations.

Transportation

By the end of 2011, Niangxi Township had one road connecting the county and the township, with a road quality rate of 25%. By 2012, 65 kilometers of rural roads had been maintained, although the remote village of Dianda had no road access to the township.

Scenic Attractions

Mount Gela (格拉山)

A notable landmark in Niangxi Township is Mount Gela (格拉山), located in the region. This sacred mountain is highly regarded by the local community. The mountain is surrounded by steep cliffs and unique rock formations. At the summit, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, and a natural rock formation resembling a Buddhist statue can be found, adding to the spiritual significance of the site.

Recognition

In February 2022, Niangxi Township was included in the list of proposed candidates for the 2021 Tibet Autonomous Region Ecological Civilization Construction Demonstration Town, recognizing its commitment to ecological and sustainable development.