Qangsum Township of Gonjo County in Chamdo

Xiongsong Township (雄松乡) 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. Situated on the western bank of the Jinsha River (金沙江), it faces Baiyu County (白玉县) in Sichuan Province across the river to the east, and borders Muxie Township (木协乡) to the south and Mindu Township (敏都乡) to the north. The township’s administrative center is in Balo Village (巴洛村), approximately 122 kilometers from the county seat.

Xiongsong Township covers a total area of 230 square kilometers, and by the end of 2019, the registered population was 2,852.

History

  • 1910: Zhao Erfeng (赵尔丰) seized San Yan (三岩), establishing Wucheng County (武城县) in Xiongsong and appointing a commissioner to manage the area.

  • 1951: The People’s Liberation Army occupied San Yan and established the San Yan Military Representative Office and San Yan Liberation Committee in Xiongsong.

  • 1959: San Yan was dissolved, and combined with Gongjue (贡觉) to form Gongjue County, with the area designated as a district.

  • 1960: A District Work Committee was established, with Xiongsong District (雄松区) as the fifth district of Gongjue County.

  • 1962: Xiongsong District was officially delineated.

  • 1974: A commune was formed in Xiongsong.

  • 1981: The Xiongsong Commune Management Committee was established.

  • 1984: The government and commune functions were separated, and Xiongsong Township was officially created.

  • 1988: Xiongsong Township was merged with surrounding areas, and the township was renamed Xiongsong Township.

As of June 2020, Xiongsong Township administers 7 villages.

Geography and Environment

Location

Xiongsong Township is located in the southeastern part of Gonjo County, situated on the western bank of the Jinsha River. It is bordered by Baiyu County (白玉县) in Sichuan Province to the east, Muxie Township (木协乡) to the south, and Mindu Township (敏都乡) to the north. The township has a total area of 230 square kilometers.

Terrain and Landscape

Xiongsong Township lies in the Hengduan Mountain Range (横断山脉), characterized by high mountain valleys and an elevation of 3,740 meters above sea level. The region’s rugged terrain is dominated by steep slopes and deep canyons.

Climate

Xiongsong Township experiences a continental plateau monsoon climate. The average annual precipitation is 322 millimeters, and the average temperature is 8.6°C. The frost-free period lasts for about 120 days each year.

Natural Resources

The region is rich in natural resources, with proven underground mineral deposits of gold, copper, and zinc. The area also has 20 square kilometers of forest cover, primarily consisting of shrubland.

Population and Demographics

  • 2011: The total population of Xiongsong Township was 1,903.

  • 2017: The permanent population was 1,891.

  • 2019: The registered population reached 2,852.

The majority of residents in Xiongsong Township are Tibetan, maintaining their traditional customs and culture.

Economy

Overview

Xiongsong Township is primarily an agricultural area, with a focus on crop production and animal husbandry. In 2011, the per capita income for farmers in the township was 2,998 RMB.

Agriculture

The township has a total of 4,441.5 acres of cultivated land, where barley (青稞), oats (荞子), and wheat (小麦) are the main crops grown. Potatoes (土豆), broad beans (胡豆), and radishes (萝卜) are also cultivated, and mountain grasslands are used for livestock grazing. In 2011, the total planted area was 4,660 acres, with a grain output of 1,064 tons, including 570 tons of barley, 259 tons of oats, and 165 tons of wheat. Economic crops amounted to 230 tons.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry plays a crucial role in the local economy. The township primarily raises yaks (牦牛) and Tibetan sheep (藏羊). In 2011, the total livestock population was 6,398, with 19,999 newborns and a survival rate of 98.1%. The livestock turnover rate was 29.1%, and the area produced 105 kilograms of caterpillar fungus (虫草), with a market value of 336,000 RMB.

Infrastructure

Transportation

By the end of 2011, all 7 villages in Xiongsong Township had access to roads, ensuring basic connectivity and ease of transportation for local residents.

Social Services

  • Education: By 2011, Xiongsong Township had one township primary school, one village primary school, and three teaching points, with a total of 13 teachers. The enrollment rate for school-age children was 97%.

  • Healthcare: The township had one health clinic, and 100% of the eligible children received vaccinations. The coverage rate for the new rural cooperative medical insurance program was 100%.

  • Postal and Telecommunications: By 2011, all 7 villages in Xiongsong Township had postal services, and telecommunications infrastructure was fully developed.

Tourism and Scenic Attractions

Xiongsong Township is home to several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, adding a spiritual and cultural aspect to the region. These include:

Nyingma Monasteries:

  • Baji Monastery (巴日寺) in Jiaka Village (加卡村)

  • Langba Monastery (朗8寺) in Gangtuo Village (岗托村)

Kagyu Monastery:

  • Gajue Monastery (噶举寺) in Wangdui Village (旺堆村)

These monasteries represent significant cultural and religious sites in the region, attracting visitors interested in Tibetan Buddhism and the serene mountain landscapes.