Qu’nyido Township of Jomda County in Chamdo

Qingnidong Township (青泥洞乡) is located in the western part of Jomda County (江达县), Chamdo Prefecture (昌都市) in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The township is bordered by Kagong Township (卡贡乡) to the northeast, Xiangpi Township (相皮乡) to the south, Tuoba Township (妥坝乡) to the west, and Ziga Township (字呷乡) to the north. The township’s administrative seat is located in Suori Village (索日村), about 50 kilometers away from the county seat.

The township covers a total area of 813.61 square kilometers and, as of 2019, had a registered population of 4,465 people.

Historical Evolution

Qingnidong Township was established in 1960 as part of the Qingnidong District. In 1971, it was renamed to Qingnidong People’s Commune. The township was renamed again to Qingnidong Township in 1984. In 1989, the former towns of Jueyong, Reyong, Bana, and Suori were merged to form Qingnidong Township, which has remained under the administration of Jomda County since then.

Administrative Structure

As of June 2020, Qingnidong Township comprises four administrative villages: Suori Village, Bana Village, Jueyong Village, and Reyong Village. The township’s government is based in Suori Village.

Geographic and Environmental Features

Location and Topography

Qingnidong Township is situated in the eastern Tibetan Hengduan Mountains. The land slopes from northwest to southeast and is located in the river valleys of the Jinsha River (金沙江). The average altitude of the township is 3,800 meters above sea level, with the highest peak reaching an elevation of 5,300 meters.

Climate

Qingnidong Township experiences a continental, semi-arid, high-altitude climate. The highest recorded temperature is 17.5°C, while the lowest is -19.4°C. The months of June through August have the highest average temperatures, while November to April see the lowest. January has an average temperature of -10.6°C, with daily temperature fluctuations ranging from 4.6°C to 18.5°C. During late October, surface freezing occurs, and the depth of the frozen ground reaches about 150 to 180 cm.

Hydrology

Qingnidong Township is situated within the Jinsha River Basin. The Jinsha River flows through the northeastern and southeastern parts of the township, with the Ziqu River (字曲河) and Duqu River (独曲河) also feeding into the Jinsha River. The area is rich in water resources, with 147 rivers in total, 116 of which are available for potential development.

Natural Resources

The township is home to the Yulong Copper Mine (玉龙铜矿), the second-largest copper mine in China. Its copper metal reserves rank second in the country.

Population and Ethnicity

The majority of Qingnidong Township’s population is ethnic Tibetan. As of the end of 2017, the township had a permanent population of 4,401 people, and by the end of 2019, the registered population was 4,465.

Economy

General Overview

In 2011, Qingnidong Township’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 33 million yuan. The per capita net income of farmers and herders was 4,591 yuan. By 2018, the township had 1 industrial enterprise, and 25 general stores or supermarkets with an area larger than 50 square meters.

In 2019, the township had four industrial enterprises, with one being a large-scale industrial enterprise. Additionally, there were four comprehensive stores or supermarkets larger than 50 square meters.

Agriculture and Livestock

Qingnidong Township is primarily an agricultural and pastoral region. The main livestock raised in the area includes sheep, yaks, and horses. In 2011, the township had a total of 32,869 livestock.

Transportation

Qingnidong Township is accessible via National Highway 317 (317国道), which runs 143 kilometers through the area.

Social Services

Healthcare

By the end of 2011, Qingnidong Township had one county-level hospital and a health and epidemic prevention station.

Postal and Telecommunications

The township also has a post office that offers services such as telegraph, fax, remittance, and long-distance telephone calls.

Recognition

In February 2022, Qingnidong Township was included in the list of proposed candidates for the 2021 Tibet Autonomous Region Ecological Civilization Construction Demonstration Town.