Sêrdong Township of Gonjo County in Chamdo
Shadong Township (沙东乡) 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 Baiyu County (白玉县) in Sichuan Province to the east, Mindo Township (敏都乡) to the south, Awang Township (阿旺乡) to the west, and Luomai Township (罗麦乡) to the north. The township has a total area of 134.66 square kilometers and a registered population of 2,380 people as of the end of 2019.
The government seat of Shadong Township is located in Geguo Village (格果村).
History
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1959-1987: Shadong Township was part of Luomai District (罗麦区).
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1975: The township was reorganized, and a Commune Revolutionary Committee was established.
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1980: The Shadong Commune Revolutionary Committee was replaced by the Shadong Commune Management Committee.
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1984: The separation of government and commune management took place, and Shadong Township was officially established.
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1988: Shadong Township was formally recognized as a township.
As of June 2020, Shadong Township governs 6 administrative villages.
Geography and Environment
Location
Shadong Township is situated in the southeastern part of Gonjo County, with Baiyu County (白玉县) in Sichuan Province across the river to the east, Mindo Township (敏都乡) to the south, Awang Township (阿旺乡) to the west, and Luomai Township (罗麦乡) to the north. The total area of the township is 134.66 square kilometers.
Climate
Shadong Township has a continental plateau monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 15°C. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with a frost-free period lasting for 270 days. The annual precipitation is around 650 millimeters, and the area receives about 2,101 hours of sunlight per year. The climate is characterized by:
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Low temperatures and minimal annual temperature variation, with a long winter and short spring.
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Limited rainfall, with distinct dry and rainy seasons.
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Soil temperatures are lower than air temperatures, leading to long periods of frozen ground.
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Long sunny days with strong radiation and large temperature differences between day and night.
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A prominent vertical climate, which brings frequent extreme weather events such as frost, hail, and landslides.
Natural Disasters
Shadong Township is prone to various natural disasters, including droughts, hailstorms, floods, frost, snow, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, and sandstorms.
Natural Resources
The region is rich in biodiversity and natural resources. It is abundant in minerals such as gold, silver, and copper. The area also produces valuable Chinese medicinal herbs, including Dongchongxiacao (冬虫夏草, winter worm summer grass). The local forests are home to a variety of plant species, and the region is well-known for its rich flora and fauna.
Population and Demographics
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2011: The total registered population of Shadong Township was 1,972 people.
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2018: The registered population increased to 2,152 people.
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2019: By the end of the year, the registered population reached 2,380 people.
Economy
Overview
In 2011, the net income of farmers and herders in Shadong Township was 2,992 RMB, with cash income making up 1,953 RMB. By the end of 2018, the township had two comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area of over 50 square meters.
Agriculture
Shadong Township’s economy is mainly based on agriculture. In 2011, the township’s total agricultural output value reached 14.25 million RMB. The township has a total crop planting area of 2,822 acres, with barley, oats, and buckwheat as the main crops. The area planted with barley was 1,250.26 acres, spring wheat covered 673.3 acres, peas occupied 133.34 acres, winter wheat was grown on 252.6 acres, buckwheat covered 343.75 acres, and yonggen (元根) was grown on 137.65 acres. In addition, vegetables are cultivated on 59.8 acres.
Livestock
Livestock farming is another key part of Shadong Township’s economy. In 2011, the township had a total of 4,624 large livestock (such as cattle and horses) and 2,532 small livestock (such as sheep). The survival rate of newborn livestock was high, with 96.1% of calves and 93.5% of foals surviving. The township also harvested 54 kilograms of caterpillar fungus (虫草) in 2011, generating over 3.6 million RMB in economic revenue.
Commercial Development
By the end of 2018, Shadong Township had two comprehensive stores or supermarkets, each with an area greater than 50 square meters. This improvement in commercial infrastructure has helped support the local economy.
Transportation
By the end of 2011, all six village committees in Shadong Township had access to roads, which greatly facilitated transportation within the region.
Social Services
Education
By the end of 2011, Shadong Township had one township primary school, one village primary school, and three teaching points. There were a total of 90 students enrolled, with a 100% enrollment rate for both primary and middle school children.
Healthcare
By the end of 2011, Shadong Township had one health clinic, and 903 residents were enrolled in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance, which provides essential healthcare coverage for the local population.
Social Security
In 2011, over 1,000 residents were enrolled in the New Rural Social Pension Insurance program, which provides financial support for the elderly. Additionally, Shadong Township completed 48 housing improvement projects, including seismic reinforcement for 58 households, with 10 of these being poverty alleviation projects.
Postal and Telecommunication Services
By the end of 2011, all six village committees in Shadong Township had access to radio, television, and mobile phone networks, which helped improve communication within the township.
Infrastructure
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Power Supply: By the end of 2011, all six village committees had access to electricity, supporting the daily needs of the local population.
Scenic Attractions
Shadong Township is home to four Nyingma (宁玛派) monasteries, which offer spiritual and cultural experiences for visitors:
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Lado Monastery (拉多寺) in Geguo Village (格果村),
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Gongga Monastery (贡嘎寺) in Lanyin Village (兰因村),
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Langcuo Monastery (朗措寺) in Mangdui Village (芒堆村),
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Renqingding Monastery (仁青顶寺) in Demba Village (德巴村).
