Shangka Town of Riwoqê County in Chamdo

Shangka Town (尚卡乡) is located in the northeastern part of Riwoqê County (类乌齐县), which belongs to the Chamdo (昌都市) region of Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). It borders Mangda Township (芒达乡) to the east, Sanduo Town (桑多镇) to the south, Yiri Township (伊日乡) to the west, and Qinghai Province’s Nangqian County (囊谦县) to the north. Shangka is situated 97 kilometers from the county seat, and the town’s total area is 512.89 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population of Shangka Town was 4,033 people.

Shangka Town was established in 1959, transformed into a commune in 1975, and re-established as a township in 1984. As of June 2020, Shangka Town governs 7 administrative villages.

Historical Development

1959: Shangka Town was established.
1975: The town was converted into a commune.
1984: Shangka was re-established as a township.

Administrative Divisions

As of June 2020, Shangka Town consists of 7 administrative villages:

Rannai Village (然爱村)
Zhuto Village (珠托村)
Shangka Village (尚卡村)
Shangri Village (尚日村)
Jido Village (吉多村)
Suo Village (索村)
Dala Village (达拉村)

These villages collectively include 24 natural villages.

Geographic Environment

Location and Terrain

Shangka Town is located in the Angqu River Valley (昂曲河谷), with an average elevation of 3,517 meters. The area has a complex terrain, characterized by rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys, offering a unique geographical landscape.

Climate

Shangka Town has a plateau semi-humid climate, typical of agricultural and pastoral areas. The town experiences an average of 2,190 hours of sunlight per year, with an annual average temperature of 8°C. The highest recorded temperature is 26°C, and the lowest is -10°C. The frost-free period lasts around 120 days. The rainy season occurs between May and July, contributing to 90% of the town’s total annual precipitation.

Natural Resources

Shangka is rich in natural resources, including discovered underground mineral deposits such as tin (锡), coal (煤), barite (重晶石), marble (大理石), and garnet (石榴石). The Machala Coal Mine (马查拉煤矿) in the area has a reserve of 13.72 million tons of coal. The region is also home to precious and protected wildlife, including wild Tibetan chickens (野生藏鸡), yaks (马), and elk (马鹿). The forest coverage rate is 65%, and the area is abundant in medicinal plants, further enhancing its ecological value.

Population and Economy

Population

2011: Shangka had a population of 3,566 people, including 1,747 males and 1,819 females, with a natural population growth rate of 10‰.
2017: The permanent resident population was 3,617.
2018: The registered population reached 3,632.
2019: The population grew to 4,033.

Economic Overview

In 2011, the per capita income for farmers and herders in Shangka was 4,370 yuan. The town’s fiscal revenue for that year was 10.62 million yuan. By 2019, Shangka had one comprehensive store or supermarket with a retail area of over 50 square meters.

Agriculture and Livestock

Shangka Town is primarily an agricultural and pastoral area. By the end of 2011, the town had 7,068.09 acres of arable land, producing 1,880.33 tons of crops, including barley (青稞), wheat (小麦), and rapeseed (油菜). Livestock farming is a major industry in the region, with 15,916 animals, including 9,761 yaks (牦牛), 1,787 sheep (绵羊), 3,239 goats (山羊), and 1,129 horses (马).

Social Development

Education

By the end of 2011, Shangka Town had one central primary school with 346 students and 15 teachers. The town also had 4 additional teaching points: Enda Teaching Point (恩达教学点), Dala Teaching Point (达拉教学点), Shangri Teaching Point (尚日教学点), and Dangjue Teaching Point (当觉教学点), with a total of 84 students. The school enrollment rate for children of school age reached 98%.

Healthcare

By the end of 2011, Shangka had one township health clinic. The rural cooperative medical insurance program had a 100% enrollment rate, ensuring access to medical care for all local residents.

Transportation

By the end of 2011, Shangka Town had a fully connected road network, including the Shangji Highway (尚吉公路), which runs through the area. Some regions were already accessible by motorcycle, further improving transportation in this remote region.

Scenic Attractions

Shangka Hot Springs

Shangka is home to a famous hot spring (尚卡温泉), which is spread over a narrow 100-meter stretch. The hot spring consists of eight spring openings, including Lianhua Pool (莲花池), Ya Pool (雅池), and Tang Pool (塘池). The water temperature ranges between 20°C and 40°C, making it an ideal location for visitors seeking relaxation and therapeutic benefits.

Dari Ga Gorge

Dari Ga Gorge (达日嘎峡谷) is a pristine, picturesque canyon located at an elevation of 3,520 meters. The gorge stretches approximately 7 kilometers and is known for its breathtaking beauty. It was historically part of the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) and is significant for Tibetan culture. The gorge is also associated with the legendary figure, King Gesar (格萨尔王), as the hoofprints of his mount can still be found in the area.

Recognition and Honors

In February 2022, Shangka Town was included in the list of 2021 Tibet Autonomous Region Ecological Civilization Construction Demonstration Zones, which highlights its commitment to sustainable environmental management and community development.

Shangka’s blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and rich resources makes it an exciting destination for travelers looking to explore Tibet’s untamed landscapes and authentic traditions.