Sibda Township of Jomda County in Chamdo

Shengda Township (生达乡) is located in the northwestern part of Jomda County (江达县), Chamdo Prefecture (昌都市), Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The township shares borders with Dengke Township (邓柯乡) to the east, Zigar Township (字嘎乡) to the south, Menda Township (面达乡) in Changdu District (昌都区) to the west, and Qinghai Province’s Yushu City (玉树市) to the north. The administrative area of Shengda Township covers 1,983.39 square kilometers, and by the end of 2019, the township had a registered population of 13,281 people.

Historical Background

Shengda Township was founded in 1959. In 1970, it was reorganized into a commune, but the township structure was restored in 1984. In 1962, Shengda was one of the ten districts established within Jomda County. In 1988, the township structure was redefined, and several villages, including Rimu Village (日木村) and Bumao Village (布牧村), were incorporated into Shengda Township.

By June 2020, Shengda Township comprised 9 administrative villages.

Geographic and Environmental Features

Location and Terrain

Shengda Township lies in the northwestern part of Jomda County. It is situated in the upper reaches of the Hengduan Mountain Range, within the Jinsha River Basin (金沙江). The township’s geography is characterized by high-altitude mountainous terrain with a mix of valleys and grasslands.

Natural Resources

Shengda Township is rich in mineral resources, including substantial lead and zinc deposits located near Luse Village (鲁色村). The area also boasts abundant wildlife, such as the state-protected deer species, with an estimated population of 1,000, as well as white deer, antelope, wild goats, mountain sheep, snow leopards, and black bears. Additionally, there are over 30 species of protected wild animals like foxes, snow chickens, wolves, and leopards. The area is also rich in medicinal plants such as caterpillar fungus, fritillary, and wild mushrooms.

Population and Ethnicity

As of the end of 2011, Shengda Township had a total population of 10,762 people. By 2017, the permanent population had grown to 13,325 people. The registered population by the end of 2019 stood at 13,281 people.

Economy

General Overview

Shengda Township is a pastoral region, with the economy primarily driven by animal husbandry. The main livestock raised in the area includes yaks, sheep, goats, and horses. By 2011, the total number of livestock in the township had reached 51,464 animals.

In 2012, the township’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 63.35 million yuan, with a per capita net income of 5,034 yuan. By 2018, there were 9 comprehensive stores or supermarkets larger than 50 square meters. However, in 2019, the number of such stores decreased to 3.

Agricultural and Livestock Activities

The economy of Shengda Township is largely based on animal husbandry, and the region practices a traditional nomadic lifestyle. Apart from raising livestock, the locals also engage in the cultivation of barley, wheat, and vegetables. The area has vast pasturelands that support the grazing of yaks and other livestock.

Infrastructure and Social Services

Transportation

By the end of 2011, Shengda Township had achieved 100% road connectivity for all its village committees. There are four village roads in total, and the township has built nine bridges to improve transportation.

Education

As of 2011, Shengda Township had a central school and Bangge Primary School (邦格完校). The central school enrolled 135 students, while Bangge Primary School had 65 students. Additionally, 13 students were enrolled in the county middle school, and a total of 213 people benefited from the township’s educational support policy.

Healthcare

Shengda Township’s healthcare system includes a local health center and a new health station in Bangge Village. Each of the 9 village committees is staffed with medical personnel, and the township has also equipped its health center with medical transportation. The New Rural Cooperative Medical System has achieved a 100% participation rate.

Communication and Postal Services

By the end of 2011, Shengda Township had a mobile communication coverage rate of 35%. The region also has a postal service to cater to the needs of local residents.

Scenic and Cultural Attractions

Mani Chayi (玛尼查益)

Mani Chayi, located in the southern part of Shengda Township, is a cultural and spiritual site that features over 2,000 to 3,000 engraved stone tablets depicting Buddhist scriptures, including the “Ganjur” (甘珠尔) and “Danjur” (旦珠尔). These stone tablets cover an area of approximately 1,500 square meters. The site also features eight white stupas surrounded by colorful prayer flags. This area is historically significant as the site of the original Zuoqin Monastery (左钦寺), which has a history of over 800 years.

Guomei Hot Springs (郭美泉)

The Guomei Hot Springs, located 15 kilometers east of Shengda Township’s government office, are a popular local attraction. The hot springs vary in temperature, with the highest temperature reaching 100°C and the lowest around 10°C. There are three main hot spring pools, with areas of 50 square meters, 25 square meters, and 15 square meters respectively.

Recognition and Honors

In February 2022, Shengda Township was included in the list of candidates for the 2021 Tibet Autonomous Region Ecological Civilization Construction Demonstration Town, recognizing its efforts towards sustainable development and environmental conservation.