Yiri Town of Riwoqê County in Chamdo

Yiri Town (伊日乡) is located in the northeastern part of Riwoqê County (类乌齐县), within the Chamdo (昌都市) region of Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). It borders Shangka Township (尚卡乡) to the east, Luoqi Town (类乌齐镇) to the west, and Jido Township (吉多乡) to the north. The town is situated 95 kilometers from the county seat and 27 kilometers from National Highway 214 (214国道). The total administrative area of Yiri Town is 432.88 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, Yiri had a registered population of 4,407 people.

Yiri Town was established in 1959, converted to a commune in 1975, and reverted to a township in 1984. As of June 2020, Yiri Town governs 5 administrative villages.

Historical Development

  • 1959: Yiri Town was established.

  • 1975: It was converted into a commune.

  • 1984: Yiri reverted to a township.

Administrative Divisions

As of June 2020, Yiri Town consists of 5 administrative villages:

  1. Yiduo Village (伊多村)

  2. Bangri Village (帮日村)

  3. Zhuda Village (珠达村)

  4. Bengi Village (崩日村)

These villages are home to 15 natural villages.

Geographic Environment

Location and Terrain

Yiri Town lies in the northeastern part of Riwoqê County. It is bordered by Shangka Township (尚卡乡) to the east, Luoqi Town (类乌齐镇) to the west, and Jido Township (吉多乡) to the north. The town has an average elevation of 4,100 meters above sea level and is characterized by dense mountain ranges and intersecting valleys, offering unique geological and geomorphic features.

Climate

Yiri Town experiences a plateau climate, with three distinct climatic zones: alpine cold, plateau semi-temperate, and plateau temperate. The weather is marked by cold winters and cool summers, and temperature variations are considerable between day and night.

Natural Resources

Yiri Town boasts a rich natural environment, with dense forests and abundant wildlife. The forest coverage rate reaches 95%, and the primary tree species include cedar (杉), cypress (柏), pine (松), and birch (桦). The region is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Tibetan pheasant (藏马鸡), leopard (豹子), wild boar (野猪), bear (狗熊), snow chicken (雪鸡), wild donkey (野驴), elk (马鹿), Argali sheep (盘羊), roe deer (獐子), partridge (鹧鸪), and Tibetan macaques (藏酋猴).

The underbrush of the forests is rich in wild medicinal plants, such as caterpillar fungus (冬虫夏草), rhizoma anemarrhenae (知母), fritillaria (贝母), rhodiola rosea (红景天), panax ginseng (手掌参), snow lotus (雪莲花), morel mushrooms (羊肚菌), ganoderma (樟子菌), and lion’s mane mushroom (猴头菌).

Population and Economy

Population

  • 2011: Yiri Town had a population of 2,901 people, with 1,468 males and 1,433 females.

  • 2017: The permanent resident population was 3,040.

  • 2018: The registered population reached 3,118.

  • 2019: The population grew to 4,407.

Economic Overview

In 2011, the per capita income for herders in Yiri Town was 4,150 yuan, of which 2,150 yuan was cash income. By 2019, Yiri Town had 6 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a retail area of over 50 square meters.

Agriculture and Livestock

Yiri is primarily a pastoral area with some agricultural activity. The main crops are barley (青稞) and yak grass (元根). As of 2011, Yiri had 2,540.25 acres of arable land, with 1,746.65 acres devoted to grain production and 793.6 acres dedicated to yak grass. The total area of pastureland in the town is 4,879.24 acres.

Livestock farming is the backbone of the local economy, with 19,864 animals, including 14,240 cattle, 3,762 sheep, and 800 goats.

Social Development

Education

By the end of 2011, Yiri Town had one central school with two teaching points. The school had 100% enrollment of school-age children, ensuring universal access to education.

Healthcare

Yiri Town had one township health clinic by the end of 2011, and all families were enrolled in the rural cooperative medical insurance program, with 100% participation.

Transportation

By the end of 2011, Yiri Town was connected by an oil road from National Highway 214 to the town government, and all villages within the town were accessible by road.

Scenic Attractions

Yiri Hot Springs

Yiri Town is home to the Yiri Hot Springs (伊日温泉), which are located in a narrow stretch about 100 meters long. The springs consist of eight spring openings, including Lianhua Pool (莲花池), Ya Pool (雅池), and Tang Pool (塘池). The water temperature ranges from 20°C to 40°C, making it a popular spot for relaxation.

Dari Ga Gorge

The Dari Ga Gorge (达日嘎峡谷) is a scenic and pristine canyon located at an elevation of 3,520 meters. The gorge is approximately 7 kilometers long and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. It is also a historically significant location, as it was part of the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) and is the site where the founder of the Luoqi Monastery (类乌齐寺), Je Songji Wangbu (杰·松吉旺布), practiced. The gorge also features hoof prints left by the mount of King Gesar (格萨尔王), a legendary figure in Tibetan culture.

Recognition and Honors

In February 2022, Yiri Town was included in the list of 2021 Tibet Autonomous Region Ecological Civilization Construction Demonstration Zones, reflecting the town’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation.

These attractions, along with the region’s rich natural resources and cultural heritage, make Yiri Town an interesting destination for travelers interested in exploring Tibet’s stunning landscapes and unique traditions.