Zêba Township of Gonjo County in Chamdo

Zêba Township (则巴乡) is located in the eastern part of Gonjo County (贡觉县), in Chamdo Prefecture (昌都市) of the Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). The township borders Keji Township (克日乡) to the east, Haga Township (哈加乡) and Awang Township (阿旺乡) to the south, Molo Town (莫洛镇) and Xiangpi Township (相皮乡) to the west, and Jiangda County’s Niangxiduo (江达县娘西多) to the north. The administrative center of the township is Zepu Village (则普村), situated 75 kilometers from the county seat.

Key Statistics:

  • Location: Eastern Gonjo County, Chamdo, Tibet

  • Area: 93.37 km²

  • Population (2019): 3,339 residents

  • Postal Code: 854217

  • Phone Area Code: 0895

  • Vehicle Plate Code: Tibet B (藏B)

  • Climate: Continental Plateau Monsoon Climate

Historical Background

Zêba Township has undergone various administrative changes since its establishment:

  • 1959–1962: Part of Molo District (莫洛区).

  • 1962–1974: Became Zêba District (则巴区) within Molo.

  • 1974: A commune was established under the Revolutionary Committee.

  • 1984: The commune system was reorganized, and Zêba became a township.

  • 1987: The district was dissolved, and smaller townships were merged into Zêba Township.

Administrative Divisions

Zêba Township is divided into 10 administrative villages, each with its own village committee. Below are the details of these villages:

List of Villages in Zêba Township:

  1. Zepu Village (则普村) – Administrative center of the township.

  2. Zemai Village (则麦村) – Known for its agricultural activities.

  3. Wadu Village (瓦堆村) – Engaged in farming and livestock.

  4. Gase Village (嘎色村) – Primarily an agricultural village.

  5. Xiari Village (夏日村) – Home to cultural and religious landmarks.

  6. Daqiu Village (达曲村) – A rural village with a focus on farming and animal husbandry.

  7. Guolong Village (果龙村) – Agriculture-focused, with a strong barley cultivation base.

  8. Weitong Village (卫通村) – Famous for its Bangguo Monastery (帮果寺).

  9. Hachi Village (哈池村) – Known for its traditional farming practices.

  10. Langri Village (郎日村) – A smaller village in the region with a rural economy.

Each of these villages has a village committee responsible for local governance and development, contributing to the social and economic growth of the township.

Geography and Climate

Location and Terrain

Zêba Township is located at an elevation of over 4,000 meters above sea level. The terrain consists of high plateaus and mountainous areas, providing spectacular views and a unique Tibetan landscape.

Climate

Zêba experiences a continental plateau monsoon climate, characterized by small annual humidity variations and large temperature differences between day and night. Winters are cold and dry, while summers are mild with periodic rainfall.

Natural Resources

The area is rich in mineral resources, including gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc. It also boasts abundant flora and fauna, including medicinal plants such as matsutake mushrooms and caterpillar fungus, which are highly valued in traditional Tibetan medicine.

Population and Economy

Population Statistics

  • 2011: 2,628 residents

  • 2017: 3,377 residents

  • 2018: 3,380 registered residents

  • 2019: 3,339 registered residents

Agriculture and Livestock

Zêba Township has a semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral economy. The main agricultural crops include barley (青稞), wheat, and oilseed rape. As of 2011, the township had 3,430 acres of crops, producing 682.73 tons of grain. Barley is the dominant crop, with 313,815 acres dedicated to its cultivation.

The livestock industry is centered around yaks, horses, and sheep. By the end of 2011, the township had 23,203 head of livestock, with a 96.3% survival rate.

Economic Overview (2020)

  • Total Revenue: 16.1 million yuan, funded entirely by government grants.

  • Total Expenditure: 16.1 million yuan, allocated primarily for general public services.

Social Development

Education

By the end of 2011, Zêba Township had one township primary school, one village primary school, and three additional teaching points. The enrollment rate for school-age children was 89%.

Healthcare

The township is served by a health center that provides basic medical services. Vaccination rates for children were reported to be 95%.

Social Security

In 2011, about 1,000 residents participated in the New Rural Social Pension Insurance program, ensuring some form of social support for the elderly.

Transportation

By 2011, all 10 village committees in Zêba Township had access to paved roads, improving transportation and connectivity in the area.

Cultural Heritage and Scenic Spots

Zêba Township is home to several Nyingma Sect Monasteries (宁玛派寺院), which are significant religious and cultural landmarks:

  1. Bangguo Monastery (帮果寺) – Located in Weitong Village (卫通村).

  2. Lewang Monastery (乐旺寺) – Situated in Xiari Village (夏日村).

  3. Taran Monastery (塔然寺) – Found in Zepu Village (则普村).

  4. Xiatang Monastery (下塘寺) – Located in Jiefang Village (解放村).

These monasteries offer insights into Tibetan Buddhist practices and are important cultural sites for both locals and visitors.