Zigar Township of Jomda County in Chamdo

Zigar Township (字嘎乡) is located in the northwestern part of Jomda County (江达县), Chamdo Prefecture (昌都市), Tibet Autonomous Region. The township has a total administrative area of 1,610.76 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the township had a registered population of 10,737 people.

Historical Background

Zigar Township was originally established as Zigar District (字嘎区) in 1959, comprising seven smaller towns: Zigar, Shanggesi, Xiagesi, Gelong, Shangbaima, Xiabaima, and Rimuo. In 1970, it was reorganized into a commune, and in 1984, the township was restored. In July 1988, several smaller areas were merged to form the current Zigar Township.

As of June 2020, Zigar Township consists of 10 administrative villages.

Geographic and Environmental Features

Location and Terrain

Zigar Township is located in the northwestern part of Jomda County, with an area of 1,610.76 square kilometers. The region is characterized by high mountain grasslands and has an average elevation of 3,950 meters above sea level.

Climate

The township enjoys a plateau temperate monsoon climate, with thin air, abundant sunlight, and a mild annual temperature of 4.5°C. The area receives an average annual precipitation of 200 millimeters, and the frost-free period lasts for approximately 70 days.

Natural Resources

Zigar Township is rich in underground mineral resources, including iron, copper, lead, and zinc. The area is also home to wildlife, such as bears, wild goats, foxes, and marmots. Additionally, medicinal resources such as rhubarb and caterpillar fungus are found in the region.

Population and Ethnicity

The population of Zigar Township has grown steadily over the years. By the end of 2011, the township had a population of 8,647 people. By the end of 2017, the permanent population reached 9,559, and by the end of 2018, it was 10,579. As of 2019, the registered population was 10,737.

Economy

Agricultural and Livestock Industry

Zigar Township is primarily a pastoral region, with grasslands covering 2.05 million acres. The main economic activities are livestock production, with yaks, goats, sheep, and horses being the primary animals raised. The township follows a traditional livestock farming system, moving between winter, spring, summer, and autumn grazing areas, with migrations occurring four times a year.

Apart from pastoral activities, locals supplement their income through the collection of caterpillar fungus, business ventures outside the region, and seasonal labor.

Commercial Development

In 2018, there were 25 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area larger than 50 square meters. However, by 2019, the number of such stores had decreased to just 3.

Infrastructure

Transportation

By the end of 2011, Zigar Township had road access to all 10 of its village committees, improving connectivity within the region.

Education

As of 2011, the township had two schools: a central school and Baima Primary School.

Healthcare

Zigar Township has a healthcare center, which offers services to the local population. By the end of 2011, the township had reached a 100% participation rate in the New Rural Cooperative Medical System, ensuring that the residents had access to basic medical care.

Scenic and Cultural Attractions

Mount Gela (格拉山)

One of the most significant landmarks in Zigar Township is Mount Gela (格拉山), which is located in Xiagesi Village (下格日村). Mount Gela is considered a sacred mountain by the local community, and it is a place of great cultural significance. The mountain is surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged stones, with colorful prayer flags fluttering from the summit. At the top, there is a natural rock formation that resembles a Buddhist statue, adding to the mountain’s spiritual allure.