Changdu (昌都)

1. Introduction

Qamdo City (Tibetan: ཆབ་མདོ་གྲོང་ཁྱེར།, Wylie transliteration: chab mdo grong khyer, Tibetan pinyin: Qamdo Chongkyêr) is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, traditionally belonging to the Kham region. Located in the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, it lies within the Hengduan Mountains and the watersheds of the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nujiang rivers, and is often praised as the "Pearl of Eastern Tibet." Since the establishment of Qamdo Prefecture during the late Qing Dynasty's policy of replacing native chieftains with state-appointed officials, Qamdo has consistently served as the political, economic, cultural, and transportation hub of the Qamdo area, earning the prestigious title of "Gateway to Eastern Tibet." It has a permanent resident population of 760,900 people, and the municipal people's government is located in Karuo District.

2. Etymology

"Changdu" is a transliteration of the Tibetan language, written in Tibetan as ཆབ་མདོ (Latin transliteration: Chamdo). In Tibetan, the term "Changdu" has several interpretations:

• "The Place Where Two Rivers Converge": A common explanation is that "Chang" means "double" or "two," and "Du" means "convergence" or "junction." Thus, "Changdu" refers to the location where two rivers meet.
• "The Confluence of Waters": Another interpretation suggests that "Chang" means "water," and "Du" means "convergence," so "Changdu" can be understood as "the confluence of waters."

3. History

During the Qing Dynasty, the Qamdo region was under the theocratic rule of the Pakpalha Living Buddha.

In the sixth month of the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign (1906), Xiliang and Chuohabu memorialized the Qing court: "Taking advantage of this opportunity (after suppressing the Batang rebellion) to replace local chieftains with state-appointed officials, following the examples of Ningxia and Qinghai, first establish the Commissioner of Sichuan-Yunnan Frontier Affairs, stationed in Batang to train troops, serving as support for Tibet and organizing local affairs as a backup. Sichuan, Yunnan, the frontier, and Tibet would be interconnected and united as one, achieving a permanent solution—this is the strategy for the southwest." The Qing government appointed Zhao Erfeng as the Superintendent of Sichuan-Yunnan Frontier Affairs, overseeing the Dajianlu Subprefecture (present-day Kangding County) in western Sichuan and its subordinate chieftains, as well as the Kham region of Tibet.

In the 3rd year of the Xuantong reign (1911), Fu Songmu, the Acting Superintendent of Sichuan-Yunnan Frontier Affairs, first proposed the establishment of Xikang Province in a memorial: "Upon investigation, the frontier is the ancient land of Kham, located in the west, it is proposed to be named Xikang Province." After its establishment, it could "defend the Kham territory, protect Sichuan, support Tibet, achieving three benefits with one move." The envisioned scope of Xikang Province by Fu Songlin was "east from Dajianlu, west to the summit of Danda Mountain, covering over 3,000 li; south reaching Weixi and Zhongdian, north to Xining in Gansu, covering over 4,000 li." In the same year, the Qing court planned to establish Xikang Province separately: elevating Dajianlu to Kangding Prefecture (governing Lihua Subprefecture, Anliang Subprefecture, Hekou County, Daocheng County); elevating Ba'an Subprefecture to Ba'an Prefecture (governing Sanba Subprefecture, Dingxiang County, Yanjing County); newly establishing Dengke Prefecture (governing Dehua Department, Baiyu Department, Shiqu County, Tongpu County) and Qamdo Prefecture (governing Enda Subprefecture, Zhaya County); additionally, there were 11 commissioners for Derong, Jiangda, Gongjue, Sang'ang, Zayu, Sanyan, Garzê, Zhanggu, Daowu, Zhandui, Luding Bridge, as well as the Shuobanduo Administrator. Acting Superintendent Fu Songmu, on the grounds that the Pakpalha Living Buddha of Qamdo and the Chaya Living Buddha "though are Hutukhtus, their administration of local affairs is no different from that of chieftains, and should also be replaced by state-appointed officials," confiscated the seals of the two Living Buddhas of Qamdo and Chaya, transferring the ruling power of Qamdo's chieftains and Hutukhtus to the Qing court. Shortly after, the Qing court, responding to Pakpalha's request and also because the seals "differed from those of chieftains, permitted their return."

After the Xinhai Revolution, Qing troops stationed in Tibet mutinied successively. In 1912, the 13th Dalai Lama issued the "Proclamation to the People," declaring Tibet's complete autonomy and that the entire Tibetan region was under the jurisdiction of the Tibetan Kashag government. The Dalai Lama dispatched Tibetan troops to capture Bendo, Zhaya, Chamdo, and other places. Under the direction of the Tibetan Kashag, the Chamdo Champa Ling Monastery secretly mobilized militia, killing over ten Sichuan troops. Peng Risheng, then battalion commander of the Border Army's 7th Battalion and magistrate of Qamdo County, organized Sichuan troops to counterattack and set fire to Champa Ling Monastery. The Pakpalha Living Buddha and the Shewala Living Buddha fled to Lhasa, residing in Sera Monastery for eight years before returning to Qamdo under the escort of Tibetan troops. On April 22, 1912 (the first year of the Republic of China), Yuan Shikai, President of the Beiyang Government, transferred Yin Changheng, the Military Governor of Sichuan, to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Army to Tibet, leading troops on a western campaign. Cai E, the Military Governor of Yunnan, also dispatched Yunnan troops into Xikang in support. On July 10, 1912, Yin Changheng led the western expeditionary army from Chengdu, soon defeating Tibetan troops between Litang and Batang, and recapturing Chamdo, Zhaya, and other areas. On September 25, 1912, Yin Changheng concurrently assumed the role of Sichuan Frontier Pacification Commissioner, and in October, he was awarded the rank of Lieutenant General with the status of General. In April 1913 (the second year of the Republic of China), Yin Changheng returned to Chengdu. On June 13, 1913, Yin Changheng was redesignated as Sichuan Frontier Administrator, and soon after, his title was changed to Sichuan Frontier Military Governor.

On January 13, 1914 (the third year of the Republic of China), the position of Sichuan Frontier Administrator and Military Governor was abolished, downgraded to Sichuan Frontier Garrison Commander, in charge of military and civil administration. On June 28, 1914, the Sichuan Frontier Special Region (including the Qamdo region west of the Jinsha River) was delineated as the Sichuan Frontier Special Area, under the control of Sichuan Province. This caused dissatisfaction with the Tibetan Kashag government.

On January 23, 1916 (the fifth year of the Republic of China), the Sichuan Frontier Circuit was established within the original Bian Dong and Bian Xi circuits, administering the Qamdo region.

During the first Kham-Tibet border dispute in 1918 (the Min Qi Incident), the Qamdo region was occupied by Tibetan troops. After capturing Qamdo city, Tibetan troops divided into northern and southern routes to advance. The northern route quickly occupied thirteen counties on the west bank of the Jinsha River, crossed the river to capture Zhandui, and besieged Garzê. Under the mediation of British representative Eric Teichman, Sichuan representative Liu Zanting and Tibetan representative Kalön Lama Champa Dandar signed the "Sino-Tibetan Chamdo Armistice Treaty (French: Traité de Rongbatsa)" on August 19, 1918, establishing the Yangtze River as the border between Tibet and Sichuan.

In 1919, the 10th Pakpalha assumed the position of the 29th abbot of Champa Ling Monastery. The Tibetan Kashag dispatched Kalön Lama Champa Dandar to serve as Domey Chikyab (i.e., Domey Governor, Domey referring to Qamdo). The two jointly ruled the Qamdo region.

In 1920, the 10th Pakpalha took a "Khandroma" consort. The 13th Dalai Lama considered taking a wife a violation of precepts and thus ordered "the abolition of his title of Pakpalha Hutukhtu, and the Domey Governor Kalön Lama sealed the imperial edict of appointment." The Tibetan Kashag effectively ruled the Qamdo region.

On August 29, 1928, the Central Political Conference of the Chinese Kuomintang decided to convert Xikang into a province. On September 17, 1928, the Nationalist Government decided to establish Xikang Province. On December 25, 1934 (the 23rd year of the Republic of China), the Executive Yuan resolved to appoint Liu Wenhui as Chairman of the Xikang Provincial Preparatory Committee. On July 22, 1935 (the 24th year of the Republic of China), the Xikang Provincial Preparatory Committee was formally established in Ya'an, with Liu Wenhui assuming the chairmanship and establishing departments for civil affairs, finance, education, construction, etc. On September 23, 1936 (the 25th year of the Republic of China), the Xikang Provincial Preparatory Committee moved to Kangding. On November 22, 1938 (the 27th year of the Republic of China), the Executive Yuan resolved to approve the establishment of Xikang Province. On December 13, the composition of the Xikang Provincial Government Committee was approved, with Liu Wenhui appointed as Chairman of the Xikang Provincial Government. The Government of the Republic of China designated the Qamdo region as part of the Fifth Administrative Supervision District of Xikang Province, but in practice, the area was governed by the Tibetan Kashag government.

In November 1936 (the 25th year of the Republic of China), Liu Wenhui led regiments including Zhang Zhenzhong to Kangding and stationed Zhang's regiment in Garzê to prevent further Tibetan military incursions. Seeing this, Tibetan forces sent representative Silang Dorje to Kangding to negotiate an agreement with Liu Wenhui, establishing the Jinsha River as the border, with the four counties east of the Jinsha River previously captured by Tibetan troops, such as Dêgê, returned to Xikang.

In 1939, the Government of the Republic of China established Xikang Province, nominally exercising jurisdiction over this area.

During the Republic of China period, the Nationalist Government placed Qamdo under the jurisdiction of Xikang Province but did not achieve actual control.)

• On October 7, 1950, the Chinese People's Liberation Army launched the Chamdo Campaign and successfully captured Qamdo.
• On October 19, 1950, the Government of the People's Republic of China established the Qamdo Regional People's Liberation Committee here, directly under the jurisdiction of the Government Administration Council of the Central People's Government.
• In 1956, it came under the leadership of the Preparatory Committee for the Tibet Autonomous Region.
• In January 1960, the Qamdo Regional Commissioner's Office was established, with the regional administrative office located in Qamdo Town.
• In 1978, it was renamed the Qamdo Regional Administrative Office, with the regional administrative office located in Qamdo County.
• In October 2002, the Tianjin Municipal Government built the Lancang River Tianjin Square at the confluence of the Za Qu and Ang Qu rivers in Qamdo.
• On October 20, 2014, the State Council of China approved the abolition of Qamdo Prefecture and the establishment of the prefecture-level Qamdo City, and the abolition of Qamdo County to establish Karuo District.
• On December 10, 2014, the prefecture-level Qamdo City was officially inaugurated.

4. Geography

4.1 Location and Territory

Qamdo is located in the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, on the upper reaches of the Lancang River. It serves as the eastern gateway of the Tibet Autonomous Region, holding a geographically crucial position. Situated in the "Three Rivers and One River" area (the Ngom Qu, Za Qu, Ser Qu, and Lancang River), its Tibetan name means "the confluence of waters."

Qamdo lies between 93°6′–99°2′ east longitude and 28°5′–32°6′ north latitude. To the east, it faces four counties of Sichuan Province's Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture across the river: Dêgê, Baiyü, Sêrxü, and Batang. To the southeast, it borders Dêqên County of Yunnan Province's Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. To the southwest, it is adjacent to Nyingchi City. To the northwest, it connects with Nagqu City. To the north, it borders Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province. Its total area is 110,000 square kilometers, accounting for 8.9% of the total area of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

4.2 Topography

Within the city's territory, the terrain is higher in the northwest, where mountains are relatively intact, and broad plateau surfaces are preserved in the watershed areas. The southeast is lower, where mountains are dissected into a scattered pattern. Valleys deepen progressively from north to south, with ridges and valleys arranged closely, rivers cutting deeply, and only sporadic remnants of plateau surfaces. The plateau is mainly distributed in the northern section of the Taniantaweng Mountains and the Ningjing Mountains, with elevations above 4,000–4,500 meters. The highest point is the Nyenchen Tanglha mountain ridge located in Banbar County, with an elevation of 6,980 meters. South of 30° north latitude, it is a typical alpine gorge region, with valley floor elevations between 2,500–3,500 meters. The lowest point is the Jinsha River valley in Markam County, with an elevation of only 2,296 meters.

The mountain ranges within the city run north-south, with three major rivers and three mountain ranges distributed alternately, running parallel. From west to east, they are: the Baxoi Range, Nujiang River; Taniantaweng Mountains, Lancang River; Dama-La Mountains–Ningjing Mountains, Jinsha River. Mountain ranges mostly have elevations around 4,000–5,000 meters, with deep river valleys between them. The height difference between ridges and valleys reaches 1,000–2,000 meters. The unique natural landforms and topographic structure add even more diversity and splendor to the magnificent Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

4.3 Lakes

There are quite a few lakes within Qamdo City, but they are generally small in scale. Only two lakes exceed 10 km²: Mang Co (area 18 km², elevation 4,310 m) and Rawu Lake (including Angong Co, area 18.4 km², elevation approx. 3,800 m). Additionally, larger lakes include Butog Tso Chen (area 9.0 km², elevation 4,660 m), Butog Tso Chhung (area 6.4 km², elevation 4,590 m), and Rincog Co (area 3.7 km², elevation 4,430 m). The mineralization of lake water in this region mostly ranges between 0.14-0.32 g/L. All lakes in the Qamdo area are exorheic freshwater lakes. The origins of the lakes are diverse, including tectonic, glacial, and other causes (such as valley blockage forming lakes). Among them, Mang Co is related to tectonic activity. However, most lakes in this region are glacial lakes formed by ancient glacial activity, such as Butog Tso Chen and Butog Tso Chhung. High-altitude lakes with an area below 1 km² are basically glacial lakes. Some lakes were formed by modern valleys being blocked by landslides, avalanches, or debris flows, such as Rawu Lake, which was formed by a landslide blockage.

4.4 Glaciers

Modern glaciers in Qamdo are mainly distributed in the high and extremely high mountains of the southwest, such as the Kangri Garpo Range, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains–Baxoi Range, Qangla Ri, the Damiyong Snow Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain in the southern Taniantaweng Mountains, etc. Among these, the Kangri Garpo Range in southwestern Qamdo lies precisely on the main pathway for the Indian Ocean monsoon to transport moisture to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is the mountain range on the southern edge of the plateau most strongly influenced by the southwestern monsoon of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Modern glaciers are highly developed here, making it the mountain range with the highest modern glacier coverage on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The vast majority of glaciers in this region formed under monsoon maritime climate conditions and belong to the maritime glacier type. Only in the northwestern Tanggula Mountains might they be of a composite transitional type.

The total number of glaciers in Qamdo reaches several hundred, making it one of the concentrated distribution areas of glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The overall trend of glacier distribution within the region decreases from west to east due to the influence of decreasing altitude. The Ningjing Mountains not only have a relatively low altitude but are also blocked by parallel mountain ranges on both sides, forming a rain shadow area where east-west airflows find it difficult to penetrate. Consequently, they are the only mountain range among the regional systems without modern glaciers.

The morphological types of modern glaciers include eight categories: hanging glaciers, cirque-hanging glaciers, cirque glaciers, cirque-valley glaciers, valley glaciers, canyon glaciers, slope glaciers, and ice caps or flat-topped glaciers. Among these, valley glaciers are the largest-scale type among all glacier categories. They are mainly distributed in the highest uplifted areas such as the Kangri Garpo Range, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains–Baxoi Range, Qangla Ri, the Damiyong Snow Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain in the southern Taniantaweng Mountains. They range from several kilometers to over ten kilometers in length and cover areas from several to several tens of square kilometers, constituting the main glacier type in this region. The largest valley glacier is the Laigu Glacier (also known as the Yalung Glacier) south of Rawu Lake, approximately 26 km long and 2-4 km wide, with its terminus extending below 4,000 m. A series of glaciers also develop on the northern slopes of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains in southern Banbar County, with glacier termini descending to around 4,500 m in elevation.

4.5 Climate

Qamdo City belongs to the southeastern Tibet plateau temperate semi-arid monsoon climate zone. Summers are mild and humid, while winters are dry and cold. The annual temperature range is small, but the daily temperature range is large. The average annual sunshine hours are 2,100-2,700 hours. The annual frost-free period lasts 46–162 days. The average annual precipitation is 477.7 mm, concentrated from May to September. Common natural disasters include frost, snow disasters, and hail.

The climate of Qamdo is fundamentally characterized by coldness. Influenced by factors such as north-south parallel gorges and its mid-to-low latitude geographical location, it features distinct vertical distribution and significant regional differences. Sunshine is ample, and solar radiation is strong. The daily temperature range is large, while the annual range is small. Rainfall is concentrated, with uneven seasonal distribution. Evaporation is high, and relative humidity is low. The north-south longitudinal arrangement of mountains and rivers in the Qamdo area facilitates the north-south transport of warm, moist airflows. The dramatic elevation differences in the gorges cause vertical climatic changes to be greater than horizontal changes.

The air is clean, sunshine is long, and radiation is strong. The average elevation of Qamdo is above 3,500 meters, resulting in thin air. The average annual atmospheric pressure and oxygen content per cubic meter of air are only about two-thirds of those in plain areas. The daily temperature range is large, the annual range is small, and temperatures are generally low. The average annual temperature across different parts of Qamdo ranges from 2.4°C to 12.6°C. Rainfall is concentrated and unevenly distributed seasonally. Precipitation from May to September ranges between 182.3 and 538.2 mm, accounting for 77.9% to 95.8% of the annual rainfall. Precipitation from October to May of the following year ranges from 19.6 to 102.6 mm, accounting for only 4.3% to 21.2% of the annual total. Evaporation is high, and relative humidity is low. The annual evaporation across different locations ranges from 1,325.3 to 2,617.2 mm. Baxoi County, located in the Nujiang River valley, has the highest annual evaporation at 2,617.2 mm, which is over ten times its annual precipitation.

Meteorological Data for Karuo District, Qamdo City (1981–2010)| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |------|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|------|------|------|------| | Record high °C (°F) | 21.8 (71.2) | 21.4 (70.5) | 26.1 (79.0) | 28.1 (82.6) | 29.5 (85.1) | 32.7 (90.9) | 32.0 (89.6) | 30.8 (87.4) | 30.5 (86.9) | 27.7 (81.9) | 22.3 (72.1) | 20.2 (68.4) | 32.7 (90.9) | | Average high °C (°F) | 8.7 (47.7) | 10.2 (50.4) | 13.3 (55.9) | 16.6 (61.9) | 20.9 (69.6) | 23.6 (74.5) | 24.2 (75.6) | 23.5 (74.3) | 21.6 (70.9) | 17.6 (63.7) | 12.7 (54.9) | 9.5 (49.1) | 16.9 (62.4) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | -1.6 (29.1) | 1.0 (33.8) | 4.7 (40.5) | 8.1 (46.6) | 12.2 (54.0) | 15.3 (59.5) | 16.3 (61.3) | 15.5 (59.9) | 13.1 (55.6) | 8.4 (47.1) | 2.4 (36.3) | -1.5 (29.3) | 7.8 (46.1) | | Average low °C (°F) | -9.6 (14.7) | -6.8 (19.8) | -2.4 (27.7) | 1.4 (34.5) | 5.3 (41.5) | 9.2 (48.6) | 10.6 (51.1) | 10.0 (50.0) | 7.3 (45.1) | 1.8 (35.2) | -5.0 (23.0) | -9.3 (15.3) | 1.0 (33.9) | | Record low °C (°F) | -19.4 (-2.9) | -17.4 (0.7) | -13.0 (8.6) | -7.7 (18.1) | -4.0 (24.8) | 1.1 (34.0) | 2.9 (37.2) | 1.1 (34.0) | -0.9 (30.4) | -7.0 (19.4) | -13.6 (7.5) | -20.7 (-5.3) | -20.7 (-5.3) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 1.2 (0.05) | 3.3 (0.13) | 11.3 (0.44) | 24.4 (0.96) | 39.3 (1.55) | 85.9 (3.38) | 106.5 (4.19) | 100.5 (3.96) | 74.6 (2.94) | 34.6 (1.36) | 5.7 (0.22) | 2.0 (0.08) | 489.3 (19.26) | | Average relative humidity (%) | 36 | 36 | 41 | 48 | 50 | 59 | 65 | 67 | 67 | 59 | 46 | 39 | 51 |

Data source: China Meteorological Data Network

5. Administrative Divisions

Qamdo City administers 1 district and 10 counties.

District: Karuo District
Counties: Jomda County, Konjo County, Riwoqê County, Dêngqên County, Chagyab County, Baxoi County, Zogang County, Markam County, Lhorong County, Banbar County

Administrative Divisions Map of Qamdo City

| Division Code | Division Name | Tibetan Script | Hanyu Pinyin | Tibetan Pinyin | Wylie Transliteration | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Township-level Divisions | Towns | Townships | Including: Ethnic Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|--------------------|-------------------|---------------------|---------------------------|----------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|----------------------------|-----------|---------------|-------------------------------| | 540300 | Qamdo City | ཆབ་མདོ་གྲོང་ཁྱེར། | Chāngdū Shì | Qamdo Chongkyêr | chab mdo grong khyer | 109,816.98 | 760,966 | Karuo District | 854000 | 28 towns, 110 townships | 28 | 110 | 1 | | 540302 | Karuo District | མཁར་རོ་ཆུས། | Kǎruò Qū | Karub Qü | mkhar ro chus | 10,793.22 | 148,511 | Chengguan Town | 854000 | 3 towns, 12 townships | 3 | 12 | - | | 540321 | Jomda County | འཇོ་མདའ་རྫོང་། | Jiāngdá Xiàn | Jomda Zong | 'jo mda' rdzong | 13,159.34 | 92,800 | Jomda Town | 854100 | 2 towns, 11 townships | 2 | 11 | - | | 540322 | Konjo County | གོ་འཇོ་རྫོང་། | Gòngjué Xiàn | Konjo Zong | go 'jo rdzong | 6,322.55 | 40,009 | Moluo Town | 854200 | 1 town, 11 townships | 1 | 11 | - | | 540323 | Riwoqê County | རི་བོ་ཆེ་རྫོང་། | Lèiwūqí Xiàn | Riwoqê Zong | ri bo che rdzong | 6,337.93 | 58,856 | Sangduo Town | 855600 | 2 towns, 8 townships | 2 | 8 | - | | 540324 | Dêngqên County | སྟེང་ཆེན་རྫོང་། | Dīngqīng Xiàn | Dêngqên Zong | steng chen rdzong | 12,368.49 | 98,677 | Dêngqên Town | 855700 | 2 towns, 11 townships | 2 | 11 | - | | 540325 | Chagyab County | བྲག་གཡབ་རྫོང་། | Cháyǎ Xiàn | Chagyab Zong | brag g.yab rdzong | 8,255.59 | 57,065 | Yanduo Town | 854300 | 3 towns, 10 townships | 3 | 10 | - | | 540326 | Baxoi County | དཔའ་ཤོད་རྫོང་། | Bāsù Xiàn | Baxoi Zong | dpa' shod rdzong | 12,328.81 | 43,538 | Baima Town | 854600 | 4 towns, 10 townships | 4 | 10 | - | | 540327 | Zogang County | མཛོ་སྒང་རྫོང་། | Zuǒgòng Xiàn | Zogang Zong | mdzo sgang rdzong | 11,839.80 | 46,608 | Wangda Town | 854400 | 3 towns, 7 townships | 3 | 7 | - | | 540328 | Markam County | སྨར་ཁམས་རྫོང་། | Mángkāng Xiàn | Markam Zong | smar khams rdzong | 11,576.21 | 79,001 | Gato Town | 854500 | 2 towns, 14 townships | 2 | 14 | 1 | | 540329 | Lhorong County | ལྷོ་རོང་རྫོང་། | Luòlóng Xiàn | Lhorong Zong | lho rong rdzong | 8,060.36 | 53,185 | Zito Town | 855400 | 4 towns, 7 townships | 4 | 7 | - | | 540330 | Banbar County | དཔལ་འབར་རྫོང་། | Biānbà Xiàn | Banbar Zong | dpal 'bar rdzong | 8,775.18 | 42,716 | Caoka Town | 855500 | 2 towns, 9 townships | 2 | 9 | - |

6. Economy

6.1 Overview of Qamdo's Economy

Located in eastern Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Qamdo City is situated in the Hengduan Mountains and the watersheds of the Three Rivers (Jinsha, Lancang, and Nujiang Rivers). Serving as the eastern gateway to Tibet, it boasts a superior geographical location and abundant natural resources. In recent years, with support from national and regional policies, Qamdo's economy has developed steadily, forming a diversified economic structure based on agriculture and animal husbandry, highlighted by tourism, and with potential in clean energy and mineral resource development.

6.2 Economic Structure

Qamdo's economy is primarily based on agriculture and animal husbandry, while actively developing tourism, clean energy, and mineral resource development.

• Agriculture and Animal Husbandry: This is the traditional pillar industry of Qamdo, mainly cultivating crops such as highland barley, wheat, and rapeseed, with animal husbandry focusing on yaks, sheep, and goats. Agricultural and animal husbandry products are a vital source of income for local residents.
• Tourism: Qamdo possesses rich natural and cultural landscapes, such as the Qiangbalin Monastery, Ranwu Lake, and Laigu Glacier, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists. Tourism has become a significant driver of economic growth in Qamdo.
• Clean Energy: Qamdo is rich in hydropower resources, with rivers like the Lancang and Nujiang providing excellent conditions for hydropower development. In recent years, hydropower project construction has become an important engine for driving economic development.
• Mineral Resources: Qamdo harbors abundant mineral resources, such as copper, lead, zinc, and gold, with immense development potential. However, development scale is limited by factors like transportation and ecological protection.

6.3 Infrastructure

Infrastructure construction in Qamdo has been gradually improving with support from the state and the autonomous region:

• Transportation: Qamdo is a key transportation hub in eastern Tibet, traversed by the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (National Highway G318) and the Yunnan-Tibet Highway (National Highway G214). Bangda Airport serves as an important aviation link connecting Qamdo with the outside world.
• Energy: Hydropower is the primary energy source for Qamdo, while solar and wind energy resources are also being progressively developed and utilized.
• Communications: With the coverage of communication networks, communication conditions in Qamdo have gradually improved, although some areas still experience weak signals.

6.4 Economic Development Challenges

• Complex Geographical Environment: Located in the Hengduan Mountains, Qamdo's complex terrain and inconvenient transportation increase logistics costs.
• Ecological Protection Pressure: Qamdo's ecological environment is fragile, requiring economic development to balance with ecological conservation.
• Talent Shortage: Due to harsh conditions, attracting and retaining skilled talent remains a challenge.

6.5 Policy Support

The national government and the government of Tibet Autonomous Region have provided strong support for Qamdo's economic development. Through policies such as paired assistance to Tibet, ecological compensation, and infrastructure construction, they promote the sustainable economic and social development of the region.

6.6 Future Development Directions

• Ecotourism: Develop high-end ecotourism by leveraging unique natural and cultural resources.
• Clean Energy: Develop the clean energy industry by utilizing abundant hydropower, solar, and wind energy resources.
• Specialty Agriculture and Animal Husbandry: Enhance the added value of agricultural and animal husbandry products and develop specialty brands.
• Border Trade: Develop border trade by leveraging geographical advantages bordering Sichuan and Yunnan.

In summary, although Qamdo's economic development faces numerous challenges, it holds considerable potential for future growth, driven by national policy support and its own resource advantages.

7. Transportation

Highways: National Highway 214, National Highway 317, National Highway 318, Provincial Highway 303, and Provincial Highway 302.
Aviation: Qamdo Bangda Airport
Railway: The Sichuan-Tibet Railway, currently under construction, will pass through Qamdo City.

8. Education

8.1 Introduction to Education in Qamdo City

Qamdo City is located in the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and is one of the important cities in Tibet. In recent years, with strong support from the national and regional governments, the education sector in Qamdo has made significant progress. The education system has been gradually improved, and the quality of education has steadily increased, providing crucial talent support for local economic and social development.

8.2 Education System

The education system in Qamdo includes preschool education, compulsory education, high school education, and vocational education, basically covering the educational needs from early childhood to adulthood.

• Preschool Education: In recent years, Qamdo has vigorously promoted the popularization of preschool education, establishing multiple kindergartens, especially in county towns and township areas, gradually increasing the coverage of preschool education.
• Compulsory Education: Qamdo has fully implemented nine-year compulsory education, covering primary and junior high school stages. The government ensures students' access to education through the "Three Guarantees" policy (guaranteeing meals, accommodation, and learning expenses).
• High School Education: High school education is mainly concentrated in urban areas and some county towns, where students can choose between general high schools or vocational high schools.
• Vocational Education: To meet the needs of regional economic development, Qamdo has established vocational schools and skill training centers, focusing on cultivating skilled talents in agriculture, animal husbandry, tourism services, handicrafts, and other fields.

8.3 Educational Infrastructure

• School Construction: In recent years, the hardware facilities of schools in Qamdo have been significantly improved, with a number of schools newly built, renovated, or expanded, equipped with modern teaching facilities.
• Distance Education: Due to the vast territory and sparse population, Qamdo actively promotes distance education, utilizing the internet and satellite technology to provide high-quality educational resources for students in remote areas.

8.4 Teaching Staff

• Teacher Team Building: Qamdo has gradually improved the overall quality of its teaching staff by recruiting teachers from inland regions and strengthening the training of local teachers.
• Counterpart Support: Through educational aid projects for Tibet, the state and inland provinces and cities dispatch excellent teachers to Qamdo to support teaching and help improve the local education level.

8.5 Educational Policy Support

• "Three Guarantees" Policy: Qamdo fully implements the Tibet Autonomous Region's "Three Guarantees" policy, providing free meals, accommodation, and learning supplies for students in the compulsory education stage, alleviating the financial burden on families.
• Education Subsidies: The government provides living subsidies and scholarships for high school and university students, encouraging them to pursue further education.
• Bilingual Education: Qamdo implements Tibetan-Chinese bilingual education, which not only protects Tibetan culture but also improves students' Chinese proficiency, creating more opportunities for their future development.

8.6 Challenges in Educational Development

• Geographical Constraints: Qamdo has a vast territory with a sparse population, schools are scattered, and students often face long distances and inconvenient transportation to attend school.
• Harsh Climate Conditions: The high altitude, low oxygen levels, and cold climate pose certain challenges to students' physical health and learning conditions.
• Teacher Shortage: Due to the harsh conditions, attracting and retaining excellent teachers remains a challenge.
• Cultural Differences: In some remote areas, parents' insufficient emphasis on modern education affects students' enrollment rates and learning motivation.

8.7 Future Development Directions

• Improving Education Quality: Enhance the quality of education by strengthening teacher training, optimizing curriculum design, and introducing high-quality educational resources.
• Developing Vocational Education: Focus on developing vocational education in fields such as agriculture, animal husbandry, tourism, and handicrafts, in line with regional economic development needs, to cultivate practical talents.
• Promoting Educational Informatization: Utilize internet and distance education technologies to address the shortage of educational resources in remote areas.
• Strengthening Cultural Heritage: While promoting modern education, emphasize the inheritance and protection of Tibetan culture and advance the in-depth development of bilingual education.

In summary, the education sector in Qamdo has made significant progress with the support of the national and local governments. However, it still needs to overcome the limitations posed by the natural environment and economic conditions, further promote educational equity and quality improvement, and provide talent support for regional economic and social development.

9. Population

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 760,966. Compared with the 657,505 people from the Sixth National Population Census, the total increase over the past ten years was 103,461 people, a growth of 15.74%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.47%. Among them, the male population was 394,266, accounting for 51.81% of the total population; the female population was 366,700, accounting for 48.19% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 107.52. The population aged 0–14 was 219,649, accounting for 28.86% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 476,519, accounting for 62.62% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 64,798, accounting for 8.52% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 46,123, accounting for 6.06% of the total population. The urban population was 133,017, accounting for 17.48% of the total population; the rural population was 627,949, accounting for 82.52% of the total population.

9.1. Ethnic Groups

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han population was 46,559, accounting for 6.12%; the Tibetan population was 709,467, accounting for 93.23%; and the population of other ethnic minorities was 4,940, accounting for 0.65%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han population increased by 20,734 people, a growth of 80.29%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 2.19 percentage points; the population of all ethnic minorities increased by 82,727 people, a growth of 13.1%, and their proportion of the total population decreased by 2.19 percentage points. Among them, the Tibetan population increased by 81,816 people, a growth of 13.04%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 2.23 percentage points.

Ethnic Composition of Qamdo City (November 2010) | Ethnic Group | Tibetan | Han | Kazakh | Naxi | Hui | Bai | Manchu | Yi | Tu | Tujia | Other Ethnic Groups | |------------|--------|-------|----------|--------|------|------|------|------|------|--------|----------| | Population | 627651 | 25825 | 1443 | 1062 | 576 | 215 | 210 | 77 | 71 | 69 | 306 | | Percentage of Total Population (%) | 95.46 | 3.93 | 0.22 | 0.16 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.05 | | Percentage of Ethnic Minority Population (%) | 99.36 | --- | 0.23 | 0.17 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.05 |

10. Religion

10.1 Overview

The Qamdo region, located in the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is an area where multiple religions coexist. The main religions include Tibetan Buddhism, Bon, as well as small numbers of Islam and Catholicism.

10.2 Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism is the predominant religion in the Qamdo region, with a large number of followers. There are many famous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Qamdo region, such as:

• Qiangbalin Monastery: The largest Gelug school monastery in the Qamdo region.
• Riwoche Monastery: With a long history, it belongs to the Kagyu school.
• Zhiduo Monastery: One of the important monasteries of the Bon religion.

10.3 Bon

Bon is the indigenous primitive religion of Tibet and also holds a certain influence in the Qamdo region. Bon monasteries and practice sites are scattered throughout various corners of Qamdo, with Zhiduo Monastery being one of the important centers of Bon.

Other Religions

• Islam: There is a small number of Muslims in the Qamdo region, mainly distributed in urban areas.
• Catholicism: There are also a small number of Catholic believers in the Qamdo region, primarily concentrated in some remote villages.

10.4 Religious Activities

Religious activities in the Qamdo region are rich and diverse, with various religious festivals and ceremonies held annually, such as:

• Monlam Prayer Festival: An important ceremony in Tibetan Buddhism, where believers gather at monasteries for chanting and blessings.
• Bon Ceremonies: Bon followers hold ceremonies on specific days to conduct rituals and blessing activities.

11. Culture

11.1 Overview

Located in the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Qamdo City is an area with a long history and diverse culture. Qamdo's culture integrates elements from Tibetan Buddhism, Bon religion, as well as Han, Naxi, Yi, and other ethnic groups, forming a unique cultural landscape.

11.2 Religious Culture

Qamdo City is one of the important centers of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion, with religious culture deeply influencing the lives of local residents.

• Tibetan Buddhism: The Qamdo region is home to many famous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, such as Chamdo Monastery and Riwoqê Monastery. Various religious festivals and ceremonies are held here annually.
• Bon Religion: As the indigenous religion of Tibet, Bon religion also holds significant influence in the Qamdo region. Dzogchen Monastery is one of the important Bon temples.

11.3 Traditional Festivals

The traditional festivals in Qamdo City are rich and colorful, reflecting the local cultural and religious characteristics.

• Tibetan New Year: The most important traditional festival in the Qamdo region, featuring various celebratory activities such as Guozhuang dancing and Tibetan opera performances.
• Saga Dawa Festival: An important festival in Tibetan Buddhism, during which believers engage in activities like circumambulation and releasing lives.
• Bon Festivals: Followers of Bon religion hold ceremonies and sacrificial rituals on specific days.

11.4 Folk Arts

The folk arts in Qamdo City are diverse and possess strong local characteristics.

• Tibetan Opera: Tibetan opera performances in the Qamdo region are unique and are often staged during festivals and celebrations.
• Guozhuang Dance: A traditional Tibetan dance, frequently performed during festivals and gatherings, characterized by a strong rhythm and lively atmosphere.
• Thangka Painting: Thangka painting in the Qamdo region showcases exquisite craftsmanship and is an important component of Tibetan Buddhist art.

11.5 Culinary Culture

The culinary culture of Qamdo City is deeply influenced by Tibetan traditions while also incorporating flavors from other ethnic groups.

• Tsampa: A staple food of the Tibetan people, made from roasted barley flour, often consumed with butter tea.
• Butter Tea: An indispensable beverage in Tibetan daily life, known for its ability to ward off cold and replenish energy.
• Air-Dried Meat: A specialty food in the Qamdo region, typically made from beef or mutton, with a distinctive flavor.

11.6 Architectural Culture

The architectural culture of Qamdo City reflects traditional Tibetan styles and religious characteristics.

• Monastery Architecture: The monasteries in the Qamdo region, such as Chamdo Monastery and Riwoqê Monastery, are grand and magnificent, showcasing typical Tibetan Buddhist architectural styles.
• Residential Architecture: Most residential buildings in the Qamdo region are constructed with stone and wood, featuring flat roofs and exteriors often painted with religious motifs and auspicious symbols.

11.7 Cultural Heritage

Qamdo City places great emphasis on the preservation and inheritance of culture, promoting traditional culture through various means.

• Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Qamdo region has many intangible cultural heritage projects, such as Tibetan opera and Thangka painting, which are effectively protected and passed down.
• Cultural Education: Local schools and communities actively carry out traditional cultural education to foster the younger generation's recognition and love for traditional culture.

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Tibetan meaning "confluence of waters"

Karuo District

Karuo District

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