Riwu Border Trade Market is one of the most important traditional land ports in southern Tibet. Located in Riwu Town, just south of the administrative center of Dinggyê County, the market sits at the northern foothills of the Himalayas. Thanks to its strategic position, Riwu has long served as a vital link for cross-border trade between China and Nepal.
To the southwest, Riwu corresponds with Hattia Market in Nepal, while to the southeast it lies close to Sikkim, making it a natural hub for regional trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people contact along the Himalayan borderlands.
Historical Background of Riwu Border Trade Market
The history of Riwu Border Trade Market reflects the long-standing trade relations between Tibet and Nepal. For centuries, local traders, herders, and merchants used this route to exchange daily necessities, livestock, salt, tea, and medicinal herbs.
In 1972, Riwu was officially approved by the State Council as a second-class national land port. At that time, the market was modest in scale, consisting of only 35 storefronts and more than 30 tents. Due to the lack of proper road access between Riwu and the border area of Chentang, trade activities remained limited and largely informal.
The situation improved significantly after 1986, when the port was formally opened. A major breakthrough came in 2002, when the government invested in building a dedicated road connecting Riwu and Chentang, greatly enhancing transportation and laying a solid foundation for the expansion of border trade.
Nepal-China Border Crossings: Riwu and Chentang (Kimathanka)
| Nepal District | Tibet (China) Location | Nepal Border Point | China Border Point | Current Status & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taplejung | Dinggyê County (Tingche / Dinjie / Tingkye), Shigatse Prefecture | Tiptala Bhanjyang | Riwu | The Tiptala-Riwu border reopened on May 24, 2024, with vehicular trade beginning in January 2025. Previously, Riwu operated only twice a year for limited local exchange due to poor access and infrastructure. |
| Sankhuwasabha | Dinggyê County, Shigatse Prefecture | Kimathanka | Chentang | The Kimathanka-Chentang crossing is open only for local trade. A road link via Kimathanka toward Tibet is under development but not fully operational, so goods are still often transported manually or by livestock. |
Key Points
- Riwu (Tiptala-Riwu Border)
This crossing, once operating only seasonally, has now been formally reopened and upgraded for trade. The start of vehicular movement marks a significant improvement in connectivity along the eastern Nepal-Tibet frontier. - Chentang (Kimathanka Border)
Although officially open, trade remains limited due to incomplete road infrastructure. Transport of goods still relies heavily on human porters and pack animals, reflecting the region’s challenging terrain.
Natural Resources and Key Trade Products
Medicinal Herbs from the Himalayas
The region surrounding Riwu is rich in wild medicinal herbs, many of which are highly valued in traditional medicine. Key resources include:
- Fritillaria
- Coptis
- Snow Lotus
Among these, Fritillaria is especially notable, with an annual output of around 5,000 catties, offering strong potential for sustainable economic development.
Timber and Forest Resources
Chentang, located near Riwu, is covered by extensive virgin forests with abundant timber resources. Each year, local residents engage in regulated timber trade with border communities in Nepal, making wood products another important component of Riwu’s cross-border economy.
Market Renovation and Infrastructure Development
To further support border trade, the government invested over 2 million RMB in 2004 to renovate the Riwu Border Trade Market. The project included:
- Expanding the market area to 1,126.81 square meters
- Repairing and upgrading existing storefronts
- Improving basic infrastructure for merchants and visitors
These improvements significantly enhanced trading conditions and strengthened Riwu’s role as a regional commercial center.
Trading Season and Peak Activity Periods
The trading season at Riwu Border Trade Market generally runs from May to October, when weather conditions are most suitable for travel and transport in the high Himalayas.
- Peak season: July to September
- Average merchants: Over 4,000 domestic and foreign traders
- Festival peak: More than 7,000 visitors during the Sherpa Folk Art Festival
During these months, the market becomes a vibrant gathering place filled with traders, livestock caravans, and cultural activities.
Variety of Goods Traded at Riwu Market
Riwu Border Trade Market handles an impressive range of commodities, with over 90 types of goods traded regularly. Common products include:
- Wool and animal hides
- Salt and brick tea
- Rice, flour, barley, and corn
- Butter and dairy products
- Carpets and ethnic handicrafts
- Yaks, horses, and sheep
- Timber and building materials
- Daily necessities
The total annual transaction value exceeds 1.5 million RMB, highlighting the market’s economic importance to local communities on both sides of the border.
Riwu Border Trade Fair and Cultural Exchange
A major milestone in Riwu’s development was the first Border Trade Fair, held on August 10, 2010, and lasting for one week. The event attracted over 200 Chinese and Nepalese clients and featured:
- Local agricultural specialties
- Traditional ethnic handicrafts
- Nepalese daily-use products
The fair strengthened economic cooperation while also promoting cultural exchange between Tibetan, Sherpa, and Nepali communities.
Travel Tips for Visiting Riwu Border Trade Market
- Distance from Dinggyê County: Approximately 7.6 kilometers
- Distance from Shigatse: About 303 kilometers
Visitors can hire a car or drive themselves, enjoying dramatic Himalayan scenery, alpine valleys, and remote villages along the way. The journey itself offers a unique glimpse into life along Tibet’s southern border.
Riwu Border Trade Market is not only a center of commerce but also a living testament to centuries of Himalayan trade, cultural interaction, and regional connectivity.