Introduction to Gyaca County
Gyaca, known in Tibetan as “Rgya-tsha” meaning “Chinese Salt,” is a culturally rich county in Southeast Tibet. It owes its name to a legend involving Princess Wencheng, who, during her journey through the area, placed a piece of salt in a cave, leading to the emergence of saltwater. The county, with its postal code 856400 and area code 0893, is strategically located along the middle reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It shares borders with Lang County to the east, Longzi County to the south, Sangri and Qusong counties to the west, and Gongbo’gyamda County to the north.
Geographical Coordinates and Historical Significance
Gyaca lies between latitudes 28.8°N and 29.8°N, and longitudes 92.3°E and 93.1°E. Historically known as “Xi Ca” and “Jia Ca,” the area played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Gelug sect of Buddhism, which, from the 17th century, became integral to Tibet’s theocratic governance. Before the Democratic Reforms in 1959, Gyaca and Ra-sveys were two administrative regions managed by officials appointed by the Tibetan government. The county, which spans 102.2 km north to south and 88.2 km east to west, covers an area of 4,646 square kilometers.
Demographics and Administration
As of 2019, Gyaca County had a registered population of 22,977 people, administered from the county seat in Anrao Town. The county’s jurisdiction extends over 2 towns, 5 townships, and 89 villages. In a significant milestone, Gyaca was declared free from poverty in October 2018.
World Record Achievement
On December 15, 2023, Gyaca County gained international recognition when the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) officially declared it as home to “The World’s Largest Thousand-Year-Old Walnut Forest.” This accolade not only highlights the county’s rich natural heritage but also underscores its importance in global ecological conservation.
Gyaca County, with its deep-rooted history, diverse cultural tapestry, and environmental significance, continues to be a fascinating destination in Tibet, offering insights into the region’s past and present.
Topography and Climate of Gyaca County
Geographical Landscape
Gyaca County, located in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in southern Tibet, boasts a rugged terrain adorned with snow-capped peaks and crisscrossing rivers. The landscape slopes from west to east with an average altitude of 4,000 meters. The river valley areas vary between 3,100 to 3,500 meters in altitude, with Anrao Town, the county seat, sitting at 3,240 meters. The region’s topography has been shaped by intense uplifts and river erosion since the Tertiary period, featuring over 180 mountains exceeding 5,000 meters in elevation.
Climate
The county experiences a temperate, semi-arid plateau monsoon climate. It enjoys abundant sunlight with an average of 2,750 hours of sunshine per year. However, the frost-free period is relatively short, lasting about 149 days. Rainfall is concentrated between May and September, with an annual precipitation of 637 millimeters. Winters and springs are dry and windy. The average annual temperature is 8.8°C, with extreme highs of up to 30.7°C and lows dropping to -15.1°C. Natural disasters such as droughts, frosts, hailstorms, floods, and insect infestations are common.
Specialty Products of Gyaca County
Agriculture and Livestock
Gyaca is a mixed agricultural and pastoral county, with 24,000 acres of cultivated land producing crops like highland barley, wheat, and peas. Its vast grasslands, covering 810,000 acres, support the rearing of yaks, bisons, cattle, sheep, and goats. The county also boasts rich forest resources with a coverage rate of 30.4% and a timber reserve of 1.35 million cubic meters.
Local Delicacies and Handicrafts
Gyaca is renowned for its stone pots, wooden bowls, apples, and medicinal herbs like cordyceps, fritillaria, and musk. The Gyaca walnuts are particularly notable for their high oil content, with an extraction rate exceeding 65%.
Gyaca Blueberries The Gyaca Gama Jitang Blueberry Base produces blueberries that resemble dazzling sapphires, making them irresistible to visitors.
Tips on Local Handicrafts
Gyaca Wooden Bowls (Rgya-tsha-phor-pa): Recognized as part of Tibet’s third batch of intangible cultural heritage, these wooden bowls are a staple in Tibetan culture, often used for drinking tea or scooping barley flour. Traditionally carved from birch or various knotted woods, these bowls are sturdy, intricately patterned, and resistant to cracking. Gyaca’s expertise in crafting these bowls dates back centuries, making them a well-known local product. These durable, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing bowls have become a source of income for the locals, with a market extending to Zedang, Lhasa, Linzhi, and beyond. Additionally, “Gyaca Tibetan Paper Making Skills” and “Zheba Zhuo Dance” are also listed as intangible cultural heritages in the region.
Gyaca County, with its diverse topography, unique climate, and rich cultural heritage, continues to captivate with its array of natural and handcrafted wonders.
Tourism and Transportation in Gyaca County
Main Transportation Routes (As of 2014)
The Lin-Qiong Highway serves as the primary arterial road in Gyaca County. The county also boasts a network of township and village roads, along with the Gyaca Suspension Bridge, totaling a transportation mileage of 230 kilometers. The Lhasa-Xigaze Railway passes through the area. The National Defense Highway, running east-west, traverses the county. Heading west on this highway, Gyaca is 160 kilometers from Zedang, the seat of Shannan’s municipal government, and 350 kilometers from Lhasa, the capital of the Autonomous Region. To the east, the town connects with the Sichuan-Tibet Highway at Bayi Town.
Travel Tips
- Transportation Options: The distance from Zedang to Gyaca is 144 kilometers. There are regular buses to Gyaca, and tourists can also opt for self-driving or chartered vehicles for more flexibility.
- Dining and Accommodation: Gyaca’s county town offers a variety of dining options, including Sichuanese and Tibetan restaurants. Visitors have a good selection of guesthouses, hotels, and hostels for accommodation.
- Annual Event: Each June, Gyaca County hosts the “Sacred Lake Tourism and Cordyceps Festival,” a vibrant 7-day event that attracts numerous businesses and visitors, adding to the lively atmosphere of the county.
Gyaca County’s transportation infrastructure facilitates convenient access for tourists, making it an attractive destination for those looking to explore Tibet’s unique landscapes, cultural heritage, and local festivals.
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