Shiquanhe, a burgeoning town in the western part of Tibet, sits along the upper reaches of the Indus River, from which it derives its name. Originally a desolate stretch of red willow marshland, the town began to take shape with the opening of the Xinjiang-Tibet highway in 1964. Today, it serves as the administrative center for both the Ali (Ngari) region and Gar County, emerging as a political, economic, cultural, and transport hub in western Tibet.
A Snapshot of Shiquanhe
Positioned in northern Gar County, Shiquanhe is bordered by Ge’gyai County to the east, Purang and Zanda counties to the south, Indian-controlled Kashmir to the south, and Rutog County to the north. Covering an area of 1,042 square kilometers and home to over 24,000 residents as of November 2020, Shiquanhe stands as China’s highest town at an elevation of 4,300 meters.
Climate and Honors
The town experiences a cold desert climate, characterized by strong solar radiation, long sunlight hours, and minimal precipitation (averaging 73mm annually). In December 2021, it was honored as a “National Model Unit for Ethnic Unity and Progress.”
Development and Services
Since its official establishment as a town in 1999, Shiquanhe has seen steady expansion, now boasting facilities for administration, education, post and telecommunications, electricity, lighting, and water supply. The town’s layout features a central lion statue with four roads extending in different directions: a commercial street to the south, government and military areas to the east and west, and a road leading to Rutog and Xinjiang to the north. Shops and restaurants line the streets, while a market for Tibetan handicrafts offers products from the descendants of the ancient Guge Kingdom.
Travel Tips for Shiquanhe Visitors
- Transportation: Taxis are readily available at a flat rate of 5 RMB within town limits, increasing to 10 RMB after 9 p.m., with negotiable rates for longer distances. Minibuses charge 2 RMB per ride, but exploring on foot is highly recommended due to the town’s compact size.
- Market Shopping: The Shiquanhe Comprehensive Market and the South Bank Trade Market are must-visits for a wide range of goods, including fresh fruits from Xinjiang during the summer and valuable medicinal herbs like saffron.
- Communication and Banking: The town boasts modern communication facilities and national banking services, ensuring convenience for both residents and visitors.
- Cultural and Natural Attractions: The Re La Hong Fort, about 25 kilometers from town, offers a glimpse into the historical and cultural depth of the region, amidst stunning natural scenery. Efforts to combat desertification have led to significant greening projects around Shiquanhe, improving the local environment.
Shiquanhe’s strategic location and historical significance, combined with its rapid development and rich cultural heritage, make it a unique and vibrant destination on the Tibetan Plateau. Whether drawn by its natural beauty or its role as a center of Tibetan life, visitors to Shiquanhe will find a town brimming with vitality and charm.
