Xietongmen County, also known as Shetong Mön, lies in the south-central part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, stretching along the northern bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Rich in history, geography, and natural resources, this lesser-known Tibetan county offers a fascinating glimpse into Tibet’s plateau life, traditional culture, and ecological diversity.
The name Xietongmen (བཞད་མཐོང་སྨོན་རྫོང་།)comes from Tibetan and means “happy at sight,” a fitting description for a land of vast plateaus, fertile valleys, and deep historical roots.
Location and Administrative Overview
Xietongmen County (谢通门县) borders Nanmulin County to the east, Lhatse County, Sakya County, and Shigatse City to the south, Angren County to the west, and Nyima and Shenza counties of Nagqu to the north. Today, it falls under the jurisdiction of Shigatse Prefecture, a status it has held since June 1959.
Covering a vast area of 14,063 square kilometers, Xietongmen County administers 18 townships with a population of nearly 50,000 people. The county government is located in Kaga Town, which also serves as a cultural and economic hub of the region.
Historical Background of Xietongmen
Xietongmen has a long and layered history dating back to the Tubo period. During the era of Tsenpo, it was the residence of the Mushin family, one of the six important families descended from this religious lineage.
By the 14th century, the area came under the jurisdiction of Samdrup Tse Dzong, reflecting its growing administrative importance. In the mid-18th century, the Kashag government established official stations here, allowing residents and travelers to live, pass through, and conduct administrative affairs. These historical transitions shaped Xietongmen into a key regional center in central Tibet.
Geographical Features and Landscape
Geographically, Xietongmen County sits in the central valley region of Tibet, with the Gangdishan Mountains stretching east to west. The land is lower toward the north and south, creating a varied and dramatic landscape.
The county is broadly divided into three natural zones:
- Northern Plateau:
Accounting for nearly two-thirds of the county’s area, this region has an average elevation exceeding 5,000 meters, characterized by vast grasslands and cold, dry conditions. - Southern Valley:
A relatively flat area with varying widths, the southern valley lies at an average elevation of around 4,100 meters and serves as the county’s main agricultural zone. - Western Plateau and Valleys:
This area features high mountains and deep river valleys, with an average altitude of about 4,500 meters, offering striking natural scenery and rich mineral deposits.
Climate and Natural Conditions
Xietongmen County belongs to the plateau temperate semi-arid monsoon climate zone. The climate varies significantly across regions, with the north being colder and drier, while the south and west are relatively humid.
The county enjoys long sunshine hours, ranging from 2,980 to 3,120 hours annually, and experiences large temperature differences between day and night. Average annual precipitation is about 400 millimeters, while the annual mean temperature is around 4°C.
Common natural challenges include drought, frost, hail, and snowfall, which strongly influence agricultural and pastoral activities.
Economic Structure and Industrial Development of Xietongmen County
The economic model of Xietongmen County has evolved in harmony with its landscape, forming a development pattern based on agriculture and animal husbandry, highlighted by traditional handicrafts, while balancing ecological protection and industrial upgrading.
The southern river valley agricultural zone focuses on planting highland barley, rapeseed, and potatoes, benefiting from fertile soil and reliable water sources. This area serves as the county’s core grain-producing region.
The northern plateau pastoral zone centers on yak and Tibetan sheep breeding, relying on vast natural grasslands to promote ecological animal husbandry. Livestock products not only meet local needs but are increasingly entering regional markets.
Traditional handicrafts stand out as a defining feature of Xietongmen’s economy. These industries create employment, preserve cultural heritage, and act as important channels for cultural exchange. In recent years, tourism driven by geothermal and lake resources has steadily grown, complementing agriculture, animal husbandry, and handicrafts to form a diversified industrial system.
Agriculture and Pastoral Life
Xietongmen is a semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral county, reflecting the traditional Tibetan way of life.
- Cultivated Land:
The county has about 66,000 mu of farmland, where farmers mainly grow highland barley, wheat, buckwheat, rapeseed, and other plateau-adapted crops. - Grasslands and Livestock:
Grassland covers nearly 10 million mu, supporting large numbers of yaks, yellow cattle, sheep, and goats. Animal husbandry remains a vital pillar of the local economy and daily life.
Mineral Resources: A “Treasure Land” of Tibet
Xietongmen County is often referred to as a “mineral source treasure place” due to its abundant underground resources. Known mineral deposits include gold, copper, iron, lead, zinc, limestone, and granite. These resources give the county significant long-term economic potential while highlighting the geological richness of central Tibet.
Wildlife and Ecological Diversity
The county’s vast plateaus and valleys provide habitats for a wide range of plateau wildlife. Notable species found in Xietongmen include:
- Tibetan wild donkeys
- Gazelles and antelopes
- Snow pigs, lynxes, leopards, and bears
- Bobcats and snow chickens
- Yellow ducks, swans, and black-necked cranes
This rich biodiversity reflects the relatively intact ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau.
Traditional Handicrafts and Local Products
Xietongmen County is well known for its traditional Tibetan handicrafts, many of which are still produced using age-old techniques. Popular local products include:
- Leather goods
- Tibetan cushions
- Pulu (traditional Tibetan woolen fabric)
- Pottery
- Kaga Tibetan Dao
Among these, ancient cattle pottery is widely sold in Lhasa, Shigatse, and surrounding areas. The Kaga Tibetan Dao, crafted in Kaga Town, is especially famous and enjoys a strong reputation both within China and internationally.
Precious Tibetan Medicinal Resources
The mountains and grasslands of Xietongmen are also rich in valuable Tibetan medicinal materials. Locally sourced herbs and medicines include musk, cordyceps, fritillaria, and rhubarb, all highly prized in traditional Tibetan medicine and widely used for their healing properties.
Tongmen Leather Goods
Known as the “Hometown of Leather Craftsmanship,” Xietongmen County—particularly Kaga Village—has a long tradition of leatherworking. Local artisans specialize in crafting a wide range of leather items using yak hide and plateau sheep skin, prized for their strength and flexibility.
Traditional dyeing techniques are used, and stitching is done entirely by hand with leather thread, resulting in products that are both durable and visually refined. Common items include traditional ornaments, coin pouches, and daily-use accessories, all valued for their practicality and artistic appeal. These leather goods are highly popular among visitors from across Tibet and beyond.
Tongmen Tibetan Knives
The Kaga Langma Tibetan knife is the most representative local style. The blade is slender with rounded pointed ends and is hand-forged from spring steel, achieving a balance of hardness and flexibility with a mirror-like finish.
Compared with Tibetan knives from other regions, Tongmen knives emphasize practical use, while the engraved decoration on the sheath and handle remains elegant and restrained. Today, traditional craftsmanship has merged with modern techniques, expanding product specifications from three to twelve varieties, including gold-plated silver knives, pure silver knives, and copper knives. These knives serve practical, decorative, and commemorative purposes.
Tongmen Pottery
The pottery tradition of Niugu Valley is the most famous in Xietongmen County and was listed as a Tibet Autonomous Region–level intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The pottery is mainly off-white or ash-colored, crafted with carefully selected clay and refined techniques.
Products are divided into daily-use pottery, religious pottery, and architectural pottery. The entire process—soil collection, clay mixing, shaping, glazing, and firing—is completed by hand. Dried yak dung is commonly used as fuel during firing.
The clay contains beneficial trace elements, and food cooked in these vessels is believed to have a richer, more natural flavor, reflecting the harmony between craftsmanship and nature.
Transportation and Accessibility in Xietongmen County
Transportation in Xietongmen County is primarily road-based, with steadily improving infrastructure linking the county to Shigatse City. Kaga Town, the county seat, functions as the main transportation hub for logistics and passenger travel.
The distance from Kaga Town to Samdrub Tse District of Shigatse is only 83 kilometers, with regular bus services ensuring convenient daily travel.
Within the county, rural roads connect major administrative villages, pastoral areas, agricultural valleys, and handicraft centers. These roads support the transport of agricultural and livestock products and improve daily mobility. Recent upgrades to tourism-related routes have further strengthened the foundation for cultural and eco-tourism development.
Tourism Resources and Experiences in Xietongmen County
Monasteries and Key Attractions
Ngolchu Monastery is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist sites in Xietongmen County. Located 7 kilometers south of the county town, it sits atop Ngolchu Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
The monastery has produced renowned figures such as Dharma Bata and Yangchen Drupei Dorje, both of whom made lasting contributions to Tibetan grammar reform. Their works, including Songda and Extensive Commentary on Grammar, remain essential textbooks in Tibetan language studies.
The monastery complex includes Lhakhang, the Main Hall, the Kangyur Hall, and Gawa Palace, surrounded by four large stupas, more than ten smaller stupas, natural meditation caves, and carved mani stones, creating a solemn and tranquil spiritual atmosphere.
Folk Songs and Dances of Xietongmen County
Xietongmen County boasts a rich variety of folk songs and dances, blending the bold spirit of the plateau with the gentle rhythm of Tibetan culture. Major forms include Gorshey, Dro Dance , Sheymang, Sheychen, and Tangshey, along with traditional Tibetan opera.
Gorshey is a popular group dance performed during festivals and gatherings, featuring lively rhythms and circular formations. Dro Dance is powerful and energetic, often accompanied by traditional instruments and performed in structured formations.
Other forms such as Sheymang, Sheychen, and Tangshey emphasize lyrical expression or ritual elements, with lyrics inspired by nature, daily life, and spiritual beliefs. These dances frequently appear during events like the August Horse Racing Festival, serving as vital carriers of cultural memory and community identity.