Natural Resources of Lhasa
( 2005-10-14 )

Today,Lhasaof Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region exercises jurisdiction over seven counties (Damshung, Tolun Dechen, Chushur, Medro Gongkar, Taktse, Nyemo, and Lhundup) and one district (City Propers).

Damxung and parts of Nyemo, Doilungdeqen, Lhunzhub, and Maizhokunggar, which are north of Lhasa, form the southern rim of the North Tibet Grasslands. These grasslands feature thriving livestock breeding, and produce quality beef, mutton, butter, and cow and sheep wool.

The Lhasa River Valley, in the middle part of the Lhasa area, belongs to the middle reaches of theYarlung Zangbo Riverand is home to one of the granaries in Tibet. It produces qingke highland barley, wheat, rapeseed, and beans. Lhasa No.1 soya beans are well known in and outside of China for their quality.

The Lhasa area is also rich in mineral and water resources, and is home to various wild life and plants. Several counties are richly endowed with peat (decomposed and carbonized vegetable matter) and geothermal resources, with dozens of geothermal sites that can be developed for economic and medical purposes. The Qusang Hot Spring in Doilungdeqen and the Dezhong Hot Spring in Maizhokunggar are famous throughout Tibet. Other mineral resources with impressive proven reserves include iron, copper, and limestone.