Gaize: Red Heritage and Ecological Treasure
Geze County is located in the eastern part of Ngari Prefecture, Tibet, in the heart of the Northern Tibetan Plateau. Geze County boasts a prominent geographical location. As the eastern gateway to Ngari Prefecture, it borders Shuanghu and Nima Counties in Nagqu City to the east, Zhongba County in Shigatse City to the south, and Minfeng County in Xinjiang, separated by the Kunlun Mountains, to the north. Geze's overall landscape exhibits distinct plateau characteristics, characterized by high elevations. Home to Mount Qiongmuztag and the Xiagangjiang Snow Mountain, Geze boasts 21 peaks exceeding 6,000 meters, providing a vital source of water resources. The terrain is flat and gently undulating, with surface water reserves ranging from glaciers, lakes, rivers, and springs totaling 2.28 billion cubic meters. The Qiangtang Nature Reserve in the north is home to rare species year-round, including snow leopards, lynx, wild yaks, black-necked cranes, Tibetan wild asses, and Tibetan antelopes. It is renowned as a wildlife paradise and a model for biodiversity conservation at high altitudes. Lakes dot the territory of Geze County, like dazzling pearls inlaid on the plateau. Birds circle the shores of the beautiful Dong Co Lake, and cattle and sheep swarm along its banks. Wuma Co Lake in Wuma Township, beneath a blue sky and white clouds, displays a vibrant hue of deep green, azure, light blue, and milky white.
Mami Lake, located in Mami Township, Geze County, approximately 90 kilometers from the county seat, is a large salt lake northeast of the Gangdise Mountains. Legend has it that Mami Lake is the right eye of Lake Manasarovar, and its waters change color depending on the weather. Geze County boasts a rich history and culture, primarily composed of three major tribes: Senguo, Bangba, and Geze. For thousands of years, the Tibetan people who have inhabited this area have forged a unique culture and customs—from passionate and unrestrained folk songs and dances to intricate folk tales and distinctive ethnic costumes. Gaize County boasts rich and diverse cultural resources, encompassing tribal culture, revolutionary traditions, clothing, song and dance, and folk customs, all intertwined and rich in rich heritage. Cultural attractions such as the ruins of the Advance Company to Tibet, the Advance Company Memorial Hall, Mami Temple, Zhajiang Temple, and Senguo Culture are all closely linked to the production practices and life wisdom of the working people of Gaize, vividly bearing witness to and recording the historical changes and the continuation of life on this land. The Gaize County Wild Blood Yak Breeding Farm is located in the heart of the Qiangtang River, rich in wild yak resources. In this natural environment, wild blood yaks, bred from crossbreeding domesticated and wild yaks, are naturally endowed with superior genes, their dark fur concealing greater vitality.
In 2024, the Gaize County wild blood yak industry successfully applied for dual certification as a "National Famous, Special, and New Agricultural Product" and an "Ecological Origin Protection Product," marking recognition of the product's quality and ecological value. The product has been designated a "Brand of the Local Standard of the Tibet Autonomous Region" by the Tibet Autonomous Region. Gegye County is located on the main roads of National Highway 216 and National Highway 317. It is a must-pass place for those traveling along the Ali North Line, the Ali Grand Loop Line, and the Tenth Line to Tibet (Gege-Minfeng).