(TibetanReview.net, Apr04, 2015) – Nyingtri (Chinese: Nyingchi) is set to become the fourth prefecture-level city in Chinese ruled Tibet Autonomous Region after capital Lhasa, Shigatse (Xigaze) and Chamdo (Qamdo). The Nyingtri prefecture authorities announced that China’s State Council, or cabinet, had approved its application for this change of administrative status, reported the official Xinhua news agency Apr 3.
The report cited the State Council as saying no new government buildings will be built and no extra personnel will be added on the government payroll after the inauguration of the new city. However, as part of the status upgrade, a city committee of the Communist Party of China, people’s congress standing committee, government and political advisory body will be established.
Being upgraded to a city means more independent decision making power and less dependence on the TAR authorities at Lhasa.
The relatively low altitude Nyingri is a top tourist destination in the region with spectacular Yarlung Tsangpo River views and has a very high concentration of Chinese immigrant settlers. A Railway line from the Lhasa-Shigatse line to Nyingtri is already under construction.