Songpan Ancient Town

Songpan Ancient Town is the closest big town to Huanglong National Park and the Jiu Huang Airport which services both Huanglong and Jiuzhai Valley National parks.

The ancient city of Songpan was built during Tang Dynsaty (618 – 907 A.D.) and it was later rebuilt during Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Songpan was an important military post and economic and trading center for horse and tea exchange between Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet. In 1935, led by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, the retreating Chinese Communist Army marched through the plateau of Songpan to advance to the north western province.

As well the history and scenery of Songpan, the cultural diversity is one of the most fascinating in China. because of its location, four ethnic groups are resident in Songpan including Tibetan, Qiang, Hui(Muslim) and Han (Mandarin). This contributes to the unique cultural style of this ancient town, Kangba Culture, a kind of multicultural medley of the four different cultural elements in this ancient historical town makes it a rare if not unique example of cultural history in China.

♦ Shopping Tips
Walking along the bustling ancient streets in the town, some exquisite objects and ornaments can be found in the old stores, such as silver bracelets, silver rings, ethnic costumes and yak horn hair combs. Such cultural diversity gives rise to many unusual and tempting culinary delights.

♦ What to See
While the ancient city of Songpan itself has plenty to keep you busy. The countryside surrounding the city offers a variety of tourist attractions. The Min Shan Mountain range surrounding the city provides such sights as Tibetan yak and goat herders leading their livestock over rolling grasses, endless valleys, and other beautiful landscapes. The best way to view this authentic side of minority mountain life is on of Songpan’s many horse trekking excursions.

► While largely a modern touristic recreation, tiny parts of the old city walls are still standing (the gates) and can be climbed.
► Guanyin Pavilion, southwest of town on a hill. Offers a good view of the town and surrounding mountains. The shrine itself is currently closed.
► The West Gate - Opposite the horse trekking company, follow the stream toward the dam and take the track on the left. About 45 minutes walk. From there, you can continue in many different directions. In particular, there are paths leading to the foot of two 4000 meters summits.

♦ How to Get There
By bus: There's a bus station at the North end of town, a few blocks north of the North gate of the wall. The bus station serves major locations in Sichuan, as well as locations in Qinghai, and can also connect to Xiahe in Gansu, via Tongren and Hezuo. There are also buses to/from Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve and Huanglong National Park. The place can take on a very touristic flair in the summer months overrun with bus loads of foreign and Chinese tourists arriving eager to spend their money on fake nicknacks and souveniers, give or take the odd cheesball picture.

Recommended Tour: 6 Days Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Valley Extension Tour (Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou-Chengdu)