Songpan Ancient Town Guide: What to See & How to Visit

Is Songpan Ancient Town Worth Visiting?

Yes, Songpan Ancient Town is worth visiting, especially if you are already traveling to Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong. Unlike the natural scenery of these two destinations, Songpan offers a chance to experience the history and local culture of northern Sichuan.

The town was once an important military and trading center connecting Sichuan with Tibetan areas and was part of the ancient Tea Horse trade routes. Today, it remains an easy stop on the Chengdu-Huanglong-Jiuzhaigou route, and the ancient town itself is free to enter.

If you enjoy history and local culture, Songpan is well worth adding to your trip.

Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo statues in front of the Songzhou city gate.

Best Things to See and Do in Songpan Ancient Town

The best things to do in Songpan Ancient Town are exploring its historic sights, walking through the old streets, and experiencing local life and culture. The town is easy to explore on foot, with most places within walking distance.

Explore the Ancient City Wall and Gates

The ancient city walls and gates are the most impressive sights in Songpan Ancient Town. Much of the existing wall dates from the Ming Dynasty and follows the natural terrain around the old town.

You can walk along restored sections of the wall near the North and South Gates for views over the town. For a wider panorama, you can also walk uphill toward the West Gate. The climb takes around 20-30 minutes and is relatively steep, but you will be rewarded with views across Songpan Old Town and the surrounding mountains.

View of Songpan Ancient Town from the ancient city wall.

Walk Through the Old Streets and Experience Local Life

The old streets are not just preserved for tourists. Local shops, restaurants, tea houses and everyday businesses are still part of life inside the ancient town.

Walking is the best way to explore. Along the way, you can see traditional buildings, browse small shops selling local products and handicrafts, and follow the streets toward the Min River. Take your time and explore some of the smaller streets away from the busiest areas.

Walk through the old streets of Songpan Ancient Town and experience local life.

See the Ancient Bridges and Historic Architecture

The Min River runs through Songpan Ancient Town, adding another interesting feature to the old city. Two covered bridges, Gusong Bridge and Yingyue Bridge, cross the river and feature traditional details such as upturned eaves and wooden beams.

The bridges and nearby riverfront are especially pleasant for a walk. You will also find tea houses around this area, making it a nice place to slow down and take a break. The bridges are illuminated at night if you stay in Songpan after dark.

Gusong Bridge along the old streets of Songpan Ancient Town.

Try Local Food in Songpan Ancient Town

Songpan's food reflects its mix of Tibetan, Hui and Sichuan influences. The old town has plenty of small restaurants and street stalls where you can try something local during your visit.

Popular foods to look for include:

• Beef noodles from local Hui restaurants
• Yak meat, including grilled yak meat and yak jerky
• Tsampa and butter tea, two traditional Tibetan foods
• Highland barley cakes and local fried breads
• Sichuan hotpot if you want a larger meal

For a more local experience, look beyond the busiest tourist shops and choose one of the small restaurants popular with local residents.

Try grilled yak meat while exploring Songpan Ancient Town.

Enjoy Views of the Ancient Town and Surrounding Mountains

One thing that makes Songpan Ancient Town special is its mountain setting. From higher sections of the city wall and around the North and West Gates, you can look across the old rooftops and walls toward the surrounding mountains.

Late afternoon is a good time for photography, when softer light falls across the old town. In winter, you may also see snow on the surrounding mountains, creating a very different view of Songpan.

If you have more time, there are also more things to do in Songpan, including natural attractions and outdoor experiences beyond the ancient town.

Songpan Ancient Town surrounded by colorful mountain scenery.

How Long Do You Need in Songpan Ancient Town?

For most travelers, 2-3 hours is a good amount of time to visit Songpan Ancient Town. If you are short on time, 1-2 hours can cover the main sights, while half a day gives you a more relaxed visit.

1-2 Hours: Quick Visit

If you are stopping briefly in Songpan, 1-2 hours is enough to see the South and North Gates, walk through the main old streets, and visit one of the ancient bridges. You can also take a short walk along the city wall.

2-3 Hours: Recommended for Most Travelers

With 2-3 hours, you can see the main sights and also visit Guanyin Temple, explore some of the quieter lanes, and walk along the riverside. You will also have enough time to stop at a tea house or enjoy a local meal without rushing.

Half Day: For a More Relaxed Visit

Choose half a day if you enjoy photography, history, or simply want to explore at a slower pace. You will have more time for the city walls, riverside, local shops and restaurants, with plenty of time to stop for photos or tea.

You usually do not need a full day for Songpan Ancient Town itself. If you have more time, you can explore other attractions around Songpan.

Travelers explore a local market in Songpan Ancient Town.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Songpan Ancient Town?

May to October is the best time to visit Songpan Ancient Town for most travelers. The weather is milder during these months, making it more comfortable to walk around the old town.

Summer, from June to August, is one of the most popular times to visit. The average temperature is around 20°C, and the surrounding mountains are green. However, summer is also the rainy season, so bring a light jacket and rain gear.

September and October are especially good for photography. The weather is cooler, and the forests and mountains around Songpan begin to turn shades of yellow, red, and gold.

You can also visit Songpan Ancient Town in winter. It is much colder and quieter, but you may see snow on the surrounding mountains.

Green mountain scenery around Songpan Ancient Town in summer.

How Do You Get to Songpan Ancient Town?

Songpan Ancient Town is easy to reach from Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, and Huanglong. High-speed trains are the fastest option from Chengdu, while buses, taxis, and private transfers are convenient if you are traveling from Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong.

From Chengdu: High-speed trains run from Chengdu East Railway Station to Songpan Station, with the fastest journey taking around 1.5 hours. You can then take a taxi or transfer from the station to the ancient town. Driving from Chengdu takes around 6-7 hours, but gives you more flexibility to stop along the way. See our Chengdu to Songpan travel guide for more transport details.

From Jiuzhaigou: Buses connect Jiuzhaigou with Songpan and usually take around 2-2.5 hours. You can also take a taxi or private car, which takes around 2 hours.

From Huanglong: Huanglong is around 1 hour by road from Songpan. Buses are available to Songpan, while a taxi or private transfer is the more direct option.

The mountain highway connecting Huanglong and Songpan.

How to Visit Songpan Ancient Town with Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong

Songpan Ancient Town is easy to combine with Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou on a 3–4 day trip from Chengdu. If you have more time, you can also visit Mounigou and enjoy more of Songpan's natural scenery.

Day 1: Chengdu to Songpan

Take the high-speed train from Chengdu to Songpan, or travel by road with stops along the way. Spend the afternoon exploring Songpan Ancient Town, walking through the old streets and trying local food.

Day 2: Songpan to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou

Travel from Songpan to Huanglong and spend several hours exploring its colorful pools, waterfalls, and mountain scenery. After your visit, continue to Jiuzhaigou and stay overnight near the scenic area.

Day 3: Jiuzhaigou Valley

Spend a full day exploring Jiuzhaigou, with plenty of time to see its lakes, waterfalls, forests, and other main sights.

Day 4: Return to Chengdu or Visit Mounigou Valley

You can return to Chengdu by high-speed train or road. If you have more time, visit Mounigou Valley first to see natural sights such as Zhaga Waterfall and Erdaohai before continuing to the railway station for your train back to Chengdu.

For an easy way to follow this route, see our 4-day Songpan, Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou tour.

Colorful forests reflected in the clear lake of Jiuzhaigou Valley.

History of Songpan Ancient Town

Songpan Ancient Town has more than 1,400 years of recorded history. It was established as Songzhou during the Tang Dynasty and became an important frontier town between Sichuan and the Tibetan Plateau.

In 638, Songzhou was the site of a conflict between the Tang Dynasty and the Tibetan Empire. The town is also connected with the later marriage of Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo, a story commemorated near the North Gate today.

In later centuries, Songzhou developed into an important trading center along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, where tea, horses and other goods were traded between Sichuan and Tibetan areas. This trade also brought Tibetan, Qiang, Hui and Han communities together in Songpan.

The city walls seen today were largely built during the Ming Dynasty, beginning in 1379. They strengthened Songpan as an important frontier town, and the surviving gates and sections of the old walls remain some of its most important historic landmarks today.

Panoramic view of Songpan Ancient Town and the surrounding mountains.

FAQs About Songpan Ancient Town

Is Songpan Ancient Town free to visit?

Yes, Songpan Ancient Town itself is free to enter, but there is a separate ticket to access the city walls. The current ticket price is CNY 45.

What is the altitude of Songpan Ancient Town?

Songpan Ancient Town is approximately 2,850 meters above sea level. It is higher than Chengdu but lower than Huanglong, so you may already notice the change in altitude when you arrive.

Is Songpan Ancient Town the same as Songzhou Ancient Town?

Yes. Songzhou is the historic name of Songpan, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. You may still see the name “Songzhou” on local signs and around the ancient town.

Can you visit Songpan Ancient Town at night?

Yes. You can walk around the old streets at night, and the city gates, walls, and bridges are illuminated after dark, making the town pleasant for an evening walk and photography.

Access to the city walls has separate opening hours, currently 08:30–20:00, so visit earlier if you want to walk on the walls.

Are there hotels inside or near Songpan Ancient Town?

Yes. There are guesthouses and small hotels inside and around Songpan Ancient Town, especially near the main old streets. You can also find larger and more modern hotels outside the ancient town.

If Huanglong is your next stop, Chuanzhusi is another accommodation option and is closer to Huanglong and Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport.

4 Days Songpan Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Tour with Mounigou Valley by High-Speed Train

4 Days & 3 Nights
Chengdu - Songpan Ancient Town (1N) - Huanglong National Park - Jiuzhaigou Valley (2N) - Mounigou Valley - Chengdu

Price From: USD 509

Conclusion

Songpan Ancient Town is a rewarding cultural stop on the route between Chengdu, Huanglong, and Jiuzhaigou. Whether you visit for a few hours or stay overnight, you can experience its ancient walls, old streets, local culture, and mountain setting.

For a more complete Songpan tour, combine the ancient town with Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. A 3-4 day trip from Chengdu gives you enough time to experience both the cultural side of Songpan and the natural scenery of northern Sichuan.