When planning a first trip to western Sichuan, one common question is whether Jiuzhaigou and Songpan Ancient Town should be visited together. One offers alpine lakes, waterfalls, and colorful forests often described as a “fairyland,” while the other preserves centuries of history along the ancient Tea Horse Road. In reality, these two destinations are close enough and well connected, forming a natural and cultural route that fits perfectly into a single journey. For first-time visitors to Sichuan, this combination offers one of the most complete travel experiences in the region.
Classic Western Sichuan Travel Route: Jiuzhaigou + Songpan Ancient City
The classic tourism route in Western Sichuan composed of Jiuzhaigou and Songpan Ancient City combines world-class natural scenery with a thousand-year-old humanistic heritage, making it a must-visit itinerary for foreign tourists to Sichuan.
As a World Natural Heritage Site and a national 5A-level scenic spot, Jiuzhaigou is famous for its alpine lakes, waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, blue ice and other landscapes. Known as a fairyland on earth, it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world every year. Songpan Ancient City, also known as Songzhou Ancient City, was first built in the Tang Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,400 years. It is a military town and commercial hub at the junction of Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai, and also a national key cultural relic protection unit. The city walls, city gates and streets retain the ancient style intact, with historical traces everywhere.
Advantages of combined tour of the two places:
- Adjacent geographical location, convenient transportation and smooth itinerary without detours.
- Perfect combination of nature and humanities, enriching the travel level and experience.
- Improved supporting facilities along the route, with complete catering, accommodation and tour guide services.
- Suitable for various travel durations, with flexible adjustment of itinerary rhythm.
Songpan Ancient City
Fairyland Jiuzhaigou: Core Scenery of Jiuzhaigou
Overview of Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou is located in Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is named after the nine Tibetan villages in the valley, covering a total area of more than 700 square kilometers. The scenic area is distributed in a Y-shape, consisting of three major valleys: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley and Zechawagou Valley, with an altitude of 2,000 meters to 4,500 meters. The scenery varies in four seasons.
Core highlights of the scenic area:
- Dozens of alpine lakes are brightly colored, blue as gems and green as jadeite.
- Several waterfall groups are magnificent, with gurgling water and cool comfort.
- In autumn, the layered colorful forests set off against the blue water, like oil paintings.
- In winter, the unique blue ice scenery is white and quiet, like a fairy-tale world.
Must-Visit Attractions in Jiuzhaigou
- Shuzheng Group Lakes: Composed of multiple large and small lakes, the water is crystal clear, the forests along the bank are lush, and the footpath extends along the lake, suitable for walking and enjoying the scenery. It is the gateway attraction of Jiuzhaigou, with a large number of visitors and pleasant scenery.
- Nuorilang Waterfall: A large calcified waterfall in China, with a width of up to 270 meters. The water flows down from the cliff, making a sound like a bell, which is magnificent. The scenery varies in four seasons, and it is one of the iconic attractions of Jiuzhaigou.
- Five-Flower Lake: Known as the essence of Jiuzhaigou, the lake water presents various colors such as sapphire blue, dark green and light yellow, which are colorful under the sun. It is known as the most beautiful lake in Jiuzhaigou and has extremely high photography value.
- Long Lake: The largest and highest-altitude lake in Jiuzhaigou. The lake water is deep and dark blue, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. The view is wide and magnificent, suitable for viewing and relaxing.
- Pearl Shoal Waterfall: The water flows along the shoal, with water droplets rolling like pearls, shining under the sun. The waterfall has a large drop, rapid water flow, fresh and magnificent, and is the filming location of many TV dramas and movies.
Seasonal Tour Characteristics of Jiuzhaigou
- Spring: The ice and snow melt, the lake water gradually becomes clear, wild flowers bloom, and the air is fresh. It is suitable for feeling the beauty of Jiuzhaigou’s recovery. The number of people is relatively small, and the body feeling is comfortable.
- Summer: The temperature is cool, with an average temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius. The water volume of the waterfalls is abundant, and the scenery is full of greenery. It is a summer resort, suitable for parent-child and leisure travel.
- Autumn: September to November is the best tourist season. The mountains and forests change color, with red, yellow and green interweaving, setting off against the blue water. The colors are gorgeous, and the photography effect is excellent.
- Winter: Covered with white snow, the lakes freeze to form blue ice scenery, which is quiet and pure, with a unique charm. There are few tourists, suitable for travelers who like quietness.
Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan
Millennium Songzhou: Historical Humanities and Attractions of Songpan Ancient City
Historical Origin of Songpan Ancient City
Songpan Ancient City is located in Songpan County, Aba Prefecture, formerly known as Songzhou. It was first built in the first year of Wude in the Tang Dynasty and expanded and improved in the Ming Dynasty. With a history of more than 1,400 years, it is an important military, commercial and cultural town in northwestern Sichuan, known as the “Gateway to Western Sichuan”.
The ancient city has experienced many dynasties such as Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. It is an important node of the Tea Horse Road and a place where multiple ethnic cultures such as Han, Tibetan, Qiang and Hui blend. After the Battle of Songzhou in the Tang Dynasty, Princess Wencheng passed through here on her way to marry Songtsen Gampo, promoting friendly exchanges between Han and Tibetan peoples and leaving a eternal story. The ancient city is overall backed by mountains and adjacent to water, with a complete layout of inner and outer cities, solid city walls and magnificent city gates, making it an outstanding representative of ancient border city architecture in China.
Must-Visit Attractions in Songpan Ancient City
- Ancient City Wall and City Gates: The total length of the ancient city exceeds 6 kilometers, with the highest point reaching 12.5 meters. The city wall is built of blue stone, solid and magnificent. The four city gates in the north, south, east and west are well-preserved. Among them, the South Gate (Yanxun Gate) and the North Gate (Zhenqiang Gate) are large-scale, which are classic works of Ming Dynasty city gate architecture, and their depth and width are rare in China.
- Statues of Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo: Located near the North Gate of the ancient city, they commemorate the history of the marriage between the Tang Dynasty and Tibet. The statues are solemn and elegant, reproducing the historical scene of Han-Tibetan friendship, and are one of the must-check-in landmarks for tourists.
- Ancient Streets and Commercial Districts: The streets in the ancient city retain the ancient style, with neatly paved bluestone slabs and rows of shops on both sides, selling Tibetan and Qiang characteristic crafts, local products and traditional food. Walking in it, you can feel a strong folk atmosphere and historical flavor.
- Minjiang River Scenery: The Minjiang River flows through the city, with clear water and lush green trees along the bank. When the lights are on in the evening, the ancient city and the river set off each other, with a warm and quiet scenery, suitable for walking and relaxing.
- Chuanzhu Temple: Located near the ancient city, it is an important local religious building, integrating Han and Tibetan architectural styles, solemn and solemn. You can learn about the local religious culture and folk beliefs.
Characteristics of Folk Culture in Songpan Ancient City
Songpan is a multi-ethnic settlement where Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, Han and other ethnic groups live in harmony, forming a unique cultural landscape.
- Qiang multi-part folk songs are a national intangible cultural heritage, with melodious and beautiful sounds.
- Folk arts such as Hui lantern dance, Tibetan folk songs and Qiang embroidery are rich and colorful.
- During traditional festivals, there are song and dance performances, costume shows and experience activities.
- Local residents are warm and hospitable, allowing you to experience the diverse ethnic customs up close.
Chuanzhu Temple
Jiuzhaigou and Songpan Ancient Town Itinerary Planning and Transportation
Classic Two-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1:
- In the morning, go to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area to visit core attractions such as Shuzheng Group Lakes, Nuorilang Waterfall and Five-Flower Lake, and enjoy the fairyland scenery.
- In the afternoon, continue to visit Long Lake, Colorful Pool and Pearl Shoal Waterfall, take photos of the beautiful scenery and experience the beauty of alpine lakes.
- In the evening, go to Songpan Ancient City, check into a hotel in the ancient city, taste local characteristic food for dinner, and visit the night view of the ancient city with lights.
Day 2:
- In the morning, walk around Songpan Ancient City, visit the ancient city wall, city gates and statues of Princess Wencheng to learn about the historical culture.
- At noon, taste Songpan characteristic snacks and buy souvenirs.
- In the afternoon, return or go to Huanglong Scenic Area to continue the tour.
Transportation Methods and Routes
External Transportation:
- Airplane: Take a flight to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, which is only 17 kilometers away from Songpan Ancient City, with convenient transfer vehicles.
- High-Speed Train: Take the Sichuan-Qinghai Railway to Songpan Station or Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the scenic area.
- Bus: There are direct buses from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Songpan and Jiuzhaigou, with mature routes and affordable fares.
Internal Transportation:
- There are special buses from Songpan to Jiuzhaigou, with a journey of about 2.5 hours and stable schedules.
- Chartering a car or carpooling is flexible and convenient, suitable for families and small groups.
- The internal sightseeing vehicles in the scenic area operate stably, covering all core attractions, saving effort and comfort.
Practical Guide to Food, Accommodation, and Travel in Songpan and Jiuzhaigou
Characteristic Food in Songpan and Jiuzhaigou
Food in Songpan Ancient City:
- Yak Meat Hot Pot: Fresh meat, rich soup base, warm and cold-dispelling, suitable for eating on the plateau.
- Tibetan-style Earth Pot Pancake: Crispy outside and soft inside, fragrant, with unique flavor when matched with sauce.
- Qiang-style Bacon: Rich flavor, mellow taste, a traditional local flavor.
- Handmade Noodles: Chewy noodles, fresh and delicious soup, affordable price.
Food in Jiuzhaigou:
- Plateau Wild Vegetables: Fresh and healthy, crisp taste, rich in nutrition.
- Tibetan-style Yogurt: Moderately sweet and sour, made naturally, helping digestion.
- Barbecue Food: Fresh ingredients, unique flavor, suitable for tasting at night.
Accommodation Recommendations
Accommodation in Songpan Ancient City:
- Characteristic Inns in the Ancient City: Simple decoration, comfortable environment, experience the ancient city atmosphere.
- Star Hotels: Complete facilities, professional services, suitable for tourists pursuing quality.
- Economy Hotels: Affordable price, clean and tidy, suitable for tourists with limited budget.
Accommodation in Jiuzhaigou:
- Hotels at the Scenic Area Entrance: Convenient transportation, easy access to the scenic area, many choices.
- Hot Spring Hotels: Can soak in hot springs to relax and relieve travel fatigue.
- Tibetan-style Homestays: Experience local folk customs and feel a strong ethnic atmosphere.
Practical Travel Suggestions
Clothing Suggestions:
- The temperature difference between day and night on the plateau is large. Adopt the onion dressing method to facilitate adding or removing clothes.
- Prepare a thin coat, sun protection products and rain gear in summer.
- Prepare sweaters, windbreakers and warm pants in spring and autumn.
- Prepare down jackets, hats, gloves and non-slip shoes in winter.
Notes:
- Jiuzhaigou and Songpan have high altitudes. Avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness.
- Protect the environment in the scenic area, do not litter, and do not touch the lakes and vegetation.
- Respect the local ethnic customs and religious beliefs, and visit and experience civilly.
- Pay attention to the weather forecast before traveling, arrange the itinerary reasonably, and prepare commonly used medicines.
Fairyland Hides Ancient Charm: The Journey of Jiuzhaigou and Songpan
The combined tour of Jiuzhaigou and Songpan Ancient City is a classic travel experience that perfectly integrates nature and humanities. The blue water fairyland and waterfalls with colorful forests in Jiuzhaigou bring visual shock, while the thousand-year history and diverse cultures of Songpan Ancient City bring spiritual touch. The two places are moderately distance apart, with smooth itineraries and improved supporting facilities, suitable for tourists from all countries to explore.
Whether you are a photography enthusiast who likes natural scenery, a in-depth traveler who loves history and culture, or a family tourist who wants to relax, you can find your own happiness in this route. By planning the itinerary in advance, preparing appropriate clothes and respecting the local culture, you can easily travel around the fairyland and the ancient city and gain an unforgettable trip to Western Sichuan.