We arrived in Songpan in the dusk. The driver dropped us off at North Bus station and we came to the nearest Sun Grand Hotel (Taiyang dajiudian) who proposed standard double room in the old building for Y80 (hot water from 20:00) and superior double for Y240-280 (24 hours hot water), one of the most expansive hotels in the town. After having visited the beautiful Huanglong park, around 60km to the east of Songpan, we got soaked and exhausted due to the walk at a high altitude under the rain. We all craved for a warm, comfortable room as well as a hot shower.

So far Chinese tourists have always been arranged by travel agencies to overnight in Chuanzhusi, 17km north to Songpan, a boring town which was only disposed with expansive hotels and restaurants. Songpan still keeps untouched by the crowds.

The town of Songpan is worth a visit. Ancient city's north gate standing next to our hotel as well as the city wall, in 10-meter high and 30 meter wide, have survived intact for four or five hundred years, due to an solid construction by using heavy solid bricks. Wooden houses and ancient bridges add more attractive value to the town for travelers. From The official site of Huanglong, you can see the pictures and description of attractive places around Songpan and Huanglong area, such as 5588-meter Xuebaoding, Zhaga waterfall in Munigou.

New: Warning - It is reported that the famous horse trek company in Songpan became extremely agressive. (April, 2005)

The horse trek last from one to seven days. It is organized by two comanies: Shunjian Horse Treks and Happy Trails, both located opposite the North Bus Station.

Many western travelers would take such a horse trek instead of visiting the famous, crowded Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong park. To get an idea of such a trek and decide how many days trek you would take, you'd better read a traveler's journey in Tales of Asia.

Getting there and away

Chengdu --> Songpan:Y35-40
The bus leaves early in the morning. Better to check the day before you leave. The trip will take more than 8 hours.
Air: the newly opened Jiuzhaigou airport is located in Zhuanzhusi, 10 minutes by car to Songpan. For the moment, six daily flights fly from Chengdu to this airport.
Songpan --> Zoige: Y31, Bus leaves from Songpan at 6:30 every day.
Songpan --> Huanglong, See Huanglong/Getting there
Songpan --> Jiuzhaigou. Several connections by public buses which takes 2 to 4 hours.

On the Web

Songpan and the surrounding area
Official site with nice pictures and detailed description of the region.

Songpan in Passplanet
More information about Horse trek, hotels and bus.

An interesting journey of house trek from Tales of Asia.