Songpan Ancient City

Introducing Songpan Ancient City

Songpan Ancient City consists of two walls: the Inner and Outer. The Inner City straddles the mountains, forming a slightly triangular shape. The eastern section, beneath the mountains, is rectangular, forming the river valley. The Outer City, adjacent to the river dam to the south of the Inner City, is connected to the Inner City by a gate and is rectangular in plan. The city walls, totaling 6.2 kilometers, are constructed of locally fired blue bricks, with the inner walls made of earth and stone. They are 12.5 meters high and over 12 meters thick, grouting them with a mortar made of glutinous rice, lime, and tung oil, making them as strong as a fortress. The gates are constructed solely of large, regular rectangular stone arches. Songpan Ancient City is magnificent in scale and imposing, and its walls, for their length, height, thickness, and exquisite relief carvings, are unparalleled in ethnic minority areas. It is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Remains of the ancient city wall

The Songpan Ancient City Wall was built during the Ming Dynasty. The bricks used were 50 cm long and 12 cm thick, each weighing 30 kg. The mortar was made from glutinous rice, lime, and tung oil, making the wall exceptionally strong. At 10 meters high, 30 meters wide, and 6,200 meters long, it is one of the most impressive ancient city wall sites in China. The three city gates, located in the east, south, and north, each have a crescent-shaped top. The large stone foundations are intricately carved with reliefs, creating an antique charm that still retains a timeless appeal.

Ancient battlefield ruins

Since ancient times, Songpan has been a strategically located frontier town, a focal point for military strategists. Today, numerous ancient battlefield relics, including passes, military settlements, garrisons, and beacon towers, can still be seen along the Minjiang and Fujiang River valleys.

Guqiao Spring Flood

Tongyuan Bridge is an outrigger wooden covered bridge. When the tide is high, the bridge is covered with apricot blossoms, the water mill rotates, and the upper and lower sandbars are full of birdsong, forming a peaceful and prosperous rural scene.

Tickets

Tickets for the ancient city wall are 150 yuan

Attraction opening hours

April-November

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Most Popular FAQs for Songpan Ancient City

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Songpan Ancient City dates back over a thousand years and was a strategic military outpost and trade hub during the Tang and Song dynasties. It is significant for its well-preserved ancient walls and as a cultural center of Tibetan and Qiang communities.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located in Songpan County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan. Accessible by long-distance bus from Chengdu (around 8–9 hours) or by car. Local taxis and walking are the main ways to explore the city.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Open daily. Best visited during spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for comfortable weather and scenic surroundings.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance to the city walls and main attractions is typically 50–80 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at on-site ticket booths or through local travel platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not necessary except during peak holidays. Booking a few days ahead during holidays is recommended.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

2–3 hours for the ancient city; 4–6 hours if including local cultural experiences and nearby nature walks.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The ancient city walls and gates.
• Songpan Watchtower for panoramic views.
• Local temples and cultural squares.
• Traditional market streets and handicraft shops.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Chinese. English-speaking guides can be arranged via travel agencies in Songpan or Chengdu.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Top of the city walls, watchtower, and central market squares provide excellent photography opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Enter via the main gate, walk along the city walls, visit the watchtower, explore market streets, then finish with temples and cultural squares.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are possible, with some streets lit for ambiance. There are occasional cultural performances, but no permanent light shows.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Moderately busy. Weekdays outside public holidays are least crowded. Spring and autumn mornings are quieter.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities including restrooms, small cafes, snack stalls, and souvenir shops are available within the city.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

City walls have steps, making full access difficult for wheelchair users. Elderly and children can navigate streets with care.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted; cash is useful for smaller shops and rural areas.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Local restaurants serve Tibetan and Qiang cuisine, including yak meat, noodles, and butter tea. Small cafes offer snacks and drinks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants. Halal food is limited but may be found in Tibetan eateries.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Guesthouses and boutique hotels inside the city.
• Mid-range hotels in Songpan County.
• Homestays in surrounding Tibetan and Qiang villages.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area.
• Jiuzhaigou National Park (further away, 2–3 hours by car).
• Nearby Tibetan and Qiang villages for cultural experiences.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Shops sell Tibetan and Qiang handicrafts, prayer flags, yak wool scarves, and local artwork.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Private car or local taxis for nearby attractions. Buses connect Songpan to Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, and other regional sites.