Great places to take kids around Chengdu: One-day trip to Songpan

Starting from Chengdu, this one-day trip is a must for family trips, solo trips, or trips with friends.

🅿️ Transportation Guide
1️⃣ Take the early train from Chengdu East Station at 6:14 a.m., arriving at Songpan Station at 11:12 a.m. The latest return train departs at 7:20 p.m.
2️⃣ Take a taxi from Songpan Station to the ancient city (approx. 10 mins). Walk or take the bus within the ancient city (CNY 2/person).
3️⃣ A chartered car to Munigou takes 40 mins one way (CNY 80–100/person). Sharing a car with 2 people is more cost-effective. Public transportation is also recommended and very convenient.

🍗 Food Guide
Yak beef hot pot with milk (set meal: mushroom soup + yak beef + butter tea), pickled cabbage noodles with stir-fried beef with rice on Qingzhen Street, street-side yak beef skewers + yak yogurt, and beef pancakes with sea buckthorn juice.
👌 Special recommendation: Yak skewers, CNY 1 per skewer, super tasty!

🚗 Route Plan
Munigou
1️⃣ Zhaga Waterfall (CNY 70 entry fee, winter ice waterfall only): Great for photos. The area is not very large. Take photos as you walk. It takes about 1.5–2 hrs to walk around and down the mountain.
2️⃣ Erdaohai (included in the combo ticket, emerald lake): Large area, takes more than 2 hrs. There might be some altitude sickness going up the mountain, so proceed based on your physical condition. There is snow in shady areas, which is fun to play with. You can also take photos with yaks.
3️⃣ Songpan Ancient City
Take panoramic photos from the north gate wall (free), see ancient artifacts at Songzhou Museum (free), and overlook the ancient city from Xishan Plank Road (free).

Return Trip
Take the 5:56 p.m. train from Songpan Station and arrive in Chengdu at 8:55 p.m.

⚠️ Tips
1️⃣ The temperature in Songpan in March is -5°C–5°C. Down jackets + windbreakers are essential.
2️⃣ Munigou is at an altitude of 3,200m. Avoid strenuous exercise, as you may experience some altitude sickness. You don't need oxygen tanks; just walk slowly.
3️⃣ For transportation, it's most convenient to take the bus right outside the high-speed rail station. The bus waits at the scenic spots. It's like a group tour where everyone on the bus forms a group and travels together. You can create a group chat on the bus to communicate, which is great.

This route combines ancient history and natural wonders. A budget of CNY 200+ per person is enough for this limited Sichuan-style experience! Save this post and get ready for a weekend getaway!