Escape the Heat: A 2-Hour Trip from Chengdu to Songpan for a 20°C Summer

🚅 Transportation Guide

1. High-Speed Rail Option
Multiple daily bullet trains run from Chengdu East Station to Songpan Station, with the fastest taking just 1 hour 33 minutes (e.g., C5746 departing at 6:14 AM and arriving at 7:47 AM). Second-class tickets cost ¥133, first-class ¥211. Summer tickets sell out fast—book at least 3 days in advance on 12306. For return trips, take the 6:04 PM train from Songpan, arriving back in Chengdu East Station at 7:29 PM.
2. Scenic Area Shuttle
Turn right upon exiting Songpan Station and walk 50 meters to the "Munigou Direct Shuttle" stop (¥40/person, departs when full). The first shuttle leaves at 8:30 AM, reaching the scenic area in ~30 minutes. For groups, charter a round-trip car (4-seater: ¥350-400/day) to explore Songzhou Ancient Town en route.

🎫 Tickets & Discounts

- Standard: ¥70 for Erdahai only; ¥100 combo ticket (Erdahai + Zhaga Waterfall).
- Summer Special: 2025 high school/college entrance exam students get free entry (with exam slip + ID) until Aug 31. Residents of Hangzhou, Jinhua (Zhejiang) and 5 other cities enjoy permanent free access (until 2026).

⚠️ Note: Erdahai may close for conservation—check Huanglong Scenic Area’s official site before visiting.

🗺️ Itinerary

- Main Route: Entrance → Boardwalk hike (3km) → Xiaohaizi Lakes → Erdahai Main Lake → Hot Springs → Return (~3 hours total). Gentle terrain at 3,000m elevation, but some slippery sections—wear grippy shoes.
- Hidden Gems: Soak feet in 20°C hot springs at the endpoint. Post-rain summer mists create dreamy photo ops—arrive early with your camera.
- Timing: Enter by 9:30 AM to avoid midday sun. Allocate 1.5 hours for Zhaga Waterfall; full combo visit should take ≤5 hours.

📌 Pro Tips

1. Essentials
- Pack: Snacks (energy bars, bread), 1.5L water, disposable rain gear (frequent mountain showers), power bank (no charging stations).
- Clothing: Windproof jacket (15°C+ day-night swings), moisture-wicking shirts. Summer temps 13-28°C—carry a lightweight down jacket for sudden chills.
2. Altitude Prep
- Acclimate in Songpan town 1 day prior; avoid strenuous activity. Take vitamin C + inosine tablets (3x daily starting 1 day before trip).
- For headaches/dizziness, rest immediately and use oxygen at scenic area stations (some B&Bs offer oxygen).
3. Lodging
- Convenience: Yunpeng Hotel (free shuttle, near station). For night views: Pangjia Garden B&B (5-min walk to Songzhou Ancient Town).
- Splurge: Tibetan King Legend Resort (free pickup + authentic décor) for relaxed next-day departures.

🍜 Food & Extras

- Try yak hotpot and tsampa bread in Songzhou Ancient Town (~¥50/person). Grab yak jerky as souvenirs.
- If time allows, visit free Songzhou Ancient Town—climb its gates for Min River views, and photograph the lantern-lit streets at dusk.

⚠️ Reminder: Some lakes are drying due to ecological changes—visit soon. Drones are banned to protect pristine landscapes.