A 1.5-hour high-speed train ride from Chengdu to Songpan for a one-day tour to experience a 20°C summer.

A 1.5-hour 🚄 high-speed train ride from Chengdu to Songpan for a one-day tour 📷 to experience a 20°C summer. Bestie 👭 group travel guide, accessible by high-speed train + bus.

🔺 Songpan attractions: Zhaga Waterfall + Erdao Lake + Songzhou Ancient Town.

1. Chengdu East to Songpan (6:14-7:47) – Plenty of time for a full day of fun.

2. At Songpan Station, look for the green shuttle bus: Songpan Station to Munigou Scenic Area. 40 yuan round-trip for the day, route: (Songpan Station ➡️ Zhaga Waterfall ➡️ Erdao Lake Scenic Area ➡️ Songzhou Tourist Center). Each attraction allows ample time for exploration, and the bus driver will wait for passengers.

🔺 After boarding, the driver will create a group chat to notify everyone about departure times, ticket purchases, etc. The shuttle bus is usually fixed, and the license plate number will be shared—don’t miss the departure time! Any questions can be asked in the group, and the driver will assist.

3. Tickets: Combo ticket for Zhaga Waterfall + Erdao Lake = 100 yuan (70 yuan each if bought separately). Songzhou Ancient Town: Free.

4. First stop: Zhaga Waterfall. After ticket check, the bus will take you directly to the parking lot at the waterfall entrance (the ticket office is still a few kilometers away from the entrance).

🔺 Exploration time: 1.5h.
For elderly or children, the full hike might be a bit strenuous. The panoramic view of the waterfall is already stunning enough (I didn’t go all the way up—too tiring, haha!). Take the downhill route—the scenery is still great! Note: The exit of the downhill route leads to another parking lot. The driver will pick you up there.

5. Next stop: Erdao Lake Scenic Area. Several "lakes" are quite picturesque, with great photo spots 📷, though not as impressive as Jiuzhaigou. (Recent lack of rain has reduced water levels.) Still, it’s perfect for a light hike and enjoying nature!

🔺 Exploration time: 3h.
Young people can finish in about 2 hours, so no need to rush!
Note: Zhaga Waterfall and Erdao Lake currently lack commercial facilities, so bring your own snacks and drinks! Instant noodles are sold outside the scenic area for 7 yuan per cup (10 yuan inside), with free hot water ♨️. Also, temperatures vary greatly between day and night, so pack warm clothes.

The bus will finally drop you off at Songzhou Tourist Center. (Sometimes drivers change shifts, so check the group chat for updates and the correct license plate number.) You’ll still have plenty of time in the afternoon.

6. Explore Songzhou Ancient Town.
Songzhou Ancient Town has multiple gates—enter through any. There’s plenty of time to explore this large, well-preserved town with plenty of food and lodging options. Beef skewers for 1 yuan each are everywhere, and the street opposite the North Gate is lined with restaurants. Check out the tourist map and visit the South Gate, East Gate, Gusong Bridge, and Yingyue Bridge. The local B&Bs are charming, and the town is especially atmospheric when lit up at night.

After exploring, head straight for food—try a specialty mushroom hotpot (Ruzai Niu Yak Hotpot & Grilled Lamb Ribs, Songpan Ancient Town branch). After walking so much, relax at a café (Yinian Coffee ☕️).

7. Return trip: To go back to Songpan Station, return to Songzhou Tourist Center and look for the green shuttle bus—fare is 2 yuan (we took a taxi for 20-30 yuan).

8. High-speed train ticket: Back to Chengdu East Station, you can choose trains after 19:00 (we took the last train at 22:00!!).

And that’s a wrap for a delightful day!!!