Songpan Ancient Town in Aba

Songpan Ancient Town in Aba

Because of its location, four ethnic groups are resident in Songpan including Tibetan, Qiang, Hui and Han. Kangba Culture, a kind of multicultural medley of the four different cultural elements in this ancient historical town makes it a rare if not unique example of cultural history in China.

Type: Scenic Spot
Chinese Name: 松潘古城
Opening Hours:all day
Admission Ticket:Free
Recommended Travel Time: 2 -3 hours
Location: Jinan Town, Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China(中国四川省阿坝藏族羌族自治州松潘县济南镇)

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Songpan Ancient Town

Songpan Ancient Town, known as Songzhou Town in ancient times, is located in northeast of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, about 200 miles from Chengdu. Songpan Ancient Town is the closest big town to Huanglong National Park and the Jiu Huang Airport which services both Huanglong and Jiuzhai Valley National parks. Nowadays, Songpan has gained its reputation and attracted a lot of tourists every year as one of the most interesting historical towns in Sichuan Province.

History of Songpan Ancient Town

The ancient city of Songpan was built during Tang Dynsaty and it was later rebuilt during Ming Dynasty. Dating back to Ming Dynasty, the city wall of Songpan Ancient Town was made of blue bricks locally fired. It is extremely tough, and 10 meters high, 30 meters wide and 6,200 meters long. The tops of the East City Gate, the South City Gate and the North City Gate are all half-moon-shaped.

Culture of Songpan Ancient Town

Songpan was an important military post and economic and trading center for horse and tea exchange between Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Tibet. Because of its location, four ethnic groups are resident in Songpan including Tibetan, Qiang, Hui(Muslim) and Han (Mandarin). This contributes to the unique cultural style of this ancient town, Kangba Culture, a kind of multicultural medley of the four different cultural elements in this ancient historical town makes it a rare if not unique example of cultural history in China.

What to do

The best way to view this authentic side of minority mountain life is on of Songpan’s many horse trekking excursions. The Min Shan Mountain range surrounding the city provides such sights as Tibetan yak and goat herders leading their livestock over rolling grasses, endless valleys, and other beautiful landscapes.

How to Get to Songpan Ancient Town?

Travel with China Dragon Tours (top recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Songpan Ancient Town with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on travel.