Things to do in Songpan

The name "Fairyland on Earth" is truly well-deserved! The Five-Colored Pool boasts dreamlike colors and unique travertine landforms. Due to its relatively high altitude, walking along the boardwalk requires a slow and careful pace. The scenic area has excellent facilities and highly distinctive scenery, making it well worth a visit.

Returning to Chengdu from Jiuzhaigou, I took the high-speed rail in Songpan and rested for a while in the ancient city. There are many mushroom sellers in the ancient city, and they can also take you to pick mushrooms. It is a very distinctive town in western Sichuan.

After leaving the crowded Jiuzhaigou, we rested for a day in Songpan before heading to Mouni Valley, known as "Little Jiuzhaigou." We had a combined ticket and first visited Erdaohai. No tickets were needed; we just swiped our ID cards. The scenery was beautiful, with clear blue skies and fresh air. Unfortunately, the water level was low, and many lakes were almost dry, diminishing the scenic value. However, this didn't detract from the hiking and fresh air. The entire hike took 2.5 hours, with gentle, easy steps. There are no shops inside the scenic area, but there are vending machines and hot water dispensers at the entrance. Please bring enough water or snacks. After exiting, drive 30 minutes to Zhaga Waterfall. You can drive directly into the scenic area. There are two entrances, A and B, both with parking. It's a loop. We entered from entrance A at the bottom, walked uphill for 1 hour, then turned right to reach the viewing platform at the top of the waterfall. The scenery was beautiful. It took half an hour to descend and exit from entrance B. From there, it's a 10-minute walk along the boardwalk to the parking lot. If you have elderly people or children who don't want to walk, you can choose to enter from entrance B. Take photos at the top of the waterfall and return the same way. It's not tiring, but you won't see the cascading waterfalls. Overall, this season is good – not too hot, not too cold – and you can enjoy the mountains, water, and trees.

This is not only a stopover and supply station for trips to Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Hongyuan Grasslands, and Ruoergai Flower Lake, but also houses the Long March Monument, a monument unlike any other commemorative structure. The monument garden is vast, rich in content, and offers captivating scenery.

Huanglong Scenic area,30 minute drive north of Songpan on the G213. I had heard I could visit either Huanglong or Jiuzhaigou park as they are similar,this is not true, each park has It's own beauty and they re totally different. Huanglong's calcium terraces are breath taking,iIf you have ever visited Pamukale in Turkey, Huanglong bears the beauty of the making of the natural wonder.We first climb the mountain via the cable car.🎟250 RMB including one way cable car.🚶the total hike is just over 4km. Do take it slow, the park reaches altitude of 3800m above sea level. at the beginning there is a bit of a climb using stairs, until you reach the temple and the Five colour pond (Wucai), then its all down from there ↘️ if visiting early in the morning, take a light jacket as in summer temp can start at 5-7C and reach 20-25C at midday.Just before you turn off the G213 into Huanglong Natural park, take.some.time to wander the village full of culture and history.🚗If you continue to drive down route 213 all the way to Chengdu, you will be rewarded with beautiful villages like Songpan, Mao and Wenchuan, DO NOT rush this route it is stunning

💎 Changing Color Lake: At an altitude of approximately 4200 meters, the lakes, due to varying mineral content and water depth, display different colors under the sunlight, ranging from emerald green to azure blue and jade green. In the morning, it's like a highlight; in autumn, colorful forests surround the lake, and the reflection of snow-capped mountains is like a mirror. Best viewing time: May to October; wildflowers bloom from June to August; and the colorful forests are most photogenic from September to October. 🏔️ Sacred Mountain Buff: Xuebaoding, at an altitude of 5588 meters, is known as the "Eastern Conch Mountain" in Tibetan and is one of the seven sacred mountains of the Bon religion in Tibet. The route traverses primeval forests, and with luck, you might encounter blue sheep, snow chickens, and yaks grazing on alpine pastures. 🥾 Hiking Challenge: The one-way hike from Xueshan Liangzi to the lake takes 6-8 hours, followed by a 3-4 hour loop around the lake. For those with heavy packs, the route starts at Songlinpo, crosses a 4400-meter pass, camps by the lake, and descends via pastures the next day, a total distance of approximately 20 kilometers. A guide is essential, and only those with high-altitude trekking experience should attempt this route. Pack your own tsampa and yak jerky for a hearty and authentic meal. 🐎 Horseback Riding: Worried about leg strain? Horseback riding is the way to go. A Songpan horse team carries your gear as you ride through canyons, grasslands, and forests. Camp in the valley; your guide can cook delicious meals like noodle soup, fried dough sticks, and pumpkin rice in a single pot – a truly heartwarming experience. ⛺ Stargazing Room: The lake campsite is at approximately 4300 meters, with no light pollution and crystal-clear starry skies. No open fires allowed; bring your own low-temperature gear and dry rations. 📸 Best Photo Spots: Sunrise at dawn offers the purest views of the lake, while sunset captures the golden light of the setting sun on the mountains. In winter, if you don't want to hike, a trip to Xueshan Liangzi to see the snow-capped mountains and yaks can be easily done in 2-3 hours. 🍲 Recharge with a meal: Head down to Songpan Ancient Town. Yak meat hot pot/Tibetan-style earthen hot pot is a top choice; freshly sliced ​​yak meat with wild mushrooms is a direct energy booster. On the street, try grilled yak meat skewers, potato cakes, and Tibetan yogurt. Also, enjoy butter tea with tsampa. The ancient town also offers butter lattes and barley lattes – a fun and traditional coffee experience. 🗺️ Combined itineraries: Combine Huanglong, Songpan Ancient Town, and Jiuzhaigou in a 2-3 day trip; in winter, visit Mouni Valley to see the icefalls. ⚠️ Don't rush: This isn't a quick stop; a guide is necessary. Be prepared for altitude sickness, sunburn, and bring warm clothing. The lakes are free, but guides cost approximately 300-500 yuan per day. The beauty of the Five-Colored Lake is reserved for those who truly appreciate its charm.

The Min River boasts not only magnificent natural scenery but also a profound legacy of revolutionary history. Therefore, upon reaching its source, one feels a reverence for nature and a spark of revolutionary passion. As the source of the Min River, the verdant mountains and green grasses, embracing the azure waters and blue skies, evokes a sense of urgency and a desire to forge ahead.

I think the Zhengyan Pond is more beautiful than the colorful stones because its color is pure, blue as pure as that, and gradually becomes one with the sky. It makes you feel very healed.

Although the snow has not melted in March, which is the dry season, it does not affect the beauty of Huanglong. Huanglong in winter is even more special. It is recommended to take the cable car or sightseeing bus up the mountain and walk down the mountain.

The scheduling was excellent; it wasn't crowded at all during the National Day holiday. Value for money: Good. Scenery: Absolutely stunning.