Songpan
The road north from Chengdu follows the relentless curvature of the mighty Min River as it carves its path through the endless mountains of northern Sichuan. The scenery is as dramatic as the mountains are steep. Fittingly, the rush of the Min quiets down quite a bit before the peaceful, ancient town at Songpan. The town is nestled into the narrow valley paved by the Min. The steep slopes of the surrounding mountains don’t appear too inviting to trekking, but determined hikers can certainly make it. Journeys on foot or by horseback are both available.
The walled town of Songpan is home to a pleasant mixture of Han Chinese, Qiang, Tibetan, and Islamic Hui residents. Between the Han style city gates and walls, the ample supply of Qiang and Tibetan jewelry and artwork, and the welcoming atmosphere of Hui restaurants and guesthouses, the presence of each ethnic group is easily felt.
Visit Songpan on an Overland China Journey:
Bountiful Sichuan
Secrets of Sichuan (12 days)
