Millennium Songzhou · Fairyland Huanglong

Songpan County, Aba Prefecture — an ancient plateau city and natural wonder in Northwest Sichuan. A 2-day-1-night itinerary exploring Huanglong Scenic Area, strolling through Songzhou Ancient City, and visiting Mouni Valley to experience the magnificent natural landscapes and profound historical culture of Songpan County.

Huanglong Scenic Area
World Heritage
Songzhou Ancient City
Millennium Ancient City
Mouni Valley
Secret Waterfalls
Xuebaoding Peak
Main Peak of Min Mountains
Huanglong Scenic Area in Songpan County, Aba
Huanglong Scenic Area Five-Color Pools, Songpan County
Travertine pool landscape of Huanglong Scenic Area in Songpan County

Songpan County 2-Day-1-Night Nature and Culture Journey

Travertine wonders + ancient city charm + Tibetan-Qiang culture, experience the diverse charm of Songpan

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Huanglong Scenic Area, Songzhou Ancient City, Mouni Valley, Xuebaoding Peak
Suitable For
Nature lovers, history and culture enthusiasts, photography lovers, outdoor adventurers
Per Capita Budget
¥700-¥1000
01
Natural Wonder Journey
Travertine Pool Exploration & Ancient City Stroll
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day natural and cultural experience.

Attraction Arrangements
Huanglong Scenic Area
A World Natural Heritage site, renowned for its grand-scale, ingeniously structured, and richly colored surface travertine landscapes, hailed as the "Jade Pool on Earth."
Five-Color Pools
The most famous travertine pool cluster in Huanglong Scenic Area. The pool water presents a kaleidoscope of blue-green, pale yellow, and orange-red colors due to calcium carbonate deposition and algae propagation.
Songzhou Ancient City
A strategic town in Northwest Sichuan first built during the Tang Dynasty. Historically a vital hub for Han-Tibetan-Qiang cultural exchange, its well-preserved ancient city walls and architecture bear witness to a millennium of history.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Take cold protection measures in high-altitude areas
  • Considerable walking is required in Huanglong Scenic Area
  • Prepare oxygen canisters for altitude sickness prevention
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Songpan County Center Hotels
  • Hotels near Huanglong Scenic Area
  • Tibetan-style Characteristic Inns
02
Secret Realm Exploration Journey
Waterfall Group Viewing & Tibetan Cultural Experience
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day natural in-depth experience.

Attraction Arrangements
Mouni Valley
A natural scenic area integrating travertine waterfalls, ring-shaped pool waterfalls, plateau karst caves, hot springs, alpine meadows, and primeval forests — hailed as a "Little Jiuzhaigou."
Zhaga Waterfall
China's tallest travertine waterfall at 104 meters high and 35 meters wide, cascading down in terraced steps with majestic and extraordinary momentum.
Erdao Sea
An alpine lake cluster within Mouni Valley, with crystal-clear water surrounded by dense forests and a tranquil environment — an excellent destination for leisure and sightseeing.
Practical Information
Special Experiences
  • Tibetan Family Visit Experience
  • Ancient City Wall Hiking
  • Hot Spring Bathing Experience
  • Tibetan Cuisine Tasting
Return Journey Suggestions
  • Purchase Tibetan handicrafts
  • Taste yak beef jerky
  • Pay attention to altitude sickness
  • Allow ample time for the return trip

Songpan County Must-Try Foods

Songpan Yak Beef

Selected from free-range highland yak beef, the meat is tender and delicious, used to make hand-pulled meat, beef jerky, beef hot pot and more — a Songpan specialty.

Butter Tea

A traditional Tibetan beverage brewed with yak butter, tea leaves, and salt. Fragrant, smooth, and mellow — an essential drink for hosting guests, with the effect of warding off cold and restoring energy.

Highland Barley Wine

A traditional alcoholic beverage brewed from highland barley, with moderate alcohol content and a mellow, smooth taste. It is an important drink for Tibetan festivals and celebration events.

Yak Yogurt

Yogurt made from yak milk, with a mellow texture and balanced sweet-sour flavor, rich in nutrition — a characteristic dairy product of the plateau.

Songpan County Travel Tips
Best Seasons
  • June-August: Cool summer, scenery at its most beautiful
  • September-October: Autumn colors enchanting, best for photography
  • April-May: Spring warmth and blooming flowers, ideal for sightseeing
  • Winter: Pay attention to cold protection, some scenic areas closed
Travel Suggestions
  • Take cold protection measures in high-altitude areas
  • Considerable walking is required in Huanglong Scenic Area
  • Respect Tibetan religious customs
  • Prepare anti-altitude sickness medication
Practical Information
  • Huanglong Scenic Area requires advance ticket purchase
  • Take sun protection measures in high-altitude areas
  • Note the opening hours of each attraction
  • Protect the natural ecological environment
Transportation Guide
  • Direct buses are available from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Songpan
  • Jiuhuang Airport is relatively close to Songpan
  • Pay attention to mountain road safety when self-driving
  • Chartered car or group tour is recommended

Explore Tourism in Aba Prefecture Counties