Songpan Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Huanglong Valley

The next stop after Jiuzhaigou would be the Huanglong Valley, another scenic area in the northwest part of Sichuan, China. Really enjoying the fresh air and the mountain climbing session carrying my 10kg of photography equipment (not that high though) up 3576m above sea level. A must to see is the Wucai (Five Colored) Pond, covering an area of 21,000 sqm, also known as the largest cluster of open-air calcified 693 colorful ponds. #travelinspiration #sichuan #nationalpark #landscapephotography #travelphotography #huanglong #travelwithgeo #chinatravel #ThisIsChina

Visiting Huanglong during National Day

Getting There - Airplane/Car Attractions - Waterfalls, Lake, Pond, Mountain walkway Hotels - Near the scenic spot there is a hotel Food & Restaurants - Some stalls and fast food is available outside the scenic area Shopping - Near the scenic area entrance there are some shops. We visited the Huanglong Valley Scenic area during the Chinese National Holiday. That wasn't really a smart choice. There were a lot (really a lot) of people there. Actually there are 2 possibilities to enter the park. There is the lower side entrance, which is located right next to the ticket office. If you choose this entrance, you will have to walk the wooden pathway up to the mountain top. Or, you can do as we did, we started and climbed until we were comfortable with the oxygen. Because of the high elevation of the park, you need to take an oxygen tank. I think you can buy oxygen tanks at the scenic area too. We were traveling with a 4 years old and a 6 years old. So we decided we will visit as much as we can and as long as we feel comfortable So we did not hurried, took rests several times, enjoyed the views and took pictures. You need an actual ticket to get into the park. So if you booked the ticket ahead, you need to go to the ticket office to get your actual ticket. You can't enter just with your passport. The other entrance we did not visit. From the ticket office you take a bus to cable car. When you reach the cable car, it will take you right up to the top of the mountain. You make sure you have the oxygen tank with you. Most of the people prefer to visit the park this way, so they walk down the mountain. During the Chinese National Holiday there were never ending queues at the bus stop and at the cable car entrance. Almost nobody took the lower entrance. So if you don't mind walkin your way up the mountain, you can easily enter by the entrance next to the ticket office. There are no food stalls inside the park, so make sure you bring you snack. #nationalpark #huanglong #sichuannature

Huanglong National Park

Getting There - Jiuzhaigou Aiport or bus from Chengdu. Attractions - Huanglong National Park Hotels Ajimu Guest House   Food & Restaurants - Local Restaurants Second National Park visit after Jiuzhaigou. Absolutely terrific. The pools are amazing. A good walk round taking the cable car up as we had to save time with arriving late. Worth it to do both national parks in North Sichuan. #summervacation#urbanexplorer

The local Yaochi-Huanglong Scenic Area Huanglong Scenic Area is known as the four musts of colored pools, snow mountains, canyons and forests. Together with the beaches, ancient temples and folk customs, it is called seven musts. The richly colored surface travertine landscape is the main landscape of Huanglong Scenic Area, such as the colorful pool, calcified beach pool, contending pool, bonsai pool, and the scenery is especially beautiful, which makes me sink into it. Huanglong Scenic Area has an average elevation of over 3,000. Friends with high anti-remembers remember to prepare Rhodiola. The entire scenic area is too large, suitable for 1-2 days of play. Wucai and Huanglong Temple are sure to go. Location Address: The southern section of the Lushan Mountain Range in Songpan County, A Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in northern Sichuan Province, which is the transitional zone from the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the Sichuan Basin. . scenic spot tickets: 190 yuan / person in the peak season, 80 yuan / person in the off-season. The cable car goes up 80 yuan / person, down 40 yuan / person. Opening time of the scenic spot: March 21st - November 14th (peak season) 08

Huanglong's Five-Color Pond, a palette

It felt like it was going to rain in the morning when I left the house, but it turned out to be sunny at the door, very encouraging The highest altitude Five-Color Pond in Huanglong and Huanglonghou Temple . The altitude of Huanglong's Five-Color Pond is 3900 meters. The Five-Color Pond is the highest point of Huanglong Scenic Area, and some people may experience altitude sickness when they reach this spot. The Five-Color Pond is a group of calcified colorful ponds located at the upper end of Huanglong Scenic Area, with a total of 693 calcified ponds, and is one of the famous attractions. In the gully between the mountains, there are countless calcified colorful ponds. During the deposition process of calcium carbonate, it forms different quality calcified bodies with various organic and inorganic substances. These calcified colorful ponds of different sizes are spread out in a step-like manner, spreading layer by layer. The water is clear and transparent, the color is rich, and it gradually changes from the center to the surroundings, emerald green, light blue, sapphire blue, powder blue, goose yellow, milky white, it's extremely colorful and clear, just like a palette left in the world by heaven.

You WONT believe these CALCIUM POOLS exist😱

Five-colored calcium pools in Sichuan, China😍 Located in the north west part of Sichuan, the Huanglong scenic area is known for its colorful travertine pools formed by calcite deposits. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992 because its outstanding travertine formations, limestone formations, and travertine terraces rank top three in the world! Tourists can visit the site by driving around 400km from Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan. Although, because there are no highways and the roads are quite bumpy, the drive will take around 8 hours. Despite the adventure to get there, the pools do not disappoint! It was such a breathtaking and unforgettable sight to see.

I still remember the "Colorful Pool" in the elementary school textbook. I still remember the illustration. After growing up, I gradually became familiar with the colorful pool is the Huanglong Scenic Area. Autumn is thick, and the forest is full of dyed. The original Yaochi is not in the sky, in the world.

Explore the Mystery of Huanglong's Calcite Pools - Nature's Palette

🌟Travel Tips: Take the cable car straight to the clouds, then relax on a sightseeing bus to easily embark on a journey to a fairyland🚀. On the way down, why not take a 3-4 hour hike to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Calcite Pools with every step👣. 1⃣ 🏔Magnificent Calcite Pools, hidden in the secret realms of Western Sichuan! This magical place in Huanglong County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is carved from calcite into an unparalleled underwater palace. The surface of the pools reflects the blue sky and green forests like a mirror, creating a beauty so surreal yet within reach. 2⃣ 🎨A kaleidoscope of colors, a visual feast! The unique calcite terrain has created countless ever-changing colorful pools. Under the sunlight, they shimmer with the luster of gemstones, red, orange, yellow, green, blue - every step reveals a new scene, as if stepping into a dreamy fairy tale kingdom. 3⃣ 🌿Ecological protection, a paradise of biodiversity! Huanglong's Calcite Pools are not only a geological wonder but also a treasure trove of natural ecology. Here, the agile figures of golden monkeys and the splendid blooming of exotic flowers and plants compose an ode to life. 4⃣ 🌲Humans and nature, a model of harmonious coexistence. Huanglong's Calcite Pools teach us to revere the beauty of nature while also demonstrating the importance of ecological protection. Every step is taken in harmony, and the soul is truly purified here. 📍Essential Tips: A ticket to Huanglong including the cable car is only 250 yuan💰, remember that the sightseeing bus ticket is 20 yuan each, available in limited quantities (daily limit of 5000 tickets, hurry!🏃‍♀🏃‍♂), it is recommended to book three days in advance! 💫 Huanglong's Calcite Pools, a natural feast not to be missed, invites you to witness the miracles of the Earth and feel the purity and awe. Pack your bags and let's set off on a romantic date with nature!💑

Blue-Greenish Lake in Mounigou Valley

In Songpan (Aba Prefecture), Sichuan province, there is this nice lake inside Mounigou valley. 🏞️ It's a scenic area, where you can walk around and enjoy the nature. One day is enough, start in the morning and finish in the afternoon. There are some nice routes and you can choose between a short and a long route. 🚗 It's exactly 300km from Chengdu, it takes you about 6hours to arrive at Mounigou. In summer busses are available from Chengdu. 🕜 Open from 8am to 5pm, you can stay a little longer if you're already inside. 🎟️ Ticket is around 80RMB, discounts available #bucketlistreboot #mounigouvalley #aba #sichuan #hiking #nature

Muni Valley - The Unexpected Beauty of the Journey

Due to a travel companion's altitude sickness headache, we gave up on Huanglong and turned to Muni Valley instead, but I really don't regret it. We set off at eight in the morning, just as last night's snow hadn't melted, and were treated to a beautiful journey of sunshine, snow-capped peaks, and coffee-like scenery, with forests, grass mats, waterfalls, and plank roads, all filled with small yet exquisite views, experiencing the fantasy of a snowy May. The scenic area charges 70 per person, and you can drive directly in, stopping as you wish along the way, and walking the plank roads to the waterfalls. Since most people on this route are heading to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, the Muni scenic area is very, very quiet, comfortable, and not tiring. We played and walked for 3 hours, and in the afternoon headed to Jiuzhaigou, making it a nice stopover.

Mounigou in Northern Sichuan, an underrated scenic spot

If it weren't so close to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, it would definitely receive more attention. But the splendor of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong is so outstanding that visitors naturally prefer to go to the top-ranked places. Even though the second-ranked is also beautiful, it still gets few visitors. The area of Mounigou is vast, and the main developed areas are Erdaohai and Zhaga Waterfall. Erdaohai is known for its forests and lakes, with landscapes similar to Jiuzhaigou, while the travertine waterfalls at Zhaga Waterfall are more reminiscent of Huanglong. It's like a 'mini Jiuzhaigou' and 'mini Huanglong'. And there are almost 'zero tourists'. Do you know how awesome that is? Vast forests and grasslands seem to be prepared just for you alone. Occasionally, you can see horses grazing. Strolling around is just so cool, with no people! Really, no people!!

Mouni Gorge, the majestic Zhaga Waterfall, and the clear Erdaohai

Mouni Gorge is only about ten kilometers away from Songpan County, and is composed of Zhaga and Erdaohai two scenic spots. It is very convenient to drive from Songpan County. After crossing the Mouni Gorge Bridge, go to the Zhaga Waterfall on the left and Erdaohai on the right. Tickets can only be bought online, but in fact, each scenic spot can be bought separately. You can drive directly to the entrance of the pedestrian plank road in the Zhaga Waterfall Scenic Area, which is very convenient. After a heavy rain last night, the water volume of the Zhaga Waterfall surged, and the momentum was majestic. When you reach the top of the waterfall, you can see the waterfall's energy piercing the rainbow, pouring down, which is quite shocking. The only regret is that the water has become as turbid as the Yellow River, losing its usual clarity. Erdaohai Scenic Area is mainly for viewing alpine lakes, with Toudao Sea, Erdaohai, Emerald Lianli Pool, Emerald Lake, etc., which can be compared with the water of Jiuzhai. Mouni Gorge is a very niche scenic spot with few people and beautiful scenery. It lacks the crowds of Huanglong and Jiuzhai, and has a unique tranquility. The ticket is only 100, compared to its scenery, it is great value!

Qicanggou Its tranquility and mystery are fascinating

Once upon a time, in our hearts, if there was a fairy-tale dreamland, it would definitely be Qicanggou! Wondering where 'Qicanggou' is? It is located to the north of Chuanzhusi Town, adjacent to Huanglong Airport, and is part of the back mountain of the famous Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong scenic areas. This area covers about fifty square kilometers, gathering various beautiful scenes of mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas. Especially the lakes in Qicanggou, like a string of pearls, form this classic hiking route. Among them, Changhaizi is known as 'the eyes of the ghost', and its tranquility and mystery are captivating. Cao Hai - this is a typical plateau wetland, while the Emerald Shuanghaizi are like two green gems sparkling. The Hongxing Haizi is shaped like a pentagram, beautiful and unique. This classic hiking route in Western Sichuan is of moderate difficulty, especially beautiful in autumn, and very suitable for beginner hikers. The entire route is about 68 kilometers long, with a difficulty rating of three stars, the highest altitude being 4250M (Emerald Sea Pass), and a total ascent of 1350M. It is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and people with some experience in plateau travel. Below, I recommend the best route for everyone: 1. Chengdu-Wenchuan-Songpan-Chuanzhusi 2. Then depart from Chuanzhusi to Kaka Valley entrance 3. At Kaka Valley entrance, we will proceed to Niupengzi and then reach Changhaizi 4. After Changhaizi Pass, we will pass through the abandoned pasture to reach Yuhai Zi Camp 5. After Yuhai Zi Camp, we will head to Cao Hai, then reach Hongxing Hai, and camp overnight at Hongxing Hai Camp 6. The next day, we will depart from Hongxing Hai Camp, head towards Emerald Sea Pass, and finally reach Emerald Shuanghaizi Camp 7. Finally, return to Tazi Valley Camp and continue back to Chengdu I hope you can fully experience the fairy-tale beauty and mystery on this trip.

From a distance, it resembles the shape of a 'peach heart', hidden in a mountain hollow at an altitude of 3900m

Red Star Sea: The sacred lake of Qizang Valley From a distance, it resembles the shape of a 'peach heart', nestled in a mountain hollow at an altitude of 3900m and surrounded by mountains. The area is strewn with rocks, and snow-capped mountains can be seen when looking up. Changhaizi: A lake in Qizang Valley with a soul, the lake surface is very long, about 3km, and the water is clear and rippling, hence it is also known as 'the eye of the spirit'. Standing in front of Changhaizi can take one's breath away with its stunning beauty. Yuhai Zi: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is named for the abundance of a type of high mountain fine-scale fish. At night, the cosmic starry sky is shockingly beautiful. Caohai Zi: A typical plateau wetland. Due to geological movements, the lake has dried up, and now the lakebed is covered with various types of flowers and plants, resembling a fairyland. Here, the 'Min River cold water fish' can be found, growing up to 18cm in length, very rare and precious, belonging to the feast of lakes in Western Sichuan. Tips: 2. The altitude is quite high, be aware of altitude sickness. 3. There are many loose stones, use a walking stick to probe unclear paths. 4. Do not cross Jiuzhaigou/Huanglong, if caught, you will face a hefty fine. 5. There is no waste disposal capacity here, please take all your trash with you. 6. Don't worry about missing the scenery if you don't complete the whole journey; even a partial trek will offer different views during the hiking trip.

The stunning Jiuzhaigou Qicanggou is the perfect destination for the National Day holiday

Qicanggou is located in the northern part of Songpan County, Aba, behind the Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou scenic areas. The greatest charm of the scenic area lies in its pristine beauty, which allows visitors to experience the spectacular sights of nature. ~ Attractions Introduction: 1. In Qicanggou Scenic Area, you can see the most pristine landscapes. The area mainly includes attractions such as Kaka Valley, Aweng Valley, and Hongxing Valley. In addition, the natural landscapes like Changhaizi and Aweng Valley Grass Sea are also incredibly beautiful, with each spot being uniquely remarkable. 2. Qicanggou, with its deep grass and dense forests, towering peaks, is most charming for its primitiveness and tranquility. The scenery along the way is intoxicating, making it a holy land eagerly sought after by hiking and photography enthusiasts. It also allows visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and appreciate the most beautiful scenery in the world. ~ Transportation: Self-driving: Drive on G213 towards Jiuzhaigou and Songpan, and after reaching Chuanzhusi Town, head towards Huanglong Airport and Hongxing Rock. By bus: It is recommended to take a bus to Chuanzhusi Town first, and then hire a car or find a local outdoor club to go there.

Sichuan Qicang Gorge

Sichuan Qicang Gorge This scenic spot is just behind Jiuzhaigou, but few people know. The scenery is magnificent, the stream is gurgling, very quiet and beautiful. Qicang Gorge

Chengdu 3h | Stay in a fairy tale forest cabin at the foot of the sacred mountain Xuebaoding

| Stay in a fairy tale forest cabin at the foot of the sacred mountain Xuebaoding. Are you still squeezing among the crowds in Dujiangyan and Wenchuan on weekends? No, no, no! Come to this fairy tale world! Relax and take an easy 3h trip to Western Sichuan‼️ Even encountered a snowfall, it's so beautiful! . ——👍🏻Recommended Reason ✔️Less than 3h from Chengdu, you'll arrive at a secluded and undisturbed secret spot! ✔️At the foot of the sacred mountain Xuebaoding, a fairy tale world surrounded by snow mountains and forests🌳! ✔️Forest cabins, a scenic star-gazing main building, and a 270° panoramic restaurant, truly living in the scenery! ✔️Next to the homestay is a river formed by melting snow from the mountains and a tranquil jungle, perfect for hiking! ✔️On the vast meadows, leisurely cows, horses, and wild boars! ✔️In the nearby forest, there are also 🐼 giant pandas and golden monkeys! . 💌 Stayed for two days and one night over the weekend, and the snowfall on the second day was stunning! Some say that even in spring, Western Sichuan can suddenly have snowfalls❄️, so this spring, you must come here! Experience the transition between winter and spring, and the intoxicating snow scenery. . 🏨Guanghe and Clouds·Xuebaoding Homestay 📍Shangnami Village, Daxing Township, Songpan County, Aba Prefecture . ——Travel Tips 🚄Transportation It is recommended to travel by high-speed train, which is super convenient. ❶High-speed train, 1.5h+, Chengdu➠Zhenjiangguan, 116 yuan; ❷Car, about 1h, the homestay provides a shuttle service, more than 4 people in one car, 50 yuan/person; less than 4 people, 200 yuan/car. 📸Photo Spots ❶Cabins, forests, and the forest behind the cabins ❷Take a wide shot of the cabin from the restaurant stairs ❸Swings and cattle and sheep on the meadow ❹A viewing platform near the homestay, overlooking the entire snow mountain 🥩Meals The homestay has a restaurant, offering stir-fries, hot pots, and barbecues, remember to book in advance with the housekeeper. There are no supermarkets nearby, so prepare bottled water and snacks. . ——📆Two-Day Trip Itinerary Around Chengdu D1 Chengdu—Songpan—Homestay D2 Hiking—Relaxing at the Homestay—Chengdu If you have more time, you can take a free shuttle bus from the high-speed train station to Songpan Ancient Town, or take a bus to Jiuzhaigou. . 📌tips 1) The altitude is 3300 meters, be aware of altitude sickness; 2) There is a big temperature difference between day and night, so bring warm clothes and a hat; 3) Nearby attractions: Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Mounigou, Songpinggou, etc.

Pretend to be abroad, move into the forest starry sky tree house under the snow mountain, and experience the surprise brought by the snow

Songpan Light and Cloud Homestay is located in the upper Nami village of Songpan, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, at an altitude of 3200 meters, like a pearl in the forest, it is an ideal place for travelers to get close to nature and experience Tibetan customs. Design The design of the homestay is ingenious, the irregular polyhedron shape echoes the opposite sacred mountain "Xuebaoding". The insulation material and warming measures of the tree house can also feel the warmth of home in the cold winter, the moderate shielding ensures your privacy, and also increases the design sense, integrating nature and humanities into one, feeling the charm of nature and the unique charm of Tibetan culture. Room The homestay consists of 7 independent small wooden houses, facing the Xuebaoding snow mountain, surrounded by primitive forests, each tree house has different sizes of houses, the indoor net height is 5.3 meters, there are living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. The insulation material and warming measures of the tree house make the indoor temperature reach 28°, here, you can enjoy the invincible scenery, feel private and comfortable. Food Sit down in the snow mountain restaurant and taste the delicious food cooked with local ingredients, follow the housekeeper to experience the local life in the Tibetan family, taste the Tibetan yak hot pot, and sit around the fire with the villagers to roast meat and drink. Tibetans are naturally bold and will not be restrained. Everyone sings and dances together, feeling the charm of Tibetan culture. Surroundings Nami Village is located at the end of this road, 51 Tibetan households are scattered along the river, in the distance is Xuebaoding, showing sharp peaks, majestic and majestic, this is the must-pass place to climb Xuebaoding to the base camp, Xuebaoding is also known as Xuebaoding, with an altitude of 5588 meters, the north side of the peak is the Huanglong Scenic Area, which is as famous as Jiuzhaigou, and is known as "the fairyland on earth". Around Xuebaoding, Huagreen Erhai, Huya Canyon, Danyun Gorge, etc. are also famous in the outdoor circle. Precautions The plateau mountain climate, strong ultraviolet rays, please prepare sun protection items, if you have plans for outdoor activities such as horse riding and hiking, it is recommended that you wear hats, gloves and anti-slip and waterproof outdoor shoes, the temperature difference at the location of Light and Cloud Xuebaoding is large. It is recommended to prepare thin down jackets in May-June and September-October, prepare thick coats in July-August, prepare thick down jackets in November-April, prepare for the cold, friends who drive by themselves in winter, please do not drive diesel cars, diesel is easy to freeze, it is recommended to drive gasoline cars, it is recommended to bring anti-skid chains.

Move into the worry-free valley cabin in the cloud and lie on the bed to see the snow mountain

'Pine Climb·Light and Cloud Tree House' This is a small village of the Ando Tibetans where it is quiet, beautiful, and simple... possessing the 'wealth' that the city does not have Snow mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, grasslands... 7 lovely tree houses and Tibetan-style main buildings are built at the foot of the sacred mountain Xuebao Ding One facing the snow mountain, one accompanying the forest, as if the fairy tale world between the Alps harmoniously integrates into the Tibetan village Irregular polyhedral tree houses are scattered around the grassland, built with locally common materials such as stones and pine wood The surface of the tree house has turned into metallic gray after long-term ultraviolet radiation, leaving traces of time, and it fits more with the forest The tree house faces the snow mountain or the grassland So a whole glass door and window are designed on the front, bringing the scenery into the room. Sitting on the sofa in the living room, you can see the distant Xuebao Ding, the lush forest, the magnificent waterfall, or the grassland where the horses are running. It is all these that make light and clouds a unique existence