SONGPAN Ancient Town
in Jin'an Town, Songpan County, China.
Due to its strategic location, Songpan has functioned as a military base since the Tang Dynasty. The Min River runs through it, and the town is filled with grand and ancient buildings and considered one of the most interesting historical towns in Sichuan Province. Songpan was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and so the city gates and protective wall are well-preserved. The inner city has five gates, and the outer city has two. The gates are built of flagstone, some of which are embellished with delicate engravings. The outer city wall is approximately 4 miles long and more than 33 feet high. It is constructed of giant blue bricks that measure 20 inches long by 10 inches wide by 5 inches thick. It is interesting to know that the bricks are made of sticky rice, lime, and wood oil, and each weighs 7 pounds.
At the entrance to one of the gates, the celebrated ancient love story of Princess Wencheng and the Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo is depicted by a giant stone statue of them.
Four ethnic groups are residents here--Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, and Han--giving this ancient town a unique multi-cultural style. Ancient stores sell precious objects such as silver bracelets and rings, ethnic costumes, and horn combs, but also sell inexpensive and lovely souvenirs (I bought a lovely floral pashmina shawl for under $5).
Unusual regional foods include braised male duck with aweto, fritillaria chicken, crispy yam, dried mushroom, and Jiuzhai mineral water.
One of my favorite things here was viewing the many unusual and interesting vehicles.
Each year, the fair of Zharu Temple is held on January 5, and the grand religious ceremony Mazi Fair is held in May.
More Jiuzhaigou Valley Area Sights.
Things to do in nearby Chengdu.
Best souvenirs of China.
More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.
images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
 |
| main street in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China |
Due to its strategic location, Songpan has functioned as a military base since the Tang Dynasty. The Min River runs through it, and the town is filled with grand and ancient buildings and considered one of the most interesting historical towns in Sichuan Province. Songpan was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and so the city gates and protective wall are well-preserved. The inner city has five gates, and the outer city has two. The gates are built of flagstone, some of which are embellished with delicate engravings. The outer city wall is approximately 4 miles long and more than 33 feet high. It is constructed of giant blue bricks that measure 20 inches long by 10 inches wide by 5 inches thick. It is interesting to know that the bricks are made of sticky rice, lime, and wood oil, and each weighs 7 pounds.
 |
| inner city gate in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China |
At the entrance to one of the gates, the celebrated ancient love story of Princess Wencheng and the Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo is depicted by a giant stone statue of them.
 |
| statue of Princess Wencheng and Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China |
Four ethnic groups are residents here--Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, and Han--giving this ancient town a unique multi-cultural style. Ancient stores sell precious objects such as silver bracelets and rings, ethnic costumes, and horn combs, but also sell inexpensive and lovely souvenirs (I bought a lovely floral pashmina shawl for under $5).
 |
| shopkeeper in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China |
Unusual regional foods include braised male duck with aweto, fritillaria chicken, crispy yam, dried mushroom, and Jiuzhai mineral water.
 |
| street food stands in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China |
 |
| cakes in bakery in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China |
One of my favorite things here was viewing the many unusual and interesting vehicles.
 |
| vehicle in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China |
 |
| vehicle in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China |
 |
| cozy motorcycle in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China |
Each year, the fair of Zharu Temple is held on January 5, and the grand religious ceremony Mazi Fair is held in May.
More Jiuzhaigou Valley Area Sights.
Things to do in nearby Chengdu.
Best souvenirs of China.
More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.
images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Hi Carole. You have had SO many amazing adventures in China. What has been the most difficult thing for you to experience (or stomach)?
ReplyDeleteAll of these adventures were on one trip! The worst thing was the toilets in the hinterlands. OMG. You don't want details!
DeleteThanks for yet another survey of a town I'd like to get to. Only have spent three weeks in China, and the country is so big. Szechwan will definitely have to be on the itinerary next time.
ReplyDeleteYes, you could spend a lifetime exploring this vast country.
DeleteChina is on my Bucket List. Reading your post makes me want to go even more!! Thank you for sharing your adventure!
ReplyDeleteSongpan was not on our itinerary for our last (and only) trip to China, but it looks like a fascinating city. Szechwan is known for having especially spicy food. Do you like spicy? Or were you able to get less spicy food?
ReplyDeleteSince I was traveling with a group, I ate from what was put on the table. I do like spicy, but mild dishes were also offered.
Delete