Songpan - Sichuan Province

Often used as a stopover point for those on their way to the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve, Songpan is also a good spot for those who wish to organise horse trekking. The town itself is fairly relaxed but does have a lively downtown offering Tibetan souvenirs and is also notable for an array of well preserved old wooden buildings.

Historically Songpan has been the western gateway to Sichuan Province and, due to its advantageous geographical position, has functioned as a military base since the Tang Dynasty. Although founded in the Tang Dynasty, and rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the city gates and city walls have been fairly well-preserved throughout the centuries and make an interesting feature for today's visitors. Otherwise this small rural town, in the Tibetan part of Northern Sichuan, makes a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside. The proximity to Jiuzhaigou, yet comparative lack of tourists, makes a stop here well worth the extra effort. Treks ranging from half a day anywhere up to 12 days can be arranged from Songpan and quite often the chosen mode of transportation is horseback.