How to get to Songpan

The ancient walled city of Songpan, located in the picturesque Sichuan province, attracts travellers with its rich history and unique architecture. If you are planning a trip to China, it is important to know in advance how to get to Songpan to choose the most convenient route. You can reach this colourful destination in various ways: by taking a flight, travelling by train or bus, or embarking on a journey by car along the mountain roads.

For those who value their time, air travel is the optimal choice. The nearest transport hub is Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH), located directly within the county, approximately 25 kilometres from the historical centre of Songpan.

The airport receives regular flights from Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, and Beijing. It is worth noting that the airport is situated in a high-altitude area, offering breathtaking views of the mountain ranges upon landing. From the terminal, you can quickly reach the ancient city walls by taxi or a dedicated airport bus, making this route the most comfortable for tourists.

The transport accessibility of the region has improved dramatically. Thanks to the opening of a high-speed railway section in 2024, travellers can now reach the highlands with maximum comfort, enjoying the views from the window of a modern express train.

The most convenient method is to take a high-speed train from Chengdu. Trains arrive at the newly built Songpan station or the neighbouring Huanglongjiuzhai station. The journey takes about 2 hours, which is significantly faster than travelling by car. From the railway station, you can quickly reach the historical city centre and hotels by taxi or local bus.

If you prefer more complex routes or could not purchase a direct ticket, transit through neighbouring major cities remains an option. You can travel by rail to Mianyang, Guangyuan, or Longnan stations, and then transfer to an intercity bus. However, please note that such a journey will take much longer and require a transfer to road transport to overcome the final mountain section.

A bus journey to Songpan allows you to enjoy the authentic landscapes of the province and observe life in the Chinese countryside. A popular route runs from Mianyang: the road is about 300 kilometres long, takes an average of 5–6 hours, and passes through picturesque valleys. There are also regular services from Guangyuan, where the journey along the mountain serpentines will take a little longer but will reward travellers with impressive views.

For those travelling from the north, a convenient option is a trip from Longnan city, located in the neighbouring Gansu province. Covering a distance of approximately 240 kilometres usually requires about 4–5 hours of driving along winding roads. Most intercity buses arrive at the main bus station, which is within walking distance of the historic fortress walls, making it very convenient for tourists with luggage.

Travelling by car to the ancient walls of Songpan turns into a true panoramic tour of the Sichuan mountain serpentines, allowing you to stop at the most scenic points of the route. The trip from Mianyang will take about 5–6 hours to cover approximately 300 kilometres, while the 330-kilometre journey from Guangyuan will require about 6–7 hours of driving.

The shortest route for road travellers lies from the north, from the Longnan side: the distance of 240 kilometres is usually covered in 4–5 hours. Since self-driving without a Chinese driving licence is not possible for visitors, tourists often hire a car with a driver or book an intercity taxi. The cost, depending on the distance and your negotiation skills, can vary from 800 to 1500 RMB.

A trip to high-altitude Songpan promises unforgettable impressions but requires some preparation due to the specific nature of the region. To ensure your visit to this ancient city is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled several important practical recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The city is located at an altitude of about 3,000 metres, so the weather here is changeable even in summer. It can be warm during the day, but the temperature drops sharply in the evening. Be sure to bring a warm jacket, a sweater, and comfortable waterproof shoes, as you will be walking a lot on cobblestones and possibly mountain trails.
2. Transport. The historical centre within the fortress walls is compact and best explored on foot. For trips to distant natural attractions, it is most convenient to hire a taxi or arrange a private driver, as the schedule of local buses can be unpredictable for a tourist.
3. Finances. International cards are rarely accepted in small shops and local eateries. The most reliable payment method is Alipay or WeChat Pay apps linked to your card. Nevertheless, always keep a supply of cash (RMB) with you in case of connection failures or for purchases from street vendors.
4. Health and Safety. The main nuance is the risk of altitude sickness. In the first few days, try not to overexert yourself and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It is recommended to bring a personal first aid kit with familiar medicines, as the assortment in local pharmacies differs, and the language barrier may prevent you from explaining symptoms.
5. Communication. Very few people in Songpan speak English; mostly only staff at large hotels. For communication on the street, in a taxi, or at a café, be sure to install a good offline translator on your smartphone that supports voice input and photo translation.
6. Local Etiquette. China is a country with deep traditions, and this region is home to many ethnic Tibetans and Hui Muslims. You will find Halal food options easily available here. Please show respect for local customs: always ask for permission before photographing people (especially monks or residents in national costumes), and do not point fingers at objects or people.
7. What to Avoid. Do not drink tap water—this may lead to an upset stomach; use only bottled or boiled water. Also, be careful with street food: Sichuan cuisine is very spicy. If you are not accustomed to it, ask the chef to make the dish "bu la" (not spicy).
8. Horse Riding. Songpan is famous for its horse trekking tours in the mountains. If you decide to go on such an adventure, wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty, and be sure to use sunscreen—at high altitudes, UV radiation is very active even in cloudy weather.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and fully focus on immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of the old city. Proper preparation will make your stay in the mountains of Sichuan safe and full of only pleasant discoveries.