Songpan Ancient Town, situated in Jin'an Town of Songpan County, is nearly 200 miles from Chengdu (the capital city of Sichuan Province). Historically, it was known as Songzhou Town and was considered the 'West Portal of Sichuan'. Due to its advantageous situation geographically, it functioned as a military base from the time of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It has recently gained a reputation as one of the most interesting historical towns in Sichuan Province.
The history of Songpam Old Town
Upon entering the ancient town, visitors will immediately be impressed by the grand and ancient constructions before them. Although founded in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the city gates and city wall of the town have all been fairly well-preserved through the centuries.
The special culture in Songpan Old Town
Because of its location, four ethnic groups are resident in Songpan Ancient Town including Tibetan, Qiang, Hui and Han. This contributes to the unique cultural style of this ancient town; Kangba Culture, a kind of multi-cultural melding of the four different cultural elements.
The festival in Songpan Old Town
Walking along the ancient roads in the town, visitors will find some exquisite objects and ornaments for sale in the old stores, such as silver bracelets, silver rings, ethnic costumes and horn combs. In addition, unusual and tempting regional products are plentiful including braised male duck with aweto, fritillaria chicken, crispy yam and Jiuzhai mineral water.
If visitors come to Songpan Ancient Town on lunar January 5th, they will coincide with the local temple fair of Zharu Temple. Also worthy of note is the grand religious ceremony, the Mazi Fair, held here annually in May.
Tips: Special Line begins at Chengdu Western Station bus station. The bus goes through Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Wenchuan, Maoxian County and Songpan, a total distance of 249 miles.
RSS |
