Songpan to Jiuzhaigou?
Hello taking the high speed train from Chengdu to Songpan station. Any place worth visiting when I am Songpan station? Any direct bus from Songpan station to Jiuzhaigou park? If I decide to go Huanglong, any bus from Songpan to Huanglongjuzhai station? Thank you
Songpan is a charming historic town located in the north of Sichuan province, known for its well-preserved ancient city walls, Tibetan culture, and beautiful natural scenery. If you have some time after arriving at Songpan station, there are a few notable places worth visiting nearby before heading to Jiuzhaigou.
- Songpan Ancient Town: The old town itself is worth a stroll. You can see traditional Tibetan and Qiang architecture, the city walls, old streets, and small local markets.
- Chadianzi Ancient Military Stockade: Located a few kilometers from Songpan, this is an old military garrison with historical significance, surrounded by scenic mountains and rivers.
- Shuzheng Village (optional short visit): While mainly associated with Jiuzhaigou, if your timing allows, you could make a short stop here on your way.
- Tibetan Culture Experiences: Songpan is a good place to see Tibetan-style temples, try local snacks, and experience the local ethnic culture.
Regarding transportation from Songpan to Jiuzhaigou, there are a few options:
- Direct bus from Songpan to Jiuzhaigou Park: There are regular tourist buses from Songpan to Jiuzhaigou. The journey typically takes around 3–4 hours. Buses usually depart in the morning from the Songpan bus station near the town center, so it’s recommended to check the latest schedule a day before departure.
- Private transfer or taxi: For more flexibility, you can hire a private car from Songpan to Jiuzhaigou, which may take slightly less time depending on traffic.
If you plan to visit Huanglong Scenic Area, the transportation is slightly more limited:
- Bus from Songpan to Huanglongjuzhai: There is no frequent direct public bus from Songpan to Huanglongjuzhai. Most travelers take a bus from Songpan to Jiuzhaigou and then transfer to Huanglong via tour buses or arrange a private car.
- Alternative route: You can go from Songpan to Jiuzhaigou first, then take the official Huanglong shuttle bus from Jiuzhaigou town (or nearby hotels) to Huanglong Scenic Area. This is the more common route used by travelers.
In summary, Songpan itself is worth a half-day or day visit if you arrive early. Direct bus service to Jiuzhaigou is available and convenient, but going to Huanglong from Songpan usually requires an indirect route via Jiuzhaigou.
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