Jiuzhaigou is famous for its dazzling turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and pristine alpine forests. For many travelers, the park is the highlight of a trip to Sichuan. Yet beyond the famous scenery lies a region filled with centuries of culture, frontier history, and mountain traditions: Songpan Ancient Town and Taoping Qiang Village.
Both are often visited on the journey between Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou, but they are far more than simple rest stops. Songpan reveals the legacy of a historic trading gateway between Tibet and China, while Taoping preserves the unique architecture and traditions of the ancient Qiang people.
If you’re planning a trip to Jiuzhaigou, these two places provide a meaningful cultural detour that complements the region’s natural wonders.
Songpan Ancient Town: The West Portal of Sichuan
Sitting at nearly 3,000 meters, Songpan (formerly Songzhou) was the historic frontier between the Han Chinese Empire and the Tibetan Plateau.
The Ming Walls: While much of the inner town was rebuilt in the 1980s, the City Walls are the real deal. Walking the 6.2km perimeter at sunset gives you a panoramic view of the Minjiang River and the snowy peaks of Xuebaoding.
The Cultural Intersection: Stand at the North Gate, and you’ll see the statue of Princess Wencheng. This is where Tibetan, Qiang, Hui (Muslim), and Han cultures have traded yak butter and tea for centuries. Don’t miss the Gusong Bridge for a quiet moment watching the turbulent river pass through the city gates.
The Local Alternative: If you find the main park crowds too much, Songpan is the gateway to Munigou Valley. It features calcified waterfalls similar to but with a fraction of the visitors.
Taoping Qiang Village: The “Oriental Castle”
Located just 160km from Chengdu, Taoping is unlike any other “ancient town” in China. Built in 111 BC, it was designed as a fortress for the Qiang people, the “People of the Clouds.”
The Labyrinth: The village is a literal maze of 31 interconnected stone lanes. It was designed so that an invading army would get lost within minutes, while locals could move through secret rooftop passages and underground tunnels.
Ancient Air Conditioning: Look down at the stone floors. You’ll see small wooden grates. These are part of a 2,000-year-old underground water system that draws snowmelt from the mountains to cool the houses and provide fire protection.
The 2026 Strategy: Most tours only visit the “New Taoping” (the reconstructed area by the parking lot). To find the “Quiet,” pay the 60 RMB to enter the Old Village. Hire a local Qiang grandmother as a guide; her keys will open the 30-meter-high stone watchtowers that have survived dozens of earthquakes.
How to Get There
The logistics of reaching these towns changed forever in late 2025.
High-Speed Rail: You can now take a bullet train from Chengdu East to Songpan Station in just 2 hours. From the station, a 2 RMB local bus or 10 RMB taxi takes you to the ancient city gates.
The Taoping Gap: Taoping does not have its own high-speed station yet. The best “Quiet” way to visit is driving from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, stopping at Taoping for lunch and a 2-hour exploration.
Timing: If you are heading to Jiuzhaigou, spend your first night in Songpan. It is the perfect altitude “step-up” (2,850m) to help your body adjust before heading higher.
Tips: What to Know before You Visit
To visit these villages ethically in 2026, keep these nuances in mind:
The White Stone: You will see white quartz stones on the corners of Qiang roofs. These are sacred symbols of their sun god. Please do not touch or move them.
Authentic Souvenirs: In Songpan, look for the hand-hammered copper ware or authentic yak yogurt (usually sold in plain glass jars). It is significantly higher quality than the mass-produced “Panda” trinkets sold near the park gates.
Conclusion: Slowing Down the Journey
The “Quiet” traveler knows that the destination is only half the story. By spending a day in the stone labyrinths of Taoping or on the ramparts of Songpan, you gain the cultural context that makes the lakes of Jiuzhaigou feel like more than just a photo op.
