[2025 Songpan Attraction] Travel Guide for Chuanzhusizhen (Updated Jul)

After a 6-hour drive from Chengdu, I finally arrived at Chuanzhusi Temple, hidden deep in the Min Mountains. This Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary, locally known as "Little Lhasa," was even more pristine than imagined—free from commercial hustle, with only the hum of prayer wheels, fluttering prayer flags, and the sacred blessing of distant snow-capped mountains. Here, I rediscovered long-lost inner peace. 【First Glimpse: The Red Temple Beneath Snowy Peaks】 Arriving at Chuanzhusi Temple at dawn, the temple complex emerged like an ink painting through the mist. The golden roof of the temple shimmered in the morning light, prayer flags danced in the wind, and the air carried the unique blend of butter tea and Tibetan incense. Tips: - Local Tibetans sell handmade prayer beads and thangkas at the temple entrance, cheaper than in tourist areas. - Visit the tourist center first for a free map to understand the temple layout. 【Must-Do Itinerary: Deep Dive into Chuanzhusi】 1. Chuanzhusi Temple Visit (Rating: ★★★★★) - Main Hall: Houses a giant statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, with butter lamps perpetually lit. - Prayer Wheel Corridor: Turn 108 prayer wheels to experience Tibetan Buddhist devotion. - Living Buddha's Residence: Can be viewed from afar but not entered, offering a mysterious vibe. Personal Experience: Joining local Tibetans in turning prayer wheels was the most special experience. Touching the cold copper wheels and hearing their hum, I felt the power of faith. The monks warmly taught the proper way to turn them, making the interaction heartwarming. 2. Hiking Nearby (Rating: ★★★★☆) - Red Army Long March Monument: 15-minute walk, commemorating revolutionary history. - Namo Canyon: 1-hour hike to enjoy canyon views and streams. - Best Time: Early morning or evening for ideal lighting. Hidden Gems: - The hills behind the temple offer a panoramic view of Chuanzhusi Town. - During Tibetan festivals, you can watch traditional Guozhuang dance performances. 3. Niuniu Dam Grassland (Rating: ★★★★★) - 15-minute drive from Chuanzhusi. - Wildflowers in summer, golden meadows in autumn. - Horseback riding available (~¥50/hour). 【Accommodation: Stay in Tibetan Style】 1. Chuanzhusi Grand Hotel (Recommended): - Pros: Convenient location, well-equipped. - Cons: Pricier (¥400-600/night in peak season). 2. Tibetan Homestay (Try "Zhaxi's Home"): - Pros: Authentic Tibetan experience, budget-friendly. - Cons: Basic facilities. 【Practical Guide】 📍 Transportation: - Drive: Chengdu → Wenchuan → Maoxian → Songpan → Chuanzhusi (~350 km). - Bus: Chadianzi Station → Chuanzhusi (~7 hours). - Flight: Chengdu → Jiuhuang Airport (~1 hour), then 40-minute drive. ⏰ Best Time to Visit: - May-October: Pleasant weather, lush scenery. - September-October: Stunning autumn colors, mild temps (5-15°C). 🎫 Tickets: - Chuanzhusi Temple: Free. - Red Army Long March Monument: ¥20/person. 💡 Tips: - No photography inside temples; respect local customs. - Altitude ~3,000m; sun protection and warmth are essential. - Carry small change for butter lamp donations. 【Travel Notes】 These two days at Chuanzhusi felt like a spiritual cleanse. Mornings spent turning prayer wheels with locals and evenings watching the sunset on temple steps brought simple, fulfilling joy—far from urban noise. Special thanks to warm-hearted Zhaxi, who drove us to the grasslands and invited us for authentic Tibetan meals. Such genuine connections made this trip unforgettable. "Chuanzhusi—a sanctuary for the soul." 【Trip.com Tips】 - Meals near the temple are pricey; pack snacks. - Download the "Chuanzhusi Travel" app for real-time crowd updates. - For high-altitude areas, opt for travel insurance with medical coverage. 【Travel Tips】 - Try on traditional Tibetan outfits for photos (~¥80/set). - Local specialties: Butter tea, tsampa, yak meat hotpot. - Souvenirs: Tibetan incense, thangkas, yak jerky. This journey to Chuanzhusi wasn’t just sightseeing—it was a pilgrimage for the soul. If you crave escape and inner peace, this place is worth the trip!

|||Encounter Tibetan and Qiang customs and red memories. Looking for a hidden gem in Sichuan to experience something fresh and beautiful? Chuanzhusi Town is the perfect choice! Here's a guide to exploring the town👇 1. How to get there: You can first arrive in Chengdu, then take a bus to Songpan County and get off at Chuanzhusi Town. You can also choose to drive, enjoying the scenery of western Sichuan along the way. Please pay attention to driving safety on mountain roads. 2. Attractions: In the morning, visit the Red Army Long March Monument Park to commemorate the revolutionary martyrs and experience the red culture. In the afternoon, stroll through Chuanzhusi Town to appreciate the historical charm and architectural beauty of this ancient temple. You can also visit the nearby lavender fields (during the flowering season) and immerse yourself in the romantic sea of flowers. 3. Local specialties: Try the local yak beef hot pot, which is fresh, fragrant, and warming. The qingke cake is crispy and delicious, and it tastes especially good with butter tea. There is also Tibetan yogurt, which is sweet, sour, and appetizing. 4. Accommodation recommendations: You can choose a homestay with Tibetan characteristics to experience the unique decoration style and warm Tibetan hospitality. There are also budget-friendly inns for you to choose from.

Huanglong 1. Introduction to Huanglong Huanglong is located in Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is a world natural heritage and national 5A scenic spot, famous for its unique calcified pools, snow-capped mountains, canyons and forest landscapes. The core attraction, the "Five-Colored Pool", is composed of thousands of calcified colored pools. Under the sun, it looks like a fairyland and is known as the "Fairyland on Earth". The best season to visit is summer and autumn (June-October), when the pool water is at its most colorful. 2. Eat at Huanglong Huanglong is located in the Tibetan-Qiang cultural area, and the food is mainly plateau flavor and Sichuan cuisine: Must-try features: Yak beef hotpot: The meat is tender and can keep you warm. The ancient city yak beef hotpot in Songpan County is recommended. · Butter tea/barley wine: a must-have for Tibetans to entertain guests and experience the authentic plateau flavor. · Tsampa: Fried highland barley flour kneaded into balls, served with milk tea or yogurt. · Potato glutinous rice cake: soft and dense, a daily snack for locals. Restaurant recommendations: Chuanzhusi Town (40 minutes’ drive from Huanglong): Jufuyuan Yak Beef Soup Pot, Plateau Wild Mushroom Soup Pot. Songpan Ancient City: Ma Ji Muslim Restaurant (mutton pilaf). Tips: There are few and expensive dining options in the scenic area. It is recommended to bring your own dry food and enjoy hot food after going down the mountain! 3. Play in Huanglong Core attractions: Five-Color Pool: Located at an altitude of 3,576 meters, the calcified pools present a gradient of blue, green, yellow and white under the sun. Huanglong Temple: An ancient temple from the Ming Dynasty, with snow-capped mountains behind it and a panoramic view of the Five-Colored Pond. · Golden sand paving: The 1.3-kilometer-long golden calcified beach looks like a "dragon's back". · Colorful pools: more than 700 pools are densely distributed, with colorful pools competing with each other. Tour route: Cableway + hiking (recommended): Take the cableway (80 yuan) to Wanglongping → hike for 2 hours to Wucai Pool → walk down the mountain to visit the attractions along the way. Full hike: Scenic area entrance → Welcoming Pool → Waterfall → Colorful Pool (about 4 hours, high physical requirements). · Nearby joint tours: Jiuzhaigou Valley (2 hours’ drive): It is known as one of the “two wonders of western Sichuan” along with Huanglong Valley. It has stunning red leaves in autumn. Munigou (in Songpan County): a small secret place, Zhaga Waterfall and Erdaohai primeval forest. Songpan Ancient City: An important frontier town in the Tang Dynasty, where you can experience the culture of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. 4. Living in Huanglong Nearby scenic spots: · Searchao International Hotel: Located at the entrance of Huanglong Scenic Area, it has Tibetan style and is suitable for people with severe altitude sickness. Hualong Villa: Highly cost-effective, with floor heating, essential for keeping warm in winter. · Chuanzhusi Town (accommodation center): Minshanyuan Hotel: oxygen supply room + free shuttle to scenic spots, considerate service. · Legend of Zangwang Resort Hotel: Tibetan culture theme, you can experience thangka painting. Songpan County (more economical): Songpan Ancient City Inn: Renovation of a century-old house, experience the history of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road Tips: During the peak season (July-October), room rates double, so book one month in advance and give priority to oxygen-supply hotels! 5. Traffic Guide External transportation: · ✈️Plane: Jiuhuang Airport (highland airport, easily affected by weather) → take a taxi to Huanglong (1 hour, about 200 yuan). · 🚌Bus: Chengdu Chadianzi Station → Songpan/Chuanzhusi (6-8 hours), then transfer to the scenic area through bus. · 🚗Self-driving: Chengdu→Wenchuan→Songpan→Huanglong (about 7 hours), the road condition is good but there are many mountainous bends. Transportation to scenic spots: Cableway: 80 yuan for going up and 40 yuan for going down, the first choice for saving energy. · Sightseeing bus: Not available (the whole journey requires walking or cable car). Note: There is a Xueshanliang Observation Deck on the way from Jiuhuang Airport to Huanglong, where you can overlook the main peak of Minshan Mountain, Xuebaoding! 6. Tips 1. Altitude sickness: Huanglong Scenic Area is 3100-3576 meters above sea level. It is recommended to take Rhodiola rosea one week in advance and bring an oxygen cylinder (50 yuan/can in the scenic area). Move slowly and avoid strenuous exercise. If you have a headache or vomiting, get off the mountain immediately. 2. Ticket information: Peak season (April to November) 170 yuan, off-season 60 yuan; cableway charges are extra. Seniors over 60 years old and students can enjoy half price with ID. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the official website "Aba Tourism Network". 3. Clothing Guide: In summer, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large (5-20℃), so you need to prepare a jacket; in winter, there is snow, so wear non-slip boots + down jacket. 4. Environmental protection requirements: · The calcified pool is fragile. It is strictly forbidden to step on the pool water or throw garbage. Violators will be fined from 500 yuan! 7. Hidden gameplay Starry sky photography: There is little light pollution around Chuanzhusi Town, so you can take photos of the Milky Way and snow-capped mountains in the same frame in summer. Tibetan home visit: Experience yak milking and butter tea making in Songpan County, the cost is about 100 yuan per person. · Horseback riding: Ride through the primeval forest in Munigou (200 yuan/hour). Summary: Huanglong is a perfect combination of plateau ecology and calcification wonders. It is recommended to arrange a one-day tour and combine it with Jiuzhaigou and Songpan Ancient Town to form a 3-4-day western Sichuan loop. Pay attention to preventing altitude sickness, keeping warm and protecting the environment, and immerse yourself in the shock of the "Fairyland on Earth"!

With the change of seasons🌈, Huanglong offers unique scenery in every season❄, but my favorite is winter, when snow blankets Huanglong🦋. The jade-colored pools, the interplay of calcified formations and sunlight, and the contrast of white snow and blue water create a winter landscape unique to Huanglong, tranquil and mysterious🌨, like a fairy-tale world of ice and snow. ⭐Best time to visit: ①May-October: The weather is mild and the scenery is at its best, especially in autumn, when the colorful forests complement the colorful pools. ②November-April: Some scenic areas may be closed, but the snow scenery is unique and suitable for visitors who prefer tranquility and snowy landscapes. . 🚥Transportation: ✈️Airplane: Fly from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, then take a bus to Huanglong Scenic Area (approx. 1.5 hrs). 🚌Bus: Take a bus or drive from Chengdu (approx. 7–8 hrs). The scenery along the way is beautiful. 🚗Chartered car/carpool: Suitable for groups, offering flexibility and convenience. . 🏷️Ticket information: 👉🏻Peak season (April–November): Entry ticket: CNY 170, sightseeing bus: CNY 80 (optional). 👉🏻Off-season (December–March): Entry ticket: CNY 60, sightseeing bus not in operation. 👉🏻Discounts: Students, seniors, etc., can enjoy half-price or free tickets. . 📈Tour routes: 🎈Standard route: Walk or take the sightseeing bus from the entrance to Wanglongping, then walk to visit the Five-Color Pool, Huanglong Temple, Zhengyan Pool, and other attractions (approx. 4–6 hrs). 🎈Hiking route: Suitable for visitors in good physical condition (approx. 6–8 hrs). You can enjoy more natural scenery along the way. 🎈Cable car route: Take the cable car uphill and walk downhill to save energy. . ⭐Main attractions: 📍Five-Color Pool: The most famous attraction in Huanglong. The pool water displays various colors due to minerals, resembling a fairyland. 📍Huanglong Temple: A Tibetan Buddhist temple built during the Ming Dynasty with a long history. 📍Zhengyan Pool: Composed of multiple colorful pools, resembling a painter's palette. 📍Golden Sand: Travertine beaches sparkle under the sunlight, creating a magnificent spectacle. . ⚠️Important notes: - Altitude sickness: Huanglong has a high altitude (above 3,000m). It is recommended to acclimatize in advance, avoid strenuous exercise, and carry oxygen if necessary. - Clothing: The temperature in the mountains varies greatly. Warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable hiking shoes are recommended. - Environmental protection: Littering is prohibited in the scenic area. Please protect the natural environment. - Sun protection: The plateau has strong ultraviolet rays. Take sun protection measures. . 🛏️Accommodation recommendations: - Songpan County: Close to Huanglong, with many accommodation options at moderate prices. - Chuanzhusi Town: Close to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, suitable for visitors traveling to Huanglong the next day. - Near the scenic area: There are a few hotels and guesthouses, suitable for visitors who want to start their tour early. . 🍚Food recommendations: 🍱Tibetan hot pot: Featuring yak meat, it has a unique flavor. 🍵Butter tea: A traditional Tibetan drink, suitable for drinking in high-altitude areas. 🍺Highland barley wine: A Tibetan specialty wine with a mellow taste.

Address: Chuanzhusi, Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, G213 Tickets: Free Parking: Free parking all day Finally arrived at Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Chuanzhusi in Songpan was built in 1270. It is a Buddhist temple with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It attracts countless tourists with its unique atmosphere. There is a lack of oxygen but not faith on the land of western Sichuan. Chuanzhusi was a military town in northwest Sichuan in history, an important post on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, a post on the way to Songtsen Gampo's marriage to Princess Wencheng, and an important supply place during the Long March of the Red Army. It is now a must-pass road to Jiuzhaigou. It is said that Chuanzhusi was built to commemorate Li Bing, the governor of Shu County. After thousands of years of wind and rain, witnessing the changes of history, the golden eaves and Buddha statues show the sacredness and solemnity. It is located in the center of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, Huanglong Scenic Area, and Ruoergai Grassland, and is a must-pass place to these famous scenic spots. The natural scenery here is magnificent, and the climate is pleasant. It is a treasure place integrating natural scenery, religious culture, and folk customs. The scenery is very good! Excellent

On the top of Songpan Mountain, there is a hidden forest cabin waiting for you to explore. Here, every moment is a tribute to nature, and every breath is filled with fresh air and greenery. The combination of log structure and Tibetan-style soft decoration creates a space that is both modern and traditional, making you feel like you are in a painting. 🛋️Every detail is carefully designed, from furniture to decorations, every corner exudes a sense of sophistication and refinement. The service of the homestay is impeccable, with 24-hour butler service, free breakfast, and shuttle service, making your journey worry-free. 🍃The private hot spring pool is the best place to relax your body and mind. You can enjoy a peaceful time here, with a view of greenery and a sense of leisure. 🏨: Huanglong Nanshan Private Hot Spring Resort Homestay Address: No. 55, Group 1, Bashigou Village, Chuanzhusi Town, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture Standing on the observation deck, the entire Songpan County is in full view, with lawns, blue sky, white clouds, and forest snow, all the beautiful scenery is in front of you. Walking down the forest path, there are patches of pine forests, where you can find many strange little mushrooms, which is an intimate contact with nature. 🌄This is a place to escape the hustle and bustle and find inner peace. Here, you will experience an unprecedented sense of vacation ritual, making your holiday more meaningful. 🔥Let your mind truly relax and nourish, and let life be full of surprises and beauty!

| This is probably the smallest scenic spot I've ever been to. Chuanzhu Temple is located in Chuanzhu Temple Town. Legend has it that it was built to commemorate King Liu Zhang of Shu. To the east is Huanglong, to the west is Ruoergai, to the south is Songpan and Chengdu, and to the north is Jiuzhaigou. It is considered a must-visit destination for tourists traveling from Gannan to Western Sichuan. Chuanzhu Temple as a scenic spot It's really the smallest scenic spot I've ever been to... It's located in Chuanzhu Town, with a few archway entrances When I first arrived, I thought I had gone to the wrong place... There are only two or three buildings, maybe because it's the off-season, there's almost no one, it's very quiet. The town is not very big, the commercialization level is acceptable, there are some local ethnic characteristics, the main food is Sichuan cuisine and Tibetan hotpot, Sichuan cuisine is more recommended, some farmhouses will have local wild vegetables, wild mushrooms and bacon, the climate is normal, in summer you can wear sunscreen. After lunch and sightseeing here, we continued to Songpan Ancient Town, which took only one afternoon in total, so these two places are enough as a transit point for Gannan and Western Sichuan. I heard that there is a lavender farm nearby, I took a look when I passed by, it's not big, but sisters who like to take photos can go there for a while.

Located in Yuanbaoshan, Chuanzhuzhen, Songpan County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, there is a red tourist attraction. It is a must-visit place for those going to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Scenic Area, both of which are World Natural Heritage sites. It is the Red Army Long March Monument Park! Covering an area of 192,700 square meters, it consists of a main monument, a large granite group sculpture, and an exhibition room. The main monument is as high as 41.30 meters. The monument is a triangular column, symbolizing the close unity of the three main forces of the Red Army. The monument is 24 meters high, with a gold-plated copper surface and a white marble base of 2.5 meters. The main monument in the monument park is known as the "First Golden Monument of China". Every year around midsummer, when the sun sets, the monument refracts thousands of golden lights, forming a spectacle of "Golden Monument Sunset". In addition, the Red Army Long March Monument Park was selected as the "National Red Tourist Attraction Directory" in December 2016, becoming an important red tourist attraction. If you go to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, you must come here to check in. It is very educational! Especially for those who bring children! We must let our next generation know that our happy life today is exchanged for the blood and life of countless Red Army soldiers. We must carry forward the spirit of the Red Army's Long March, work hard, and strive to build a prosperous and strong China!

👍️Recommended Reason: Chuanxi, a place where you can see beautiful scenery anytime and anywhere. You don't need to go deep; it will heal your soul. 📅Travel Guide: Depart from Chengdu. It is recommended to join a tour group as independent travel can be a bit troublesome. However, make sure to discuss the itinerary and details clearly with the travel agency to ensure a good experience. 🏨Accommodation Guide: Confirm the accommodation for each night when joining a tour group. 💗Other Tips: Regarding altitude sickness, it varies from person to person. I had a strong reaction, but others in my group felt nothing.