Departure from Chengdu, drive along with the western route to Jiuzaigou, pass through the ancient irrigation system-Dujian Weir(Dujiangyan), then upstream along with Min River, you will enter into Aba autonomous region after pass through Yinxiu, Wenchuan. Aba is the only Qiang nationality¡¯s living area in the world except Kangba and Jiarong Tibetan living area. Qiang nationality is well-known by its block-house and hanging bridge, and the ancient city-Songpan is just located in Aba region.

        Ancient city-Songpan was been built in the age of Wude of Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in the age of Hongwu 12 of Ming Dynasty. The total length of the city is 6.2 kilometers and has devided into inner city and outside wall, which is the only remained ancient city of the nation. From the very early of recording history, Songpan was being the critical contesting spot of military forces. The frequent contacts between Han and Tibetan nationality was started from Tang Dynasty, it was also a economic and trading center for horse and tea exchange between inner area and Tibetan area. Besides, Songpan is a city where Hui, Han, Qiang and Tibetan people live in, it¡¯s belong to the eastern Qingzang plateau. The people live there has passed the unnumbered wars and ups and downs together with the ancient city, thus, the ancient wall has recorded the unnumbered changes and historical events.

        There has the most fresh and clear air in the world and the most bright sunshine besides the more than 2000 years of history. The ancient buildings are mostly been re-built in Ming Dynasty and been very well remained so far, you could even see the ancient sculpture very clearly now. Princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty had stayed there for a break when she was going to marry Songzanganbu of Tibetan, looking back the prosperous hometown became far and far, the scenery she saw might not has much difference with what we could see nowadays. The Princess of Tang Dynasty may never thought the desolate frontier town has become a traveling holy place now for peoples from both inside and outside of China. Different colors, different languages has accumulated here to enjoy the great nature of Songpan and to admire its long history as well.