Just 2 hours from Chengdu! Songpan in July hides a 20°C summer, packing snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and flower fields all in one.
Is Chengdu melting in July? Songpan in northern Sichuan has already set summer to comfort mode—light jackets during the day, cozy blankets at night, snow-capped mountains so close they seem pasted to the sky, wildflowers stretching to the horizon, and even the air carries the crisp scent of grass and trees.
🌊 Must-visit natural wonders, every shot is wallpaper-worthy
- The waterfalls of Munigou "dance with joy"
In July and August, Munigou looks like it’s been splashed with green paint! The water flow of Zhaga Waterfall is three times stronger than usual, and the travertine pools shimmer in a milky blue under the sun. Walking on the wooden boardwalk, you’ll feel the occasional splash of cool water on your face—so refreshing! Head to Erdaohai in the evening, where the lakes mirror the snow-capped mountains, yaks drink by the shore, and your phone photos will have friends asking if you’re in Switzerland!
- Xuebaoding’s snow glows
On a clear day, look up from the ancient walls of Songpan to see Xuebaoding (Sichuan’s second-highest peak), its snow gleaming so brightly in the sun it looks like a giant crystal embedded in the blue sky. Want a closer look? Go to the viewing platform in Chuanzhusi Town, sip on a 10-yuan butter tea, and watch as the clouds drift past the summit, revealing the mountain bit by bit—your heartbeat will slow in awe.
- Qizang Valley’s wildflowers run wild
With 10 times fewer visitors than Jiuzhaigou, Qizang Valley in July becomes a stage for wildflowers! Yellow, purple, and pink blooms blanket the meadows, and the waters of Changhaizi are as blue as jelly. Sit on a lakeside rock, watch horses swish their tails as they graze, and breathe in the floral-scented breeze. A 30-minute hike takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the lake like a gem, and when you’re tired, just lie on the grass and bask in the sun.
🏰 Slow-paced moments in ancient towns, filled with charm and romance
- Songpan Ancient Town never sleeps at night
By evening, the ancient walls are draped in ivy, and when the red lanterns light up, the cobblestone streets glow warmly. Duck into an alley for a bowl of "old-school yak soup" (15 yuan) paired with 2-yuan barley cakes, and the grandma will smile and say, "Add more chili—it’ll ward off the damp!" At 9 p.m., head to the city gate tower and listen to distant pastoral songs drifting from the grasslands, with stars so dense they look like scattered diamonds.
- The Tibetan-style life of Jiafan Ancient Town
In July, the layered Tibetan watchtowers of Jiafan Ancient Town feel enchanted. Sit on a guesthouse terrace, watch Tibetan elders spin wool, and grandmothers sun-drying barley in the courtyard, the air fragrant with butter tea. Rent a Tibetan outfit for 50 yuan to take photos—spin the prayer wheel with a "clatter," let your skirt sweep the stone paths, and feel like you’ve stepped into a Tibetan fairy tale.
🌸 July exclusives! Flower fields you’ll regret missing
- The purple romance of the lavender fields
In late July, the lavender fields in Chuanzhusi Town are in full bloom, with hundreds of acres of purple stretching across the slopes. Wear a white dress and stand among the flowers—the wind sways the blooms, making your photos look like stills from a French film. Spend 10 yuan on a lavender ice cream and enjoy it by the fields—even the air tastes sweet.
🚗 Transportation and lodging for the lazy
- Transportation: Take a 2-hour high-speed train from Chengdu to Songpan Station, then a 10-yuan taxi ride to the ancient town. Rent an e-bike for 30 yuan/day to explore nearby attractions—just search "Munigou" or "Qizang Valley" on your GPS, the roads are easy to navigate.
- Lodging: Stay in a 120-yuan/night guesthouse with wooden windows facing the mountains. Want something wilder? Camp at Qizang Valley for 80 yuan/tent—stargaze under the Milky Way, and the owner might lend you a blanket.
💡 Tips for solo female travelers
- The UV rays are intense! Keep sunscreen and a hat glued to you, or you’ll end up with "plateau red" cheeks.
- The grasslands have huge temperature swings—wear short sleeves during the day but pack a light jacket for the evening to avoid catching a cold.
- The ancient town is lively at night with plenty of patrol officers, so you can safely wander until 10 p.m.
Songpan in July weaves snow-capped mountains, grasslands, ancient towns, and flower fields into a refreshing poem. Just 2 hours from Chengdu, you can escape the heat and live in 20°C comfort—pack your bags and go!