Location & Accessibility

Songmao Ancient Road, nestled in the heart of Dujiangyan Scenic Area (Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan UNESCO Site), starts near downtown Dujiangyan and stretches westward toward Songpan. This historic path once linked the fertile Chengdu Plain with the rugged northwestern Sichuan plateau, making it a lifeline for ancient trade and cultural exchange. Today, the road is preserved as a scenic trail within the park, accessible via Gongyuan Road in Dujiangyan City.

To get here, take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Dujiangyan Station (~30 minutes), then a short taxi or Bus No. 1 ride to the scenic area’s entrance. The road itself is a moderate hike, so wear comfy shoes!

Natural Scenery: A Feast for the Eyes

Walking along Songmao Ancient Road, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, towering mountains, and the roaring Min River valley. In spring and summer, the trail is lined with bamboo forests and wildflowers, while autumn paints the leaves in fiery reds and oranges. Keep an eye out for mist-covered peaks that look straight out of a Chinese painting!

For panoramic views, stop at the Yuxui Bridge (a reconstructed ancient bridge) or climb up to Anling Rock, where the river below looks like a tiny ribbon. If you’re lucky, you might spot monkeys or birds along the way—nature lovers will feel right at home here.

Cultural Heritage: More Than Just a Path

Songmao Ancient Road isn’t just a pretty walk—it’s a window into China’s past. Over 2,000 years ago, this route was part of the “Southern Silk Road”, linking Sichuan to Tibet, Nepal, and India. Imagine caravans loaded with Sichuan tea, silk, and even musk (hence the nickname “Musk Road”) trudging through these mountains!

Look for stone-paved sections and weathered tea-horse stalls along the trail. Some say this road helped spread Sichuan cuisine and Tibetan culture across regions. Even today, locals host festivals here to honor its history.

Practical Tips: What to Expect

The Songmao Ancient Road is well-maintained but can be steep in parts. Here’s what to know:

  • Entrance: Included in the Dujiangyan Scenic Area ticket (~90 RMB).
  • Trail Length: Around 3 km (1–2 hours to explore).
  • Rest Stops: Shaded pavilions, benches, and snack stands appear regularly. Buy hot corn or soy milk to fuel your hike!
  • Souvenirs: Near the exit, shops sell hand-painted fans, tea, and Tibetan crafts—perfect for gifts.

Immersive Experience: Walk in History’s Shoes

Start your journey at the West Gate of Dujiangyan Old Town. As you walk, listen to the sound of running water from mountain springs—the same streams that powered ancient irrigation systems. At Qingyin Pavilion, local performers sometimes play traditional music on bamboo flutes.

For a deeper dive, hire a guide (~200 RMB/hour) to share stories about Ming Dynasty traders or the road’s role in Tea Horse Trade. They’ll even show you how to spot leftover tea horse sculptures carved into rocks!

Why You’ll Love Songmao Ancient Road

This trail offers the best of both worlds: serene nature + vibrant history. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or history buff, there’s something here for everyone. Pro tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and catch the morning fog lifting over the mountains—it’s magical!

End your trip at the Dujiangyan Dam nearby, then reward yourself with a hot pot dinner in downtown Dujiangyan. Trust me, Songmao Ancient Road will leave you speechless—