As an important passageway to the world renowned Jiuzhai Valley, Songpan town has not only historical importance, but is an attraction in itself for modern-day tourism.

Nestling at the foot of the Minshan Mountain, and having the Minjiang River flowing past its gates, the site was originally chosen to establish a township over 23 centuries ago. The town was extended to its largest area during the Ming Emperor Jiajing's reign nearly 500 years ago.

Yang Jizong, deputy director of Publicity Department, Songpan County Government, said: "The Songpan town gates are the largest of their kind still existent in China. During the Tang Dynasty, a war broke out between the Han and Tibetan people. To smooth relations after the war, the Wencheng Princess got married to a Tibetan king, setting up a bridge between Han and Tibetan cultures."

Because of its tremendous historical, cultural, and military value, the town was listed among the Aba area's protected cultural relics in 1989. Two years ago, it was upgraded to a cultural site of national importance.

(CCTV.com September 12, 2003)