Songpan ancient town: history and culture
( 2003-09-12 17:17) (CCTV.com)
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.
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