The County of Songpan is a compulsory stop on the way to Jiuzhaigou, and for travelers who don't have the opportunity to visit Tibet, the beautiful grassland near Songpan and the Tibetan people dwelling here make this "mini Tibet" worth visiting. Only four hour's drive from Jiuzhaigou, Songpan is usually visited as a stop off destination en route to Jiuzhaigou itself. The Songpan Huanglong Hotel ( Huanglong Dajiudian ) is a good place to stay here. The hotel is ideally located in the center of the city, with Songpan Bus Terminal only 100m away. There are numerous good restaurants and shops nearby, and a strong Tibetan atmosphere prevails. The hotel is probably the best and biggest hotel in the town. Rooms here range from beds without bath at budget rates to nice star-standard suites. Standard rooms are equipped with bath, color TV and telephone. The hotel does not have a business center but basic telecom requirements are met and a travel consultancy service is available. The hotel also has a restaurant serving Sichuan dishes and some local specialties.