Heiniu Salt Well
黑牛盐井
The ancient salt well that gave Heijing its name. Legend says a black ox was seen licking a spring, which led to the discovery of brine. You can see the wellhead, the brine and the traditional brine-drawing equipment.
Heijing was once also called "Dajing," the Great Well. Legend says a Yi girl tending cattle noticed a black ox repeatedly licking a spring. The spring turned out to be salt brine, and a well was dug to draw it, which gave Heijing its name. Heiniu Salt Well is this legendary well. A protective structure covers the wellhead, where you can see the deep shaft, the brine and traditional brine-drawing tools. Nearby panels describe the history of salt production here. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Heijing had several salt wells, including Dajing, Dongjing and Fulong Well, and at one point its salt taxes accounted for more than 60% of Yunnan Province's total. It is included in the old-town pass.
Opening hours
09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Dalong Temple
- Jiexiao Memorial Archway
- Wu Family Compound
- Heijing Ancient Town Old Street
- Heijing Confucius Temple
- Wuma Bridge
- Feilai Temple (Heijing)
- Heijing Ancient Salt Workshop