Yanjing Ancient Salt Fields
盐井古盐田
Terraced timber-framed salt pans on both banks of the Lancang River. Salt has been produced here for a thousand years by evaporating brine in the sun, and the tradition continues today.
The Yanjing Ancient Salt Fields are spread along the east and west banks of the Lancang River. Several thousand timber-framed salt pans are built up steep slopes. Villagers draw brine from salt wells by the river, pour it into the pans, and let sun and wind evaporate it into salt. Salt from the east bank, around Upper Yanjing, is mostly white. Salt from the west bank, at Jiada village, has reddish soil, so the salt has a pink tint and is called 'peach-blossom salt.' You can look down on the pans from roadside viewpoints, or walk among them along small paths, though the timber frames can be slippery. Admission prices are subject to on-site notices. Salt production is most spectacular in spring.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Yanjing Catholic Church
- Quzika Hot Springs
- Hongla Mountain
- Rumei & Zhuka Lancang Bridge
- Markam Town (Gartok)
- Lawu Pass
- Dongda La Pass