The Yangpu Ancient Salt Field, nestled in the Yantian village on the picturesque Yangpu Peninsula of Hainan, is a remarkable testament to China's age-old salt production traditions. With a history stretching over 1200 years, it stands as the earliest known salt field in China, and remarkably, it still retains the original method of salt production using the power of sunlight. This method, a brilliant example of human ingenuity and adaptation, involves a fascinating process where seawater is captured in thousands of stone troughs, left to evaporate under the sun, leaving behind crystalline salt. These troughs, often likened to giant inkstones, create a stunning visual landscape that is not only historically significant but also aesthetically captivating. The salt produced here is renowned for its flavor and purported medicinal properties, which even garnered recognition from Emperor Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty. Today, the Yangpu Ancient Salt Field is not only an archeological heritage site but also a living museum, where visitors can witness the enduring legacy of the Tan family and the local villagers who continue this traditional craft. It's a place where the past and present merge, offering a unique glimpse into the laborious yet rewarding art of salt making that has sustained communities for generations. As a listed part of China's national intangible cultural heritage, the Yangpu Ancient Salt Field is a cultural jewel, preserving the essence of a craft that is as old as civilization itself.
