Jinchijiao Tile Salt Fields Introduction
Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields is the first salt field in Beimen and also the oldest existing salt field site in Taiwan. Originally part of the Leidong Salt Field during the Qing Dynasty, it was relocated here in 1818 and has remained in this location ever since, making it the oldest active salt field in Taiwan with a history of over 200 years. Historical records indicate that Chen Yonghua, an advisor and military officer under the Zheng regime, believed that the indigenous methods of salt production were still immature, resulting in a bitter taste of the salt produced. He thus reformed the salt-making process by constructing platforms by the sea, laying broken tiles on them, and directing water into the salt ponds. Through sun exposure, salt crystallizes on the tiles, pushing forward the development of the artificial salt industry. The salt field, made of tile pieces about 6 millimeters thick, presents a beautiful mosaic-like artwork. In order to preserve the spirit of the salt-making culture, the salt field has been restored, allowing the unique salt-making landscape of "Jingzijiao" to remain along the coast of Yonghua Village in Beimen. At sunset, the afterglow is reflected in the salt fields, making it a popular spot for photographers to capture beautiful sunset scenes. It has now become one of the most distinctive tourist salt fields within the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Coastal National Scenic Area. Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields allow visitors to relive shared memories of the local community, and tourists can experience the joy of traditional sun-drying, collecting, and harvesting salt, gaining deeper insights into the history of salt production in Taiwan. It is an ideal destination for family travel.
