Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields Introduction
Jingzaijiao Tile Salt Field is the first salt field in Beimen and also the oldest existing tile salt field site. Originally a part of the Qing Dynasty's Seadong Salt Field, it was relocated here in 1818 and has not moved since, making it the oldest salt field in Taiwan with a history of over 200 years. Historical records indicate that Chen Yonghua, a military advisor under the Zheng regime, believed that the salt production techniques of the indigenous peoples at the time were not yet mature, leading to the production of bitter and astringent salt. He then reformed the salt-making methods by constructing platforms by the sea, laying broken tiles on top, and channeling water into the salt ponds, where sunlight would evaporate the water and leave behind crystallized salt on the tiles, thus advancing the process of artificial salt production. The tile salt field, paved with tiles about 6 millimeters thick, presents a beautiful mosaic-like artistry. To preserve the spirit of its salt-making culture, efforts were made to restore the salt field, allowing the unique sun-dried salt landscape of "Jingzaijiao" to remain along the coast of Yonghua in Beimen. As the sun sets and the evening glow reflects in the salt fields, this place has become a prime spot for photographers to capture stunning sunset scenery. It has now become one of the most distinctive tourist salt fields within the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Coastal National Scenic Area. Jingzaijiao Tile Salt Field allows visitors to relive the shared memories of the local community, while tourists can experience the joys of traditional salt drying, salt picking, and salt harvesting, gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan's salt-making history. It is a suitable deep travel destination for family visits.
