Jingzai Jiao Tile Salt Field Introduction
Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields is the first salt field in Beimen and the oldest existing瓦盤鹽田 site, originally part of the Qing dynasty's Caidong Salt Field. It was relocated here in 1818 and has remained in its current location for over 200 years, making it the oldest active salt field in Taiwan. Historical records indicate that Chen Yonghua, an advisor during the Zheng period, noted that the indigenous people’s salt-making techniques were not mature, resulting in bitter salt. He reformed the salt production methods by building platforms by the sea, laying broken tiles to channel water into the salt ponds, which created crystallized salt through sun evaporation, advancing the artificial salt industry. The瓦盤 salt fields, made from tiles approximately 6 millimeters thick, present a beautiful mosaic-like art form. 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 on the coast of Yonghua Village in Beimen. As the sun sets, the afterglow is reflected in the salt fields, making this a favored spot for photographers to capture stunning sunset scenery. It has become one of the most distinctive tourist salt fields in 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 traditional salt-making process, providing a deep understanding of Taiwan's salt production history, making it an ideal destination for family trips.
