Ancient Salt Roads in Northern China

This chapter centers on the ancient salt routes of northern China, offering a detailed analysis of the historical and cultural aspects of the Hedong pool salt, Changlu sea salt, and Shandong sea salt regions. The Hedong pool salt, with a long history as the salt used by the royal family, and the Changlu sea salt, known as the salt of the capital region due to its proximity to the capital, are primarily distributed across plains. Shandong sea salt, known for its mudflat production, is distributed in areas divided by mountains into plain water transportation and mountainous land transportation. The three major salt regions are mainly plains with a few mountainous areas. Through a systematic reconstruction of the ancient salt transportation networks in these three regions, combined with comprehensive field research, the study delves into the production techniques, distribution systems, and their impacts on the development of towns along the routes. The research highlights the profound influence of pool salt and sea salt culture on northern regions, with a particular focus on the impact of salt merchants on local social culture, including the rise, development, and evolution of salt-producing settlements, salt merchant guild halls, and salt deity beliefs. The study provides academic support and practical guidance for protecting and revitalizing this precious historical and cultural heritage.