Ancient Salt Roads in Southern China

This chapter systematically examines the historical and cultural aspects of the ancient salt routes in southern China, focusing on the Fujian, Liangguang, and Yunnan regions, emphasizing the close connection between these routes, settlements, and architecture. The Fujian salt region, known for its early adoption of sun-drying methods, is referred to as “sun-dried sea salt.” Yunnan salt, transported paralleled by tea and horses, is called “tea horse salt,” while the Liangguang region, characterized by its mountainous and maritime terrain, is known as “mountain and sea salt.” The three major salt regions in the south are predominantly mountainous, posing significant transportation challenges with frequent shifts between water and land transportation. Through systematic analysis of historical documents and regional topography, the study reconstructs the ancient salt transportation networks of these three regions, delving into sea salt and well salt production techniques and distribution systems. Combined with extensive field research, the chapter reveals the crucial role of the salt industry in promoting regional economic development and cultural exchange. Using the ancient salt routes as carriers of cultural exchange, the study explores their impact on local town development and intangible cultural heritage. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the research on the historical economic geography of southern China and provides empirical foundations for cultural heritage protection, possessing significant academic and practical value.