"The City of Good Luck, Yuncheng, Shanxi"
by Scarlett Bell Hazel-44
Sep 6, 2024
🌟 Yuncheng Salt Lake: The Poetic Sunrise of the Millennia-old Salt Capital
📜 The Past and Present of the Salt Lake
Yuncheng Salt Lake, known as the "Dead Sea of China," has a history of salt mining spanning over 4,000 years. Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor and Chiyou once fought over this salt pool, and the "fertile salt" recorded in the Zuo Zhuan refers to this place. During the Sui Dynasty, Yuncheng Salt Lake's production accounted for 25% of the national total, making it an important economic lifeline in ancient times. Today, this ancient salt lake still shines with enchanting brilliance; at sunrise, the lake surface is covered with golden fragments, like a painting traveling through time.
🌅 Must-See Salt Lake Scenery
1️⃣ The Spectacle of the Colorful Salt Lake
Every summer, the lake water turns dreamy shades of red, pink, and orange due to algae, resembling nature’s palette. It is said that Guan Yu once watered his horse here, and locals believe this rainbow-like lake water brings good luck.
2️⃣ Black Mud Wellness Experience
The black mud of Yuncheng Salt Lake is rich in minerals and has been an imperial tribute since the Tang Dynasty. Why not try a "mud bath" like the ancients and experience the wellness wisdom passed down through millennia?
3️⃣ Sunset Salt Field Photography
At dusk, the vast salt fields sparkle with crystal light under the sunset glow, making every shot a masterpiece. Photography enthusiasts often wait here until twilight just to capture the lake’s most beautiful moments.
🍜 Nearby Food Recommendations
After touring the salt lake, be sure to try Yuncheng’s specialty, "Salt Lake Big Carp," known for its tender, fresh, and non-fishy meat, said to be due to growing in mineral-rich salt lake water. Also discover local delicacies like Jiezhou Lamb Paomo and Wenxi Boiled Cake.
✨ Yuncheng, this millennia-old salt capital, not only carries a rich historical legacy but also offers unique natural wonders and cultural charm, allowing every visitor to find their own poetic moment. When the morning light falls on the salt fields and the sunset dyes the lake red, you will realize that the beauty here is far beyond legend.
Post by LEONARD SUTTON | Oct 20, 2025

















