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Sichuan

In Zigong, Sichuan Province, China, on April 14, 2025, a man extracts salt from an ancient salt well in the city of Zigong, Sichuan, the cradle of one of the world's oldest salt industries. Using a manual or mechanical pumping system, brine is drawn from deep underground and then channeled into large vats where it is heated until evaporation. This know-how, refined over more than two millennia, shapes the region's economy and gastronomy. In Zigong, salt is far more than a seasoning; it is a unique cultural and technical heritage in China. (Photo by Emeric Fohlen/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13229600
Date Taken	14 April 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Emeric Fohlen/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Emeric Fohlen/NurPhoto

One Person Action Shot Zigong ancient techniques brine wells china cultural heritage destination food culture gastronomy history industrial heritage labor manual work salt industry salt production sichuan tourism traditional craftsmanship travel April 14 2025 salt extraction ancient salt well manual pumping mechanical pumping brine underground evaporation vats economy technical heritage seasoning saline pumping system heating know-how millennia region condiment Emeric Fohlen NurPhoto Chinese salt historical industry traditional methods deep underground heating process salt economy salt gastronomy.