Yinggehai Saltworks

Historical Overview

Construction began in 1955 under the leadership of Tao Zhu, then Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee, with 5,600 demobilized soldiers forming the pioneering workforce. Overcoming challenges like water shortages and harsh conditions, the salt field was completed in 1958. During World War II, Japanese forces had planned but failed to develop the site due to the war’s end. Post-1949, the field expanded production and diversified into chemical industries, fisheries, and tourism. In 1988, its sun-dried premium salt won a national quality award, solidifying its reputation.

Structural Layout

The field is divided into production and support zones:

• Production Area:
  • Tidal Intake System: Seawater enters via gates, flowing through primary, intermediate, and high-salinity evaporation ponds.
  • Crystallization Pools: Halite crystals form in saturated brine, harvested daily by machines.
  • Storage & Transport: Salt is piled into "silver mountains" and transported via 27.2 km of dedicated rail lines connected to the Guangdong-Hainan Railway.
• Support Facilities:
  • Exhibition Hall: Displays ancient to modern salt-making tools and historical documents.
  • Industrial Track: Rusted rail tracks crisscross the field, symbolizing its industrial legacy.
  • Ecological Buffer: Backed by Jianfengling’s mountains, which block northern typhoons, ensuring year-round sunshine.

Major Attractions

1. Salt Field "Sky Mirror": Vast silver-white salt pans reflect the sky, creating a surreal landscape.
2. Mechanized Salt Harvesting: Observe daily operations where machines collect, crush, and transport salt.
3. Salt Industry Exhibition Hall: Learn about salt’s cultural and technological history through artifacts.
4. Abandoned Rail Tracks: Photograph historic rail lines amidst modern salt pans.
5. Clampiaceae Avenue: A 3-km road lined with blooming oleanders, symbolizing resilience.
6. Salt Worker Heritage: Visit restored dormitories and workshops showcasing mid-20th-century life.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2 Hours):
   Entrance → Salt Pan Observatory → Harvesting Area → Exhibition Hall → Exit
   Highlights: Panoramic salt field views and core production processes.
2. Deep Exploration (4 Hours):
   Entrance → Salt Pan Core Zone → Abandoned Rails → Clampiaceae Avenue → Fisherman’s Village → Exit
   Highlights: Industrial relics, ecological walks, and local culture.
3. Full-Day Adventure (8 Hours):
   Entrance → All Production Zones → Exhibition Hall →Jianfengling Forest Park → Coastal Sunset Viewpoint → Exit
   Highlights: Comprehensive industrial-ecological immersion.

Ticket Purchase

• Admission: Free (parking fee: ¥5 after 30 minutes).
• Guided Tours: Book via official WeChat for group discounts.
• Notes: No entry to operational zones without permits; children under 1.2m exempt.

Transportation

• Self-Drive: From Sanya, take Hainan West Expressway to Foluo Exit, then 225 National Road to Huangliu Town.
• Public Transit:
  • Bus from Sanya Bus Station to Huangliu Town (¥16, 15-minute intervals), then taxi (¥15).
  • High-speed rail to Huangliu Station, then taxi (15 minutes).
• Parking: Roadside parking available near entrance.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: November–April (dry season, clear skies).
• Photography: Sunrise (6:00–7:00 AM) and sunset (5:00–6:30 PM) for golden light.
• Essentials: Waterproof shoes (for wooden paths), sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Prohibitions: No drones, tripods, or large bags in production areas.
• Local Delights: Try salt-field ice pops, Huangliu Roast Duck, and salt-baked chicken.