The Ancient Salt Valley: A Symphony of Red Earth, White Salt, and Harmony of Faiths in Tibet's Naxi Township

A Hidden Gem in the Hengduan Mountains

1.Hidden deep within the folds of the Hengduan: Mountains, where the Lancang River (Mekong) carves a dramatic valley, lies the Naxi Ethnic Township of Mangkang County. Often referred to as "Yanjing" (Salt Well), this area sits at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters, making it a warm and oxygen-rich oasis compared to the surrounding high plateau. It is the only Naxi autonomous township in the Tibet Autonomous Region, presenting a unique cultural island where Naxi traditions have blended seamlessly with Tibetan customs over centuries,. Unlike the stark desolation often associated with Tibet, this valley offers a pastoral landscape of mountains, salt fields, ancient roads, and villages that feel like a living museum of human history.

The Millennium-Old Salt Fields

The most striking visual feature of the township is the Ancient Salt Fields, a heritage site with over 1,300 years of history. Carved into the steep cliffs along the Lancang River, thousands of wooden supports hold up clay platforms, creating a terraced landscape that looks like a man-made crystal palace. This is one of the world's oldest surviving methods of salt production. The salt fields present a spectacular array of colors due to different soil compositions and processing methods. The Naxi village on the east bank produces white salt, while the Jiada village on the west bank produces red salt, known as "Peach Blossom Salt" when harvested in spring. Under the intense plateau sun, these salt pans reflect a dazzling interplay of red, white, and crystal hues, forming a breathtaking "Three-Color Lake" effect on the mountainside.

A Rare Harmony of Faiths

Beyond its natural wonders, the Naxi Ethnic Township is a marvel of religious coexistence. It is home to the only Catholic Church in Tibet—the Yanjing Catholic Church. Built in 1865 by French missionaries, the church features a unique architectural style that blends a Tibetan exterior with a European Gothic interior. In this valley, Catholic priests read the Bible in Tibetan, and local Naxi and Tibetan believers celebrate Christmas with Tibetan dances. This foreign faith coexists peacefully with the local Tibetan Buddhism, represented by nearby monasteries and the pervasive Mani stones. It is a place where the sound of church bells mingles with the chanting of lamas, symbolizing a profound cultural tolerance and integration.

The Legacy of the Tea Horse Road

Historically, this township was a crucial station on the Tea Horse Road (Cha Ma Gu Dao). It served as the throat of the salt trade, where caravans transporting tea from Yunnan would stop to trade for the essential salt produced here before heading deeper into Tibet. The ancient paths worn smooth by horses' hooves and the bustling history of the salt trade are still palpable today. Visitors can walk along the remnants of these ancient trails, visit the salt production sites, and taste the local "Jiajia Noodles," a culinary tradition born from the need to feed hungry caravan traders quickly.

Natural Beauty and Relaxation

The township is also blessed with natural gifts like the Quzika Hot Springs, located on the banks of the Lancang River. Known for its high water temperature and mineral content, it has been a place of healing and rest for travelers since the days of the ancient caravans. Additionally, the nearby Hongla Mountain National Nature Reserve offers a chance to see the rare Yunnan Golden Snub-nosed Monkey in its natural habitat, adding an ecological dimension to this cultural journey.