Tourists drawn to salt pans in Tibet

The Markam township in Qamdo prefecture of Tibet autonomous region is well known for salt produced from its local salt wells.

The township's history of making salt dates back to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 907).

Local people dig wells on hills along the Lancang River, and carry out brine water from deep within the rock bedding, from which salt crystallizes after days of evaporation.

There are about 3,454 salt pans in the Naxi ethnic county of Qamdo, which produces 1.5 million kg of salt annually. The product has become an important source of income for local people.

The ancient flavor of the salt pans and the unique local lifestyle of the community have made the township popular among tourists.

A villager works in a salt pan in the Naxi ethnic county of Qamdo, Tibet autonomous region, Oct 21, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

A villager works in a salt pan in the Naxi ethnic county of Qamdo, Tibet autonomous region, Oct 21, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]