Shanyao Saltworks in Quanzhou city, the largest facility for salt production and export in Fujian province, has entered its busiest period of the year as temperatures reach their summer peak.

Undergoing steady reforms, the saltworks remain vibrant after a history of more than 200 years, dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).

The company boasts an annual production capacity of 80,000 metric tons, with more than 500 employees working hard even on the hottest days of year on 1,000 hectares of salt fields to the south of Meizhou Bay.

Workers use traditional rakes to collect salt at Shanyao Saltworks during peak summer, the works’ busiest season. [Photo by Jiang Kehong/Xinhua]