Yuncheng, the city of salt transportation

From Jincheng to Yuncheng, the southernmost city of Shanxi, the terrain is a basin, especially hot and stuffy. Yuncheng was anciently known as 'Hedong' and got its name from being the 'city of salt transportation'. A huge salt lake spans across the city area, one of the world's three largest sodium sulfate-type inland salt lakes. Its salt content is similar to the Middle East's 'Dead Sea', hence it is acclaimed as the 'Chinese Dead Sea'. Standing by the salt pond, it resembles the sea with vast and misty waves, the lake water is deep blue with a hint of brown, one wonders if an aerial shot would have the colorful effect of an eyeshadow palette. Yuncheng Museum does not have too many bronzes, instead, it focuses on the cultural significance of local celebrities such as Guan Gong and Sima Guang. The old street, Ganyi Street, is lined with statues telling the stories of Guan Gong, and through the Chinese-style archway on the street, one can see the Catholic church built during the Qing Dynasty on the opposite side. Both in one frame, they together shape the rich and colorful history of Yuncheng.