Retracing the 11 Salt Transport Sluice Gates Built During the Wartime Production Increase

The surge in Sichuan salt production during the War of Resistance stands as the most magnificent chapter in China's salt industry history, where extraordinary resilience helped avert a national crisis. Its historical significance transcends a single industry, becoming a strategic pillar in China's prolonged resistance. The Zigong Salt Fields accounted for over half of Sichuan's total salt output, playing an irreplaceable role in the wartime production strategy. During this period, 11 sluice gates were constructed along the Weiyuan River and Fuxi River to improve navigation. Braving the scorching sun, I led students from Sichuan Health and Rehabilitation Vocational College to retrace this historic waterway that witnessed the salt production surge. We journeyed downstream from Leijiadang on the Weiyuan River, passing Luojiaba, Potankou, Yazitan, Hedunzi, Liaojiayan, Gaodong, and Guanyintan, then continued to Jinzidang, Yonggong Sluice, and Jiyun Sluice on the Fuxi River, culminating our expedition at the Zigong Wartime Salt Transport Culture Exhibition Hall. Over 80 years later, the bustling scenes of Sichuan's salt production surge have faded, but retracing these 11 wartime sluice gates makes those awe-inspiring echoes resound in our ears once more. Remembering history, we march forward with determination.