七股鹽場台區生產區

Qigu Saltworks Taiqu Production Area

July 17th, 2026

A Dry and Dusty Nowhereland — Nearly 20 years after salt was last clawed from these fields this desolate landscape is slowly being reshaped again by man.

Qigu Saltworks (七股鹽場) was the largest salt field in Taiwan, and the 3rd Production Area (第三生產區) of the saltworks is one of its oldest extensions. Taiwan Salt Company (臺灣製鹽株式會社) reclaimed the area by building dikes in 1935, establishing what later came to be known as the Taiqu Salt Fields (台區鹽田), taking the first character of the company’s name. These solar evaporation ponds were worked for over 60 years, only to be decommissioned in 2002, around the time of Taiwan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Qigu Saltworks Taiqu Production Area Pump House (七股鹽場台區生產區抽水機房) — An old pump house at the northern margins of the salt field.

Inside Qigu Saltworks Taiqu Production Area Pump House (七股鹽場台區生產區抽水機房) — A hazy glow inside the old pump house.

Empty Housing at Qigu Saltworks Taiqu Production Area Pump House (七股鹽場台區生產區抽水機房)

Through The Floor at Qigu Saltworks Taiqu Production Area Pump House (七股鹽場台區生產區抽水機房)

Open Door at Qigu Saltworks Taiqu Production Area Pump House (七股鹽場台區生產區抽水機房)

The salt company recruited workers from along the coast of Tainan, initially building a cluster of eight dormitories in an area that came to be known as Badongliao (八棟寮), literally “eight building village”. This settlement was joined by Xinshanzailiao (新山子寮), a village of migrants who came to work in the salt fields. Unlike Badongliao it was independently managed and remains inhabited.

Former salt worker dormitories at Badongliao (八棟寮).

Inside Badongliao (八棟寮) — Inside one of the oldest units at Badongliao.

Side View of Badongliao (八棟寮) — Most of these units are long-abandoned but at least a few were still occupied when I visited in 2017.

Around The Side of Badongliao (八棟寮) — Red-brick and cement in the endless expanse of the Taiqu Salt Field.

Dusky Skies Over Badongliao (八棟寮) — The far side of Badongliao.

Lost in the Undergrowth at Qigu Saltworks Taiqu Production Area (七股鹽場台區生產區) — An unidentified structure lost in the undergrowth. It might have been a guard post or checkpoint for the salt railway.

Taiqu was also home to one of the last remaining watchtowers of the salt police, similar to Dingshan Watchtower (頂山鹽警槍樓). Unfortunately it collapsed in the Jiaxian Earthquake of 2010 and had its heritage status rescinded. It was formerly located next to the highway at the north end of the salt field and there’s a chance you might be able to find the rubble beneath vegetation at this point.

On The Road at Qigu Saltworks Taiqu Production Area (七股鹽場台區生產區) — On the road in the salt fields of Qigu in 2017.

Map

Points

Badongliao (八棟寮)—Abandoned (廢墟)
A small cluster of salt worker dormitories established in the 1930s. Most are abandoned to the elements but a few are still occupied.
Xinshanzailiao (新山子寮)—Private (私有)
A small village established by migrants from Jiangjun and Beimen who came here to work in the salt fields. Unlike Badongliao it was independently managed and remains inhabited.
- Google Maps
Taiqu Dormitories (台區宿舍)—Private (私有)
An extensive dormitory complex dating back to the Japanese colonial era. Many units are still occupied, presumably by retired salt workers and their families. Some maps list it as the Taiwan Salt Company No. 4 New Village (台鹽第四新村). The entire area is named after the Taiwan Salt Production Company (臺灣製鹽株式會社).
Taiqu Watchtower (七股台區鹽警槍樓)—Remnants (遺跡)
Formerly included in the heritage designation, this watchtower collapsed in the 2010 Jiaxian earthquake and had its status rescinded. It stood next to the highway at the north end of the salt field; rubble may remain beneath the vegetation.
Unidentified Pump House (不明抽水機房)—Abandoned (廢墟)
A small pump house located on the edge of Taiqu Saltworks, used to pump water from the sea to the salt fields. It is not part of the heritage designation and its precise identity is unknown. It is located on the cadastral land parcel Taiqu Segment No. 829 (台區段829地號).