Yuncheng Salt Lake, known as Hedong Salt Pond in ancient times, with a total area of 132 square kilometers, is the largest lake in Shanxi province.

In the past, Yuncheng thrived because of its abundant salt resources. Yuncheng salt was traditionally harvested for culinary use, through a five-step process that the Shanxi province has officially recognized as a piece of the region's intangible cultural heritage.

Since the 1980s, producers have abandoned this process and pivoted toward industrial harvesting.

But now, it faces challenges due to overexploitation and pollution. In September 2020, Yuncheng municipal government completely stopped its industrial production activities at the salt lake.