On The Salt Industry's Development And Influence In Shanbei Region During The Ming-Qing Period

Salt industry has been highlighted not only by the rulers but also by the scholars because of its great importance to society. For some reasons, Salt Industry across Huai river has attracted more scholars'attentions than that in Shanbei. Started from West Han dynasty, flourished in Tang dynasty, and still has great importance in Qing dynasty Salt Industry in Shanbei was a most important salt base in traditional China. Since this salt base was mainly centralized in Huamachi (Lingzhou, Gansu Province now) , Yonglecang, Mahuyu and Sanyanquan (Yulin Shaanxi Province now), its production has been geared to the needs of Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, Shanxi and other provinces. According to the records, a salt administration, which was dealing with mining transportation taxing and sale of salt in Lingzhou, had been established in Ming dynasty. The running system of this administration has been changed four times because of the salt base's enlargement. Since the establishment of the salt administration, Illegal Salt became a problem to the government. This problem was triggered by the following factors: inefficient running system, huge needs of market, arbitrary dividing of sale region, unbearable tax and natural disasters. Illegal Salt has benefited the commons and stimulated the commerce of Shaanxi though it was forbidden by the government in ancient China. It also has excited the development of salt culture in Shanbei.