Droma Yangzong- Inheritor of Yanjing Dry-Salt Manufacturing Process in Markam County, Qamdo, Tibet
Droma Yangzong (卓玛央宗), born in September 1965, is a prominent inheritor of the Yanjing Dry-Salt Manufacturing Process (晒盐技艺), a traditional technique listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. Originating from Markam County (芒康县), Qamdo (昌都), Tibet (西藏), Droma began learning the craft at the age of 12 and has since mastered and preserved the Tang Dynasty-style salt-making technique. As a living representative of this centuries-old craft, she is actively involved in teaching the next generation, promoting the development of the salt industry in Markam and preserving this cultural heritage.
Personal Information
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Name: Droma Yangzong (卓玛央宗)
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Date of Birth: September 1965
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Ethnicity: Tibetan (藏族)
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Region: Markam County (芒康县), Qamdo (昌都), Tibet (西藏)
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Heritage Project: Yanjing Dry-Salt Manufacturing Process (晒盐技艺)
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Generation: Third-generation inheritor of the Dry-Salt Manufacturing Process
Heritage and Learning Journey
Droma Yangzong was born into a family of salt workers in Naxi Township (纳西乡) in Markam County. Growing up surrounded by the traditional salt-making process, she began her training at the age of 12 under the guidance of her parents. Over the years, she mastered all the essential processes involved in salt production, including transporting salt brine, concentrating it, and crystallizing it on salt flats. By 2024, Droma was officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a National-level Representative Inheritor of the Yanjing Dry-Salt Manufacturing Process.
Her journey has not only focused on perfecting the craft but also on improving production techniques and enhancing the quality of the salt. She has passed on her knowledge to her children and local community members, ensuring that the next generation can continue the practice.
Characteristics of the Craft
The Yanjing Dry-Salt Manufacturing Process follows the Tang Dynasty (唐朝) tradition of completely relying on natural wind drying. Salt workers transport salt brine from local salt wells to salt ponds, where it is naturally evaporated and concentrated. The brine is then poured into salt flats for further crystallization and drying.
This process requires no modern machinery, making it a manual, eco-friendly craft that preserves the authenticity of ancient techniques. The resulting salt is rich in minerals, with a distinctive color and taste. The finished salt is typically divided into red salt and white salt categories, each used for different purposes.
Droma Yangzong is skilled in the entire process, from evaluating brine concentration to maintaining the salt flats and adjusting for weather conditions, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product.
Preservation and Transmission of the Craft
To protect this heritage, Markam County’s ancient salt flats were officially designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 2016, and the Yanjing Dry-Salt Manufacturing Process was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Droma Yangzong has actively participated in efforts to document the craft and train new practitioners, working alongside cultural departments.
By 2024, the local community had established a heritage training base to teach the next generation of salt makers, and efforts were underway to apply for the World Cultural Heritage designation for the salt flats. These initiatives are aimed at combining the living heritage with the growing cultural tourism sector in Tibet, ensuring that the Yanjing Salt-making Tradition continues to thrive in the modern era.
