Shenhai Well
Shenhai Well is located in Da'an District, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, China, with specific geographical coordinates at 29°21′ north latitude and 104°46′ east longitude. It is the world's first manually drilled well exceeding a depth of 1,000 meters, constructed in the 15th year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty (1835), reaching a depth of 1,001.42 meters. It stands as a remarkable representative of ancient Chinese drilling technology. Shenhai Well is not only an important site for ancient salt production in China but also a significant milestone in the history of world science and technology. The wellhead still retains traditional drilling equipment, such as the derrick and brine extraction devices, allowing visitors to gain an up-close understanding of the ancient salt well mining techniques and cultural history.
Information
Ticket price
Time
Location
Changyan St, Da'an District, Zigong, Sichuan, China
View maps
More about the trip
Shenhai Well: A Testament to Ancient Chinese Drilling Technology
Shenhai Well is located in Da'an District, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, China. It is the world's first manually drilled well exceeding a depth of 1,000 meters, constructed in the 15th year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty (1835), reaching a depth of 1,001.42 meters. It stands as a remarkable representative of ancient Chinese drilling technology and a significant milestone in the history of world science and technology. The wellhead still retains traditional drilling equipment, such as the derrick and brine extraction devices, allowing visitors to gain an up-close understanding of the ancient salt well mining techniques and cultural history.
What to See and Do
Observe the Ancient Drilling Equipment: See the original derrick, the massive wooden structure used for drilling, and the brine extraction devices. These provide a tangible link to the ingenious methods used by ancient Chinese engineers.
Learn About Salt Production: The well was part of a vast salt production industry in Zigong. Learn about the history of salt mining, the process of extracting brine, and how it was then transported and processed into salt.
Historical Significance: Understand the historical importance of Shenhai Well as a pioneering achievement in drilling technology, not just in China but globally.
Museum Exhibits: The site often includes a small museum or exhibition area that provides more detailed information about the well, the salt industry, and the lives of the workers.
Cultural Insights: Gain insights into the economic and social life of the region during the Qing Dynasty, driven by the salt trade.
Best Time to Visit
The site is suitable for visiting year-round. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
How to Get There
Shenhai Well is located in Da'an District, Zigong City. You can take a bus from Zigong city center or a taxi to the site. It is often visited in conjunction with the Zigong Dinosaur Museum.
Travel Tips
Allow ample time: Plan for at least 1-2 hours to explore the wellhead, the equipment, and any associated exhibits.
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing some walking around the site.
Educational focus: This is a great place for those interested in industrial history, ancient technology, and Chinese ingenuity.
Related attractions
Night view of the Twin Towers and the Tower of Vitality
The Twin Towers of Chengdu Financial City, also known as the Tianfu Twin Towers, are an important part of the Tianfu International Financial Center. The building consists of two 220-meter-high tower structures and will host light show performances, becoming one of the landmark buildings in Chengdu. The Vitality Tower is one of the iconic attractions of Chengdu SKP, located in the Jiaozi Financial business district of Chengdu. The entire structure is composed of six landscape water columns, which are made of metallic aluminum and equipped with circular colored lights on the column bodies. The water in the landscape water column flows from top to bottom, symbolizing that the water of the Land of Abundance comes from the sky.
Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base
The total area of the base is 3,570 acres, among which the expanded area is 2,535 acres. It is a world-renowned relocation protection base for giant pandas, a research and breeding base, a public education base, and an educational tourism base. The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base was established based on the breeding, treatment, and breeding of giant pandas at the Chengdu Zoo. The base simulates the wild ecological environment of giant pandas through landscaping techniques. The maternity rooms, panda breeding areas, research centers, and panda hospitals are arranged in an orderly manner, and several luxurious "panda villas" are scattered among the mountains and forests. The expanded area fully follows and adopts the original topography and landform, using mountain gullies and streams to form multi-level landscape belts in mountainous valleys. According to the theme of the pandas, the project is divided into several areas. As of the end of 2020, the population of giant pandas reached 215, making it the largest captive artificial breeding population of giant pandas in the world.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Du Fu Thatched Cottage is located at 37 Qinghua Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, with specific geographical coordinates at 30°39′ north latitude and 104°02′ east longitude. It is the former residence of the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu during his exile in Chengdu and now serves as a cultural heritage park commemorating his life and works. Originally built during the Song Dynasty and restored multiple times, the cottage features elegant ancient architecture, including the Gongbu Shrine, Shishi Hall, and the replica of Du Fu’s thatched hut, reflecting his poetic ideals of compassion and patriotism. The park is adorned with serene bamboo groves, flowing streams, and seasonal landscapes, particularly famous for its plum blossoms in spring and ginkgo trees in autumn.
Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum
The Three Gorges Museum is located at 236 Renmin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China, with specific geographical coordinates at 29°33′ north latitude and 106°32′ east longitude. As China’s first national-level museum dedicated to Three Gorges culture, its architectural design resembles the grandeur of the Yangtze River’s gorges and flowing waters. Permanent exhibitions include "Magnificent Three Gorges," "Ancient Ba-Yu Culture," and "Chongqing: The Path of a City," showcasing the history, culture, natural ecology, and the monumental achievements of the Three Gorges Project. The museum houses over 180,000 artifacts, including bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and stone carvings, with Han Dynasty brick paintings and Three Gorges fossils being particularly notable.
Zhanggongqiao Food Street
Zhanggongqiao Food Street is located on Zhanggongqiao Street, Shizhong District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province, China, with specific geographical coordinates at 29°34′ north latitude and 103°45′ east longitude. It is one of Leshan’s most iconic food hubs, renowned for its authentic Sichuan snacks and specialty dishes. The street is lined with restaurants, food stalls, and open-air eateries offering signature dishes such as Leshan "Bobojii" (chicken in spicy sauce), Qiaojiao Beef, Sweet-Skinned Duck, Tofu Pudding, and Fried Skewers, all bursting with bold, spicy, and savory flavors that delight both locals and tourists. At night, the street comes alive with vibrant lights and a lively atmosphere, making it the perfect place to experience Leshan’s culinary culture.
