Salt, this seemingly ordinary daily necessity, was in fact the cornerstone and lifeblood of ancient economies. In the economic landscape of traditional societies, salt held a unique position and played a pivotal role. Originating from the diligent labor of artisanal producers, it was later meticulously organized and distributed by the state or merchants, with its economic value and influence no less significant than national taxation. The rise and fall of the salt industry not only profoundly impacted the political structure and economic trajectory of feudal dynasties but was also intricately intertwined with every facet of social life and the evolution of cultural development.

The state's high regard and strategic planning for the salt industry acted as a powerful driving force, fostering the emergence and development of the salt financial system. As early as the Spring and Autumn Period, Guan Zhong foresightedly proposed the "state control of salt and iron" policy, a groundbreaking concept that laid the ideological foundation for the growth of salt finance. By the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, the state-run salt industry policy was officially implemented, sounding a clarion call that heralded the era of rapid salt financial development. Subsequent dynasties continuously explored and innovated based on this model, further refining the management systems for salt production, transportation, and sales. In this process, a series of unique credit relationships emerged, alongside a diverse array of currency forms—"flying money" for convenient transfers, "salt warrants" as trade instruments, and "jiaozi" as the precursor to paper currency. These innovations, like shining stars in the river of history, illuminated the path of salt financial development.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the commodity economy surged like a spring tide, flourishing vigorously. The embryonic form of capitalism quietly emerged from the fertile soil of this prosperity. At this time, the salt industry finance was no longer confined to the singular function of a credit institution but transformed magnificently like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, evolving into a commercial entity with comprehensive functions such as currency and exchange, shining even more brilliantly on the economic stage. As time flowed into the modern era, in 1901, Zhang Jian resolutely established the Tonghai Kemu Company in Lüsi, Nantong. This landmark event marked the official entry of salt industry finance into a new era of the joint-stock company model, taking a solid and pivotal step toward the modernization transformation of the salt industry economy.

The theme of this exhibition is "Integration and Communication", carefully creating four characteristic sections of "Regulation", "Circulation", "Integration" and "Contract", like four wise guides, leading the audience to systematically sort out the millennium trajectory of the deep integration of ancient salt industry and finance. The exhibition, through the physical display of precious cultural relics and detailed historical interpretation of text and images, jointly outlines the development path of salt industry finance from its initial infancy to maturity and stability. It vividly reproduces the changes and transformations of salt industry civilization spanning thousands of years, allowing visitors to feel as if they have traveled through time and space, experiencing the magnificent history firsthand.

This exhibition is open to the public for free. We sincerely invite you to take the time to visit and embark on a wonderful journey of exploring the mysteries of ancient salt industry finance together!

Visit time: 8:30-12:00 AM; 2:00-5:00 PM

Exhibition time: January 1st to March 3rd, 2026

Exhibition Location: West Exhibition Hall, Second Floor, Hai'an Museum