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The Shenhaijing Salt Well in Zigong, Sichuan, completed in 1835, was the first artificially drilled well to exceed 1,000 meters, showcasing the region's rich history of salt production that dates back over 2,000 years. Utilizing bamboo tools and human power, the well exemplified advancements in drilling technology during the Tang and Song dynasties, while the natural gas released during brine extraction was harnessed for evaporation processes. By the Qing dynasty, Zigong had established itself as a prominent center for salt production.