Why seek beauty far away? "Beauty in the Eyes of Travelers" – Beitou Salt Pan ranks 3rd globally

▲Beitou Jianzi Foot Salt Field, Tainan (Photo courtesy of the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Want to see world-class scenery without traveling far? A photography competition titled"2013 Beauty in the Eyes of Travelers: A Global Perspective"was jointly organized by *Traveler Luxe* and *Lonely Planet*. Among nearly 900 entries, the photo titled "Why Seek Beauty Far Away," taken by Frances, clinched the 3rd place globally—and it features the Jianzi Foot Salt Field in Beitou, Tainan.

"Although I’ve visited many countries and seen countless beautiful sights, Taiwan has an irreplaceable charm." Even though she has traveled extensively, Frances, who is Taiwanese, feels that Taiwan’s beauty remains unmatched in her heart. She wrote beside her photograph, "I love Taiwan’s traditional and distinctive salt-farming culture, especially the salt fields at dusk—they’re truly beautiful... I’m so lucky to have a world-class view right here in Taiwan."

The 3rd-place winner of the "2013 Beauty in the Eyes of Travelers: A Global Perspective" photography competition is the piece titled "Why Seek Beauty Far Away," featuring the Jianzi Foot Salt Field in Beitou, Tainan. (Photo courtesy of‘The Fifth Meaning of Travel—2013 Global Chinese Top 100 Travelers ~ Beauty in the Eyes of Travelers: A Global Perspective Photography Competition’); Photo provided by *TRAVELER Luxe*; Photographer: Frances.)

The salt field, mirror-like, reflects the fading hues of the sunset, while the snow-white mounds of salt stand as the fruits of the farmers’ hard work. Watching people with homes in their hearts make their way back, a sense of belonging to "home" shines on their faces. A traveler sits by the field, enjoying the breeze, and in the company of the setting sun, feels the tranquility of another day coming to an end... Just a simple photo captures Frances’s deep affection for the Beitou Jianzi Foot Salt Field and for Taiwan itself.

Some say, "If you’re waiting for a Monet-like sunrise surprise at Harvard Port, then you should chase the sunset magic at Jianzi Foot." The stunning sunset at Jianzi Foot is not only favored by photographers but is also hailed as one of "Taiwan’s 36 Hidden Gems Not to Be Missed."

Why seek beauty far away? The land we live on holds moving scenery that makes us proud and awestruck. In truth, a world-class view is just a stone’s throw away.