The Chinese city is known as “the narrowest in the world”

Exotic scenes around the world are common and tend to attract the attention of the curious. In China, the intriguing city of Yanjin is known as “the narrowest in the world”. Discover!

The city is as it is in some very particular aspects. One of them is the fact that it is located on the banks of the Hengjiang River, surrounded on both sides by high, steep mountains, as well as dense vegetation.

This unique setting is enhanced by large, modern buildings that create the feeling of being in a dystopian film.

Yanjin is a county in Yunnan Province, administered by Zhaotong City. Its history dates back to around 200 BC when it became home to the Bo people.

The local culture is a mix of Han influences and ethnic minorities living in the region, such as the Yi and the Bai.

The main language spoken in Yanjin is Mandarin Chinese, but dialects of local ethnic minorities are also spoken.

Today almost 400,000 people live there, squeezed into the mountains.

One of the secrets of these constructions is that they are all built on high pillars, which prevent the houses and buildings on the river banks from being flooded during heavy rains.

Due to the hilly terrain, Yanjin is full of curves, which makes urban planning difficult. The city is only 30 meters wide at its narrowest point and 300 meters at its widest point.

The city has a metro system that passes through tunnels carved into the mountains and a single main road that extends for approximately 18 km of the total length of the city.

The city is also famous for its rich history and unique culture. During the Ming and Qing dynasties it was an important salt trading center along the Tea and Horse Route.

Currently the local economy is mainly based on agriculture, tourism and mining.

Yanjin is a popular tourist destination for travelers who wish to experience the natural beauty and rich culture of Yunnan.

Besides the eccentricity of the city itself, Yanjin’s main tourist attractions include Yanjin Valley (pictured), Shuanglong Stone Bridge, Baisha Temple and Longyu Grottoes.

Built during the Ming Dynasty, Shuanglong Stone Bridge is known for its traditional architecture and advanced stone construction technique.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Baisha Temple is known for its traditional architecture and for housing historical wall paintings depicting scenes of daily life, historical events and religious figures.

Longyu Grottoes are caves known for their unique stalactite and stalagmite formations, which have formed over thousands of years.

In addition to tourism, mining is also an important sector of Yanjin’s economy, with the extraction of minerals such as copper, lead and zinc.

Another widely practiced local activity is agriculture, mainly the cultivation of rice, corn and fruit as the main products.

The best time to visit Yanjin is during spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant. The city is easily accessible by land and air.