Why The Narrowest Town In The World, Yanjin, China, Is A Must-Visit?
Have you ever thought about a place that is nestled between two mountains? Now, just think of this entire place as a city on its own. Yes, that’s exactly what Yanjin China is all about – the narrowest city in the world, located in China’s Yunnan Province.
Chances are that you have already seen multiple viral drone pictures of this place, which is very aptly squeezed between two mountains. And guess what? The location is such that it almost looks unreal.
The buildings here are basically balancing on the stilts located right in front of the river in the foothills of the mountains. And the river? Well, that is running between the mountains like a spine, breathing life into the scenic beauty of the town.
However, beyond the rather dramatic visuals that are going viral all over the internet lies a community that is shaped by history, geography, and the unique demography of the place.
It is a place where people run businesses, celebrate their festivals, and adapt themselves to what we would actually call the “most extreme urban layouts on Earth.”
So, if you are planning your next travel and China is on your list, this blog is what you really need because Yanjin in China is a place that you simply cannot miss!
Where Is Yanjin China?
Yanjin China lies in the northeast of Yunnan Province, in the southwest of China. It is, administratively, part of Zhaotong Prefecture, not far from the border with Sichuan Province.
Probably the most frequent confusion of the kind, which is, however, very often simply assumed in the articles without being explicitly mentioned, is the difference between Yanjin County on the one hand and the county seat town that people refer to as the narrowest city on the other hand.
- Yanjin County is a large, mountainous administrative region with multiple towns and villages.
- The narrowest town is just the county seat of Yanjin, which is very often called Yanjing and is known to be a place that was almost completely built in a river canyon with very steep sides.
Yanjin’s claim to fame lies in its extreme geography.
The town sits in a deep canyon carved by the Heng River, hemmed in by steep mountain walls on both sides. Unlike most cities that expand outward, Yanjin had no such luxury.
Rather, contrary to most other places, growth was forced to occur lengthwise along the Nanxi River, creating a settlement that stretches for several kilometers but is astonishingly thin.
How To Reach Yanjin China?
One of the things that I wanted to know when I first came across Yanjin China was how exactly travellers visit this city. I came across a Reddit thread in which a user asked what route to take to reach Yanjin.
They mentioned that even though the city seemed “fascinating” to them, what they were confused about was the transportation, as “the closest train station or airport is 150/200km away.”
We feel that getting to Yanjin City in China requires patience, and that is a part of the adventure in itself.
1. By Train
Primarily, one of the best ways to access Yanjin is through the Kunming-Chongqing railway line that goes through the beautiful and rather picturesque Yunnan Province.
But for that, you will have to take a bullet train to Kunming from almost any major city/province, including Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. In most cases, you will be able to reach the city within 7 to 12 hours.
Additionally, Yanjin is served by slow-speed rail lines, not high-speed trains. Routes typically connect via:
- Zhaotong.
- Neijiang (Sichuan).
Apart from this, while the journey is pretty long, you can expect to see the scenic beauty, which is Insta-worthy, to say the least.
2. By Bus
Long-distance buses run from regional hubs such as Kunming and Zhaotong. However, they often require several transfers.
3. Nearest Airport
- Kunming Changshui International Airport: From Kunming, travelers continue by train or bus. The journey after you land takes about 5 to 6 hours.
| Proximity Of Yanjin China To Major Cities 1. Kunming: Located about 430 kilometers to the southwest 2. Zhaotong: Located 150 kilometers to the south 3. Chongqing: Located around 450 kilometers north and east |
Geography And Demographics Of Yanjin China
According to iRoamly, the latitudinal and longitudinal position of the city is as follows:
- Latitude: 28.2° N
- Longitude: 104.2° E
They further state:
“The proximity places Yanjin in a subtropical climate, contributing to a temperate climate and vibrant vegetation around it. This is typical of regions with a climate in China, where the conditions support diverse plant life.”
Cultural Significance Of Yanjin China
Yanjin’s story goes way back, long before the internet ever caught wind of it. Ages ago, the Bo people lived here. They were famous for building homes on cliffs and placing coffins high up on rock faces—a wild tradition that actually echoes the way Yanjin’s buildings cling to the mountainsides today.
The name “Yanjin” (盐津) means “salt ford.” For generations, this place was a key stop on the old salt trade routes between Sichuan and Yunnan.
According to Our China Story, it was the “Gateway to Sichuan and Yunnan.” People dug salt wells, loaded up boats, and kept the local economy moving along the river.
Yanjin also sat on a stretch of the Southern Silk Road, so travelers and traders passed through, even if the town never really grew into a big city.
It’s always been a bit unconventional, but that’s part of its charm. And through all the twists in its layout and its long history, Yanjin still hangs onto its traditions. The culture here runs deep.
Festivals And Traditions
Residents celebrate major Chinese festivals such as:
- Chinese New Year.
- Lantern Festival.
- Dragon Boat Festival (particularly meaningful given the river’s presence).
During festivals, the narrow streets come alive with lanterns, food stalls, and communal gatherings that feel especially intimate due to the town’s confined space.
Language And Daily Customs
Mandarin is the language that people widely speak here inYanjin. However, you may hear local dialects influenced by both Yunnan and Sichuan cultures.
Daily life unfolds at a slower pace than in China’s megacities, with neighbors interacting closely simply because space demands it.
| Best Time To Visit Yanjin • Best months: September to November (cooler, drier, clearer views) • Avoid if possible: July and August (peak rainy season) • Spring: Beautiful but occasionally unpredictable weather |
Places To Visit | Things To Do In Yanjin China
Considering the fact that the city is basically located between two mountains with only a river dividing them, it is only natural that trekking and water sports are popular here. However, as tourists, you should notjust stick to these two.
Here’s a full guide to all the things to do in Yanjin China:
Qidaguai Viewing Platform
This spot’s free, and the view is something you won’t forget—a sweeping look at that rare “one-line” county town squeezed right between the mountains and the river. If you don’t feel like hiking up, just grab a quick taxi ride. It’s easier and gets you there faster.
Doushaguang Ancient Trail / Wuchi Road Scenic Area
Here, you’re literally walking on history. The stone slabs beneath your feet are over 2,000 years old, and you can still spot the horse hoof prints left behind. This old road once linked Sichuan and Yunnan—the so-called “Southern Southwest Silk Road.”
Right where the wild Guan River cuts through the steep stone mountain, you’ll see a dramatic stone gate carved by time and water.
Bo People’s Hanging Coffins
These ancient burial sites are something else. Coffins sit wedged into cracks high up on the cliffs, far above the river. There’s an observation deck for a better look, and if you scan the QR code, you’ll get a free audio guide that fills in the story.
Yellow River Ancient Roads Forest Park
Over in Yanjin County, Henan Province, this park is a cool escape. There’s a big forest, plenty of walking trails, and even a wetland bird reserve. If you’re trying to get away from the summer heat, this is the place to go.
Dajue Temple Wanshou Pagoda
The next place to visit in Yanji is the Wanshou Pagoda. It sits inside Dajue Temple in Yanjin County, Henan. This seven-story, hexagonal brick pagoda first went up during the Tang Dynasty, and people rebuilt it over 36 years in the Ming Dynasty. If you make it to the top, you get a wide, sweeping view of the city—definitely worth the climb.
Suanzao Pavilion
Located in Shibogu Town, this one is built around a “thousand-year-old” sour jujube tree. The pavilion protects the ancient tree, which has ties to Tang Dynasty general Yuchi Jingde and even the legendary Three Kingdoms leader Cao Cao. It’s a spot heavy with history.
Do Not Miss The Small Things In Yanjin
As we have already said before, there are several things that you can do in the city. Therefore, even though you do visit all the places that we have mentioned, do not forget to enjoy the place as it really is:
Walk The Riverfront
Strolling along the riverbanks offers the best appreciation of Yanjin’s layout. You’ll see:
- Stilted buildings.
- Narrow pedestrian paths.
- Locals fishing, chatting, or shopping.
Old Streets And Local Markets
Yanjin’s older streets feature:
- Small noodle shops.
- Local snacks.
- Everyday goods are sold by family-run vendors.
This is where daily life unfolds—and where visitors can connect most authentically with the town.
Local Community And Economy Of Yanjin China
While it is possible that people might have unreal expectations about life here in Yanjin, China, let us tell you that things are pretty normal when it comes to the life of the people.
For instance, Skratch rightly points out that it genuinely appears to be a “normal kind of city complete with a middle school, a hairdressing centre, a BBQ joint, a furniture salesroom, a couple of hotels, and what seems like more than its fair share of automobile repair shops.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now that you are almost done with this blog, we hope that you have a better understanding of how exactly you can reach Yanjin China and the things that you can do there. Here are some of the questions that people also ask about the city:
Yes, they are totally real. However, these images come with caveats. Many viral drone images accurately depict Yanjin’s narrowness, but camera angles, lens compression, or selective framing exaggerate some. The town really is extraordinarily narrow, but it’s not uniformly thin at every point.
Based on multiple travel and geographic sources:
• Narrowest width: approximately 30 meters (about 98 feet).
• Widest sections: around 300 meters.
• Urban form: linear, ribbon-like settlement following the river’s path.
In some sections, the town is so tight that buildings are stacked vertically rather than spread horizontally. Many homes and shops are built on concrete stilts anchored into the canyon walls or riverbanks, allowing space for water flow during seasonal floods.
Yes, with common-sense precautions. Here are a few things that locals and travellers advise on:
• Avoid visiting during heavy rains.
• Follow local advice about river conditions.
• Respect building safety zones.
Crime rates are low, and locals are generally welcoming.
Even though the city looks small and cramped, it houses nearly 100,000 people. The county, on the other hand, is spread over a larger area and accommodates approximately 400,000 people.
The average annual temperature of the city is about 17°C (63°F). However, the specifics depend on the altitude you are at, considering there are mountains all over.
There are several elevated viewpoints above the town that provide striking perspectives without relying on drone distortion. Early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for photography.
Read Also:
