Nestled between towering cliffs and divided by the rushing Nanxi River lies a city unlike any other, one often dubbed “the world’s narrowest city”. In the northeastern corner of China’s Yunnan Province sits Yanjin, a city that stretches eight miles along the river, but in many places is no wider than 100 feet.

Yanjin is wedged between two natural giants, the Nanxi River, which snakes through the city centre and two mountains that press in from both sides. This extreme narrowness has shaped every aspect of life for Yanjin’s 400,000 or so locals. Residents were left with little choice but to build upwards instead of outwards, resulting in an incredibly unique layout with homes, shops and public buildings stacked on top of one another.

In some places, alleysways are just wide enough for two people to pass each other, while narrow bridges connect different parts of the city over the river. Many buildings cling to the mountainside, facing each other across the river.

While few have heard of Yanjin, the city actually holds deep historical significance. Located at the junction of Sichuan and Yunnan, it was known as the “Gateway to Sichuan and Yunnan” in ancient times and was once a key stronghold on the ancient Southern Silk Road.

Since the city’s roads are often too narrow for cars, most residents rely on bicycles, motorbikes, or their own two feet to get around.

The city’s buildings are situated on tall pillars, a preemptive measure against water-level rise during periods of heavy flooding. During the rainy season, the Nanxi River can swell dangerously, threatening to flood the city’s lower areas. Meanwhile, the steep mountainsides are prone to landslides, which can block roads or damage buildings.

Yanjin has long been a self-sustaining community, with many residents relying on fishing, agriculture, and small businesses to make a living. Due to the limited space in the city centre, many residents own small plots of land on the outskirts, where they can grow food or raise livestock.

With neighbours living on top of one another, it’s no surprise that Yanjin has become a tight-knit community. During local festivals like the Lantern Festival and Dragon Boat Festival, the streets and tight alleyways come alive with lights, music, and traditional food.

Due to its remote location and the size of China, getting to Yanjin County is not easy. The Chongqing-Kunming highway runs through the valley and right by the city, making arrival by road relatively convenient. According to local information, you can also catch a high-speed bullet train to Kunming, the provincial capital, from Shanghai, Beijing, or Hong Kong and then take a long-distance bus (about a six-hour ride one-way) to Yanjin County.

“It’s truly mind-blowing to see how Yanjin has adapted to its natural environment, with its residents making the most of every inch of space available,” said Drew Binsky, a YouTuber who has visited all 197 on Earth. “The towering mountains in every direction make it feel as though the city is trapped in a stunning, yet challenging, landscape. In all of my travels, I’ve never seen anything like this!”