In a world where space is becoming increasingly coveted, there’s one place so surreal it’s hard to believe it’s real. Yanjin , a Chinese city literally sandwiched between two mountains, is considered the narrowest city in the world . Measuring just 27 meters wide at its narrowest point , this narrow urban corridor has captured global attention for its extreme structure, its millennia-long history, and its ability to house more than 400,000 people in conditions many would consider impossible.
Where is Yanjin and why is it so famous?
Located in southwest China, in Yunnan province, Yanjin stretches like a thin thread along the Nanxi River, surrounded by rugged mountains and with little room for expansion. The city is crisscrossed by a single main road , causing constant traffic jams and limited traffic. And yet, life here never stops . Shops, hospitals, schools, and even shopping malls rise from the edge of the abyss, adapting to the geography as if they were part of it.
The origin of an impossible city
Yanjin wasn’t born by chance. Its history dates back to the Qin Dynasty (around 220 BC), when it was a strategic point on the Southern Silk Road . Its name, in fact, reflects that commercial importance: “Yan” means salt, and “Jin” translates as river port, resulting in “salt port.” In its early days, it was a key stop for the exchange of one of the most precious resources of the time.
The settlement began with houses built on stilts along the river, and little by little, that thin rock corridor transformed into a vertical city. Today, horizontal expansion is impossible , and so buildings grow taller, while the streets become increasingly narrow.
Why do people still live in Yanjin?
Under such extreme conditions—frequent flooding, limited accessibility, and a lack of space—many are asking: why has no one left Yanjin? The answer is as simple as it is powerful: roots, family, and community . The inhabitants have grown up in this place; they know it, love it, and have learned to live with its challenges. Despite the constant risk, they feel safe among its mountains and rely on a community network that has endured for generations.
5 reasons why Yanjin continues to surprise the world
- It’s the narrowest city on the planet.
Barely 27 meters wide in some areas, no other inhabited place in the world has such an extreme urban configuration. Its buildings seem wedged together, and stairwells and alleyways wind like vertical labyrinths. - With a history of more than 2,000 years,
from its founding in the Qin era to its role in the salt trade, Yanjin has stood the test of time thanks to its strategic value. - It still preserves ancient rituals and mysteries. In the nearby mountains, the hanging coffins
of the Bo people, a civilization that lived more than 2,500 years ago and performed cliff burials, are still preserved . It is one of the most enigmatic funerary practices in Asia. - It is full of life and modernity, despite its isolation
Despite its difficult access, Yanjin has international shops , modern supermarkets and a vibrant community that surprises every visitor. - Its cost of living is surprisingly low.
Annual rent for a home in Yanjin is around 10,000 euros per year , a price difficult to find in other cities around the world, especially considering its infrastructure and size.
How to get to Yanjin and what to expect during the trip?
Getting to Yanjin isn’t easy. From nearby cities like Chongqing , the journey involves more than five hours by car, crossing mountains, dangerous curves, and areas with no internet access. It’s, quite literally, an adventure.
Once in the city, visitors encounter orderly chaos: constant traffic, streets barely large enough for two people, endless staircases, and vertical architecture that defies gravity. However, what truly impresses is the hospitality of its residents , who don’t hesitate to offer help, give water, or ask tourists for photos, a rare occurrence in this remote area.
Recommendations for visiting Yanjin
- Plan your route in advance : Internet coverage is limited in some areas of the route. Using an eSIM like the Nomad can be key to maintaining a connection at all times.
- Avoid rush hour : Traffic jams on the city’s only road can be frustrating. Visiting early in the morning helps you explore more leisurely.
- Wear comfortable shoes : be prepared to climb stairs constantly. The city is built on vertical levels.
- Explore beyond the city center : If you can, hike to the hanging coffins. Although the path is treacherous, the view and experience are unique.
- Don’t underestimate the weather : Being in the mountains, the weather can change quickly. Bring light clothing, but also waterproof clothing in case of sudden downpours.
If you’re looking for a travel experience that takes you out of your routine, confronts you with the unexpected, and allows you to see how humanity has learned to adapt to even the most unlikely terrain, Yanjin is the place . Beyond its physical boundaries, this city is a reminder that ingenuity, tradition, and community can turn even the narrowest corner of the world into a warm and vibrant home.
Don’t let them tell you: dare to explore the narrowest city in the world and discover a way of life that breaks with everything you thought possible.
