Not many major cities in the world exist at an elevation of one mile (5280 feet, or 1609 meters) or higher. South America has two cities which claim to be the world's highest city: Potosi, Bolivia has an elevation of about 4000m - almost 2.5 miles - above sea level and a population of around 120,000 residents. In Peru, Cerro de Pasco also claims to be the world's highest city; Cerro de Pasco has a population of 70,000. The argument probably will not be settled without a better definition of the term "city." The Bolivian capital, La Paz, has over 800,000 residents at an elevation of about 3600m.
In the United States, Denver, Colorado, is famous as the "mile high city;" and Denver's 1.7 million resident live at about 5400 feet above sea level. Lhasa, Tibet, claims the title of world's highest capital city; Lhasa's half-million residents live at an altitude of about 3800m - 200m higher than La Paz. Lijiang, though, may have the distinction of being the highest city in the world with a population over the one million mark.
Lijiang has a long history. It is the ancient seat of Dongba Culture. The city's ethnic Naxi people still live that culture. The city's history dates back to period of the Warring States (475-221 B.C.) in China. Today the city is known primarily as a scenic garden spot - lush green valleys surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Lijiang sits at a crossroads. It is among the few towns where the architectural styles of both north and south China can be found. And it marks the spot where the Yangtze River leaves the mountains of Tibet to become a might artery for commerce and culture in China. From Lijiang the Yangtze flows into Sichuan Province, through the city of Chongqing, to the gigantic Three Gorges Dam, and onward to Wuhan and Nanjing before reaching the East China Sea near Shanghai.
Lijiang is laced with canals. The city's ancient water distribution system is complex, but still very functional. And the canals add beauty to the city.
In addition to the large Naxi minority group, Lijian is home to ethnic Yi, Lisu, Pumi, Bai, Dai, Miao, Zhuang, Tibetan, and Hui. In 1997, UNESCO put Lijiang on its list of the world's major cultural heritage sites.
If you have the pleasure of visiting Lijiang you should plan on spending at least a few hours in the city's most important parks. Yuquan Park (known popularly "Black Dragon Pool Park" or as "Jade Spring Park") is at the base of the Xiangshan Mountain north of the city. The park includes a waterfall, and is shaded by willow trees throughout the grounds.
A number of scenic attractions exist near Lijinag. Yulong Xueshan (or "Jade Dragon") Mountain is about ten miles form the city. The mountain is 5,596 meters and the summit can be reached by cable car. About 32 miles form Lijiang, the town of Shigu sits on a U-turn on the Yangtze River known locally as "the first bend." Hutiao (or "Jumping Tiger") Gorge is about nine miles from Lijiang. The gorge is 3000 feet deep and in spots is only 30 meters wide. Scenic Lugu Lake sits on the Yunnan-Sichuan border about 180 miles from Lijiang. The lake is surrounded by dense forest.
Lijiang is well worth a visit.