The topography of Lijiang Naxi Autonomous Prefecture ranges from gently rolling plains to the highest mountain ranges south of the Yangzi. Activity centers around the prefectural seat, also called Lijiang, set at an elevation of 2400m. The city is distinguished by an intricate system of narrow waterways and canals. Ever since a large earthquake devastated the old part of town, a replica of it was built and Lijiang became a UNESCO world heritage site.