Getu River National Park in Guizhou, southwestern China, is emerging as a major rock climbing destination.
Getu River National Park in Guizhou, southwestern China, is emerging as a major rock climbing destination.
Petzl/Lafouche
The karst limestone peaks and arches make it a playground for the fearless.
The karst limestone peaks and arches make it a playground for the fearless.
Vertical Argentina
n 2011, outdoor equipment company Petzl invited hundreds of climbers to the region. They bolted more than 300 climbing routes in the area.
n 2011, outdoor equipment company Petzl invited hundreds of climbers to the region. They bolted more than 300 climbing routes in the area.
Petzl/Lafouche
Locals also have a tradition of climbing here but now do it mainly for the benefit of tourists. Huang Xiaobao points to the entrance of Swallow Cave, where he climbs 100 meters without safety protection.
Locals also have a tradition of climbing here but now do it mainly for the benefit of tourists. Huang Xiaobao points to the entrance of Swallow Cave, where he climbs 100 meters without safety protection.
Katie Hunt/CNN
Getu's Great Arch is the park's major attraction.
Getu's Great Arch is the park's major attraction.
Courtesy Guizhou Tourism Bureau
From the top, you get an incredible view of China's ancient karst landscape.
From the top, you get an incredible view of China's ancient karst landscape.
Ryan Deboodt
The less intrepid can reach the arch by hiking a path through a sinkhole.
The less intrepid can reach the arch by hiking a path through a sinkhole.
Katie Hunt/CNN
A newly built glass elevator takes you to the arch.
A newly built glass elevator takes you to the arch.
Katie Hunt/CNN
Underneath the arch, wild banana plants and rare bamboo thrive in the damp and shady conditions.
Underneath the arch, wild banana plants and rare bamboo thrive in the damp and shady conditions.
Ryan Deboodt
The region was only connected to China's road system in 2003. A bamboo raft is the traditional way to get around.
The region was only connected to China's road system in 2003. A bamboo raft is the traditional way to get around.
Katie Hunt/CNN
The region is gearing up for tourism but for now lies largely off the beaten path.
The region is gearing up for tourism but for now lies largely off the beaten path.
Ryan Deboodt