Getu River

The Getu river cuts through karst in central Guizhou and passes beneath the Great Arch, a natural opening in a limestone wall around a hundred metres across and over two hundred high, one of the largest of its kind. The valley below is reached by boat through caves and gorges. The area became known in climbing circles because the walls hold hard sport routes and host international competitions, but its older reputation is local: villagers climbed the cave walls with hemp ropes and bare feet to collect swiftlet nests and saltpetre, and demonstrations of that free-climbing tradition are still given by men from the nearby village.

What you actually see

• The Great Arch - an enormous natural opening in the limestone wall.
• The boat passage - the river through caves and gorges below.
• The rope climbers - villagers demonstrating traditional free climbing.
• The sport routes - hard climbing lines on the surrounding walls.

When to go

April to October for warmth and water levels; summer is humid with afternoon storms. Climbing conditions are best in spring and autumn. Boats may stop in flood.

Honest expectations

Entry plus boat is expensive and internal transport limited. Climbing demonstrations are scheduled performances. The site is remote with basic facilities and little English.

Nearby

Anshun lies north; Huangguoshu waterfall is northwest.