Getu River Scenic Area

Scenic Area Introduction

Located in Ziyun County, Anshun City, Guizhou Province, the Getu River Scenic Area epitomizes karst topography, blending majestic, rugged, and ancient landscapes into a hidden realm where natural wonders and Miao culture intertwine.

Its signature marvel is the globally rare “three-dimensional cluster of pierced caves.” Among these, Swallow Cave (Great Pierced Cave) resembles a natural arch 116 meters high and 25 meters wide. Each year from Qingming to Chongyang, hundreds of thousands of swallows swirl through its air, creating the spectacular sight of “ten thousand swallows returning to their nests.” At 226 meters above it lies the ancient riverbed site of the Upper Perforated Cave, large enough for an airplane to pass through. From September to March each year, at dawn, sunlight pierces through several giant cavities in sequence, creating a “divine light” that cascades down like a waterfall—a miracle of natural light and shadow.

Complementing these static wonders are dynamic cultural legends. Witness “spidermen” performing free-climbing feats on the 108-meter-high cliffs of Swallow Cave without any protective gear. This ancient Miao technique, originally used for installing悬棺 (suspended coffins) and harvesting bird's nests, has evolved into a breathtaking intangible cultural heritage display. You can also visit the idyllic Dahu River Miao Village, where you'll enjoy authentic Miao “Jumping Flower” dances and witness daring feats like “climbing mountains of knives and crossing seas of fire,” immersing yourself in the mystical culture of the heroic epic “King Yalu.”

Address

Geshuitang Town, Ziyun Miao and Buyi Autonomous County, Anshun City, Guizhou Province.