Hidden in the mountains around Guiyang, Guizhou province, lies Shiwanxi, a rugged wilderness famous for its sheer karst cliffs and heart-pounding trails. Hikers seeking a true test of endurance now rank it among the city's top 10 most challenging treks.

Famous for its dramatic and treacherous karst landscape, Shiwanxi has become one of Guiyang's top 10 most demanding trekking routes. [Photo by Long Yong/For chinadaily.com.cn]

A photographer's glimpse reveals a canyon plunging more than 300 meters, its sheer cliffs carved as if by knife and axe. On the valley floor, two waterfalls steal the show.

One waterfall crashes down an 80-meter cliff with a thunderous roar. The other cascades over the rock face in a shimmering curtain that blankets the gorge in mist.

As you follow the stream upstream, you enter an untouched forest. Towering ancient trees and twisted vines lend the place a storybook charm, transporting you into a lush world that seems frozen in time.

Famous for its dramatic and treacherous karst landscape, Shiwanxi has become one of Guiyang's top 10 most demanding trekking routes. [Photo by Long Yong/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Famous for its dramatic and treacherous karst landscape, Shiwanxi has become one of Guiyang's top 10 most demanding trekking routes. [Photo by Long Yong/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Famous for its dramatic and treacherous karst landscape, Shiwanxi has become one of Guiyang's top 10 most demanding trekking routes. [Photo by Long Yong/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Famous for its dramatic and treacherous karst landscape, Shiwanxi has become one of Guiyang's top 10 most demanding trekking routes. [Photo by Long Yong/For chinadaily.com.cn]