Glorious scenery in Nanjiang Grand Canyon enchants visitors

Most of the beautiful mountains and waters in Guizhou in southwest China are hidden amid canyons, also called locally as the "scars of the earth", according to locals.

There are many so-called scars in the province because of its special geological formations, officials said.

The hilly terrain endows Guizhou with unique landscape and enthusiasts say the best season to appreciate the canyons is in the summer. 

Kaiyang Nanjiang Canyon is commonly known as the paramount canyon park in China and Kaiyang is well-known as the second hometown of famous Chinese poet Tao Yuanming (352/365-427).

The canyon is characterized by varieties of karst canyons scenery and different forms of waterfalls. The magnificent scenic spot is full of haunting landscape which is also full of scientific value. 

Experts say Nanjiang canyon has ancient strata and is its geological structures are both magnificent and beautiful. The canyon is more than 40 kilometers long, with peaks as high as 398 meters.

There are more than 80 natural landscapes and 40 waterfalls. Shexiang waterfall is located in the small Nanjiang River, which drops by more than 150 meters.

Tourists can swim in the stream, stroll above on cliff top trestle walkways, or hike in primeval karst forests.

On the cliff, the macaques – or Asian monkeys with  distinctive short tails – are often found climbing and playing around，while up above eagles and egrets take wing. Below, on the river, mandarin ducks are often seen swimming.

A glorious waterfall flows into the river at Nanjiang Grand Canyon in Kaiyang county, Guiyang, in southwestern Guizhou province. [Photo/kaiyang.gov.cn]