04:30In a fearless, barehanded ascent, China's 'spider-woman' scaled the towering Getu River cliffs in Miao-Bouyei Autonomous County of Ziyun - a centuries-old tradition of the Miao people.
Footage filmed on Monday shows Luo Dengping and Wang Xiao Guo from Guizhou Province, thrilling spectators by climbing up and down a 108-metre-tall cliff in a gigantic cave without any protective equipment.
"I have been climbing here for nearly 20 years, and I have not encountered any difficulties or sustained any injuries," said climber Luo Dengping.
Luo inherited her skill from her father, who once collected swallow droppings from the cliffs to use as fertiliser. "I'd secretly follow him up the cliffs," she said. "When he found out, he would call me down, but I told him it was no big deal and that I wasn't afraid. After that, he felt more at ease and allowed me to continue climbing."
For Wang, the climb is more than just a sport, it’s a cultural expression deeply tied to the heritage of the Miao people.
"In the past, transportation was inconvenient, and the older generation used swallow droppings as fertiliser. They had to walk for two to three hours to reach the market to buy fertiliser, which was a very long journey. So, they collected swallow droppings here and used them," he explained.
The Getu River Scenic Area has become a popular destination for thrill-seekers and tourists, drawn by the awe-inspiring feats of these local Spider-men, and -women. Their daring performances highlight a unique cultural legacy and an impressive display of fearlessness and skill.
Madame Web! Watch 'spider-woman' scaling cliffs of southwest China without safety equipment
In a fearless, barehanded ascent, China's 'spider-woman' scaled the towering Getu River cliffs in Miao-Bouyei Autonomous County of Ziyun - a centuries-old tradition of the Miao people.
Footage filmed on Monday shows Luo Dengping and Wang Xiao Guo from Guizhou Province, thrilling spectators by climbing up and down a 108-metre-tall cliff in a gigantic cave without any protective equipment.
"I have been climbing here for nearly 20 years, and I have not encountered any difficulties or sustained any injuries," said climber Luo Dengping.
Luo inherited her skill from her father, who once collected swallow droppings from the cliffs to use as fertiliser. "I'd secretly follow him up the cliffs," she said. "When he found out, he would call me down, but I told him it was no big deal and that I wasn't afraid. After that, he felt more at ease and allowed me to continue climbing."
For Wang, the climb is more than just a sport, it’s a cultural expression deeply tied to the heritage of the Miao people.
"In the past, transportation was inconvenient, and the older generation used swallow droppings as fertiliser. They had to walk for two to three hours to reach the market to buy fertiliser, which was a very long journey. So, they collected swallow droppings here and used them," he explained.
The Getu River Scenic Area has become a popular destination for thrill-seekers and tourists, drawn by the awe-inspiring feats of these local Spider-men, and -women. Their daring performances highlight a unique cultural legacy and an impressive display of fearlessness and skill.
In a fearless, barehanded ascent, China's 'spider-woman' scaled the towering Getu River cliffs in Miao-Bouyei Autonomous County of Ziyun - a centuries-old tradition of the Miao people.
Footage filmed on Monday shows Luo Dengping and Wang Xiao Guo from Guizhou Province, thrilling spectators by climbing up and down a 108-metre-tall cliff in a gigantic cave without any protective equipment.
"I have been climbing here for nearly 20 years, and I have not encountered any difficulties or sustained any injuries," said climber Luo Dengping.
Luo inherited her skill from her father, who once collected swallow droppings from the cliffs to use as fertiliser. "I'd secretly follow him up the cliffs," she said. "When he found out, he would call me down, but I told him it was no big deal and that I wasn't afraid. After that, he felt more at ease and allowed me to continue climbing."
For Wang, the climb is more than just a sport, it’s a cultural expression deeply tied to the heritage of the Miao people.
"In the past, transportation was inconvenient, and the older generation used swallow droppings as fertiliser. They had to walk for two to three hours to reach the market to buy fertiliser, which was a very long journey. So, they collected swallow droppings here and used them," he explained.
The Getu River Scenic Area has become a popular destination for thrill-seekers and tourists, drawn by the awe-inspiring feats of these local Spider-men, and -women. Their daring performances highlight a unique cultural legacy and an impressive display of fearlessness and skill.