Karst peaks and sweeping gorges that shape the special topography of Guizhou compel a growing number of visitors. [Photo/China Daily and Xinhua]

Guizhou province's undulating topography has long sculpted its fight against poverty into an uphill battle in every sense－but the very mountains that had blocked prosperity are today generating it through tourism.

Indeed, the sheer karst peaks, sweeping gorges and gushing waterfalls that shape this swath of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in Southwest China have made transportation construction difficult. But their magnificent beauty compels a growing number of visitors.

About 11.5 million people－a third of Guizhou's population－lived below the poverty line by the end of 2011, official figures show.

The number dropped to 4.9 million by the end of last year.