This is the nerve-wracking moment a couple nearly plunged off a cliff while taking a risky shortcut at a beauty spot in China.

The pair decided to bypass the main route as the area became increasingly crowded at Mount Tai in Tai An, Shandong, during the May Day public holiday.

Footage shows the couple climbing over a safety railing in an attempt to avoid the jam-packed stairway filled with tourists hoping to view the sunrise.

The man, dressed in red, descended first before turning to help his girlfriend, who followed close behind.

However, she slipped while scrambling down the rocky ledge, causing both of them to tumble into a narrow gully.

In a split-second reaction, the quick-thinking man managed to grab a safety wire and catch the woman's ankle, stopping her from falling further.

Panicked onlookers shouted as she dangled in the air and rushed to help, but the couple eventually pulled themselves to safety.

They reportedly did not sustain any injuries from the incident.

Mount Tai Scenic Area authorities said security staff had warned tourists against crossing barriers and pledged to step up patrols and safety monitoring during peak seasons.