Western Guizhou is an important area for exploration of both coalbed methane and shale gas， and presents huge challenge for drilling engineering because of circulation loss induced by karst caves and fractures. Analysis of the surface geological condition and drilling practice in the area with reference to the drilling experience from nearby areas finds that circulation loss， often accompanied by wellbore collapse， is mainly caused by the caves and fractures developed in Western Guizhou. In view of circulation loss and wellbore collapse， it is proposed that the specific well structure should be designed for the coalbed methane well and the shale gas well to prevent circulation loss and wellbore collapse. The drilling technical system， including air drilling， water drilling， casing while drilling， reverse circulation， has been developed to deal with the challenges and to increase the ROP. The drilling experience from Well QSD-1 is also described. This paper can provide the technological solution and reference for drilling in Western Guizhou.