A giant sinkhole in Leye County, Guangxi province, South China, is astonishing scientists with its hidden wonders. Known as a “tiankeng,” or “Heavenly Pit,” the sinkhole measures 630 feet deep, 1,000 feet long, and 492 feet wide, sheltering an untouched, remarkable forest at its bottom. Trees soar 131 feet toward the sunlight, creating a hidden world beneath the surface. The forest’s lush greenery and towering trees form a unique ecosystem, reminiscent of scenes from Avatar.
Southern China: A sinkhole “hotspot”
Southern China is known for its abundance of sinkholes. More than two-thirds of the world’s sinkholes are located in China, with over 200 documented. Guangxi province alone has 30 major sinkholes, making it a hotspot for these natural formations. The newly discovered forest sinkhole is the largest in the region.
The world’s largest sinkhole
China is also home to the world’s largest sinkhole, the Xiaozhai Tiankeng, in Fengjie County, Chongqing. Discovered by scientists in 1994, this enormous sinkhole stretches 2,054 feet long, 1,762 feet wide, and between 1,677 and 2,172 feet deep.
It features a 2,800-step staircase for visitors, though scientists worry that increased tourism could harm the fragile ecosystem at the bottom.
The Xiaozhai Tiankeng hosts more than 1,200 species of plants and animals, many of which have existed for millions of years. The forest within the Leye County sinkhole may also contain new, undiscovered species, sparking excitement among researchers. The scale and complexity of these ecosystems offer rare insights into ancient environments.
Other Sinkholes in China
Another stunning sinkhole in China is the Dashiwei Tiankeng in Guangxi province. It is 1,148 feet deep, with cliffs covered in lush greenery. Visitors can walk along observation decks and marvel at the steep walls and dense vegetation below. The sinkhole’s unique ecosystem remains largely untouched.
Further afield, in Shaanxi province, the Shuanghe Tiankeng Group consists of a cluster of smaller sinkholes connected by underground rivers and caves. This area, discovered in 2016, reveals a complex system of karst formations where water erosion has carved out breathtaking chambers over millions of years.
“Heavenly Pits” of beauty and science
Though sinkholes are often viewed as dangerous elsewhere, in China, they are celebrated for their natural beauty and scientific value. These massive formations provide glimpses into Earth’s geological past and hidden biodiversity.
However, scientists are concerned that growing tourism may damage these delicate environments. The increase in visitors could threaten the discoveries that make these sinkholes valuable. Preserving these ecosystems is essential for ongoing research and understanding how our planet has evolved.
China’s sinkholes continue to surprise the scientific community, revealing new wonders even today. The discovery in Leye County reminds us that beneath the surface lies a world full of secrets, waiting to be explored and protected.