A massive sinkhole in Leye County, located in Guangxi province, South China, is fascinating scientists with its hidden natural wonders. This giant hole, called a “tiankeng” or “Heavenly Pit,” holds an untouched forest at its base. The discovery has amazed experts due to its size and beauty.
This enormous sinkhole is 630 feet deep, 1,000 feet long, and 492 feet wide. Inside, researchers found tall trees reaching 131 feet toward the light above.
The dense forest forms a hidden world under the earth’s surface, resembling scenes from the movie “Avatar.” The greenery and towering trees create a unique ecosystem that few have ever seen.
Southern China is a Sinkhole Hotspot
China’s southern region is well-known for having many sinkholes. In fact, two-thirds of the world’s sinkholes are found in China, with over 200 documented so far. Guangxi province alone has 30 major sinkholes, making it a center for these incredible formations. The recently found sinkhole in Leye County is the largest in the area.
One of the world's largest sinkholes is Xiaozhai Tiankeng. It measures 2,172 feet deep & was created by an underground river!#History #WritingCommmunity #Writerslift #Geography #travel #China #Chinese #chineseculture #BookTwitter #travelling #travelphotography #Traveller #book pic.twitter.com/nm5vIiP7J6
— Fascinating History (@Fascinate_Hist) March 25, 2024
The largest sinkhole in the world, known as the Xiaozhai Tiankeng, is also in China. Located in Chongqing’s Fengjie County, this sinkhole was discovered in 1994. It measures 2,054 feet long, 1,762 feet wide, and has a depth ranging from 1,677 to 2,172 feet. Visitors can climb a 2,800-step staircase to explore it. However, scientists worry that too much tourism might harm its fragile ecosystem.
The Xiaozhai Tiankeng contains more than 1,200 species of plants and animals, some of which have lived there for millions of years. Experts believe the newly found sinkhole in Leye County may also hold undiscovered species. These sinkholes offer valuable clues about ancient environments and ecosystems.
Other remarkable Sinkholes in China
China is home to several other breathtaking sinkholes. One example is the Dashiwei Tiankeng in Guangxi province. This sinkhole is 1,148 feet deep and features cliffs covered in thick greenery. Visitors can enjoy views from observation decks, taking in the steep cliffs and dense forest below. The ecosystem here remains mostly untouched by humans.
In Shaanxi province, the Shuanghe Tiankeng Group is another wonder. It consists of multiple smaller sinkholes connected by underground rivers and caves. Discovered in 2016, this area showcases how water has carved out incredible chambers over millions of years.
Protecting these natural wonders
In many places, sinkholes are seen as dangerous. But in China, they are appreciated for their beauty and scientific importance. These massive pits offer a peek into Earth’s history and hidden life. However, scientists worry that rising tourism might damage these delicate environments. More visitors mean more risk to the rare plants and animals living there.
Protecting these ecosystems is vital for future research. The recent discovery in Leye County is a reminder that there are still many hidden wonders beneath our feet. These natural treasures need careful exploration and protection to keep revealing Earth’s secrets for years to come.