Deep inside a vast sinkhole in China’s Leye-Fengshan Global Geopark, scientists have uncovered an enormous, ancient forest—hidden more than 630 feet below the surface.
UNESCO describes the geopark, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as a spectacular landscape of caves, towering cliffs, and the world’s longest natural bridge. According to its official website, over 60% of the park consists of thick Devonian to Permian-era carbonate rock, shaping a dramatic “S”-shaped structure and rhombus configuration that guide two major underground rivers—the Bailang and the Poyue. Between these rivers flows the Buliuhe River, carving out numerous karst formations, including clusters of high peaks (fengcong), sinkholes (tiankengs), natural bridges, vast caves, and impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Fossils—including giant panda remains—are also scattered throughout the area.
Karst terrain, formed when acidic water erodes soluble rock like limestone, is prone to sinkholes and other dramatic underground features. Southern China’s karst regions are among the most spectacular in the world, featuring enormous caverns and vertical chasms.
In May 2022, researchers identified a new sinkhole in the park measuring more than 1,000 feet long, nearly 500 feet wide, and close to 630 feet deep. Within this colossal opening lies an untouched forest of towering trees—some reaching more than 130 feet high—along with plant species that may be completely new to science. Three cave entrances have also been discovered inside the sinkhole.
Chen Lixin, who led the expedition, said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if we find species in these caves that science hasn’t yet documented.”
George Veni, executive director of the U.S.-based National Cave and Karst Research Institute, explained that karst formations vary greatly worldwide depending on climate and geology. “In China you have this incredibly spectacular karst with enormous sinkholes and giant cave entrances,” he said. “In other parts of the world, sinkholes can be just a meter or two wide, and cave openings so small you have to squeeze inside.”
Karst sinkholes form over thousands of years. Slightly acidic rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide from soil, becoming even more corrosive, then seeps through cracks in limestone and other soluble rocks. Over time, these underground channels expand, and when the space becomes too large to support the ground above, the surface collapses—revealing a sinkhole.
This newly identified site is the 30th major sinkhole documented in the region. It joins the ranks of China’s legendary Xiaozhai Tiankeng—the world’s largest sinkhole at 2,100 feet deep, 2,000 feet long, and 1,760 feet wide—which even has its own stream running through it.
This latest discovery is another reminder of how much of Earth’s hidden wilderness remains unexplored.
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