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A group of explorers in southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region recently made an incredible discovery—a giant sinkhole with a lush forest growing at the bottom. This enormous natural formation, stretching more than 1,000 feet long and plunging over 600 feet deep, could be home to species that have never been seen before.
A Secret World Beneath the Earth
Unlike the frightening image that the word “sinkhole” might bring to mind, this one is bursting with life. The trees inside reach about 130 feet high, while dense plants grow up to shoulder height. According to Chen Lixin, the leader of the expedition, there’s a strong possibility that unknown species are hiding within this underground oasis.
The team also found three caves inside the sinkhole, which could offer clues about how it formed over time. Lixin and his team rappelled down into this hidden world on May 6, stepping into what feels like a lost ecosystem.
Why Sinkholes Are So Common in China
Although this discovery is breathtaking, it’s not entirely unexpected. Southern China is full of giant sinkholes, known locally as “Tiankeng” or “heavenly pits.” This region has a special type of landscape called karst topography, where rainwater gradually erodes the limestone bedrock, creating massive underground caves. Eventually, when the surface above collapses, a sinkhole forms.
In fact, this is the 30th sinkhole found in the area. Back in 2019, the same team of explorers uncovered 19 similar sinkholes nearby, proving that this part of China is full of underground surprises.
Sinkholes Around the World
While China has some of the largest and most spectacular sinkholes, they aren’t unique to this country. Similar formations exist in places like Mexico, Papua New Guinea, and even the United States, where nearly 20 percent of the land has karst terrain. However, sinkholes in other parts of the world are often much smaller and less dramatic.
George Veni, a cave expert from the U.S. National Cave and Karst Research Institute, explained that China’s sinkholes stand out because of the local geology and climate. While some areas have tiny, barely noticeable sinkholes, China has these massive, visually stunning formations with deep caves and thriving plant life.
Why Sinkholes Matter
Sinkholes might seem scary, but they actually serve an important purpose. Many of them contain deep underground water sources called karst aquifers. These aquifers provide drinking water for about 700 million people worldwide. However, they can also be easily polluted, as waste and chemicals can seep into the water supply.
Veni warns that people have found everything from car batteries to barrels of unknown substances dumped in these underground water systems, highlighting the need to protect them.
A Natural Wonder Waiting to Be Explored
The newly discovered sinkhole in Guangxi is yet another reminder of how many hidden wonders exist beneath our feet. With more research and exploration, scientists may uncover brand-new plant and animal species in this underground world, revealing even more secrets about our planet’s incredible landscapes.
