Deep within the lush landscapes of southern China, a breathtaking discovery stunned the scientific community and the world alike. In May 2022, researchers exploring the Leye-Fengshan Global Geopark in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region came across something extraordinary—an enormous sinkhole plunging more than 630 feet below the surface, hiding within it an ancient, untouched forest that looks like a scene straight out of a fantasy movie.
This natural wonder, now often referred to as one of China’s “Heavenly Pits,” has become a symbol of the country’s vast karst terrain and geological beauty. The discovery captured global attention, not only for its size but for what might be growing inside—trees towering over 130 feet tall, unique ecosystems, and possibly plant species that have never been documented before.
A Geological Masterpiece Hidden Underground
The Leye-Fengshan Geopark is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its incredible karst formations—landscapes formed when water dissolves limestone and other soluble rocks over time, creating caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers. According to UNESCO, over 60% of the area consists of thick carbonate rocks dating back to the Devonian and Permian periods, which makes the region a paradise for geologists and explorers alike.
The park’s terrain forms an “S”-shaped structure, influenced by the flow of two massive subterranean rivers, the Bailang and Poyue, which helped shape this geological wonder. Between these rivers lies another, the Buliuhe, surrounded by dramatic formations like towering karst peaks, natural bridges, vast cave systems, and expansive underground chambers. The region even contains ancient fossils, including remains of the giant panda’s ancestors and preserved Neogene-era strata, offering scientists a window into Earth’s distant past.
But among all these marvels, the newly discovered sinkhole stands out as one of nature’s most remarkable creations. Measuring over 1,000 feet long, 490 feet wide, and nearly 630 feet deep, it’s large enough to house an entire ecosystem—an underground world of greenery shielded from human disturbance.
An Ancient Forest Hidden from Time
During the 2022 expedition, Chinese scientists rappelled down into the pit, where they found something astonishing: a dense, thriving forest floor, filled with old-growth trees, lush ferns, and a thick carpet of vegetation stretching toward the sunlight filtering through the opening above. According to Chen Lixin, the leader of the expedition team, some of the trees reached over 130 feet in height, forming a canopy so thick it nearly blocked out the daylight.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if we find species that science hasn’t yet documented,” Chen said, expressing his belief that the sinkhole’s isolation could have protected undiscovered forms of life for centuries. Inside the sinkhole, researchers also discovered three large cave openings, suggesting there might be deeper, hidden chambers beneath the forest floor—perhaps even more ecosystems waiting to be explored.
Understanding Karst Landscapes and How Sinkholes Form
The Leye-Fengshan region is a textbook example of karst terrain, which forms when slightly acidic rainwater interacts with soluble rock. As rain seeps through soil, it absorbs carbon dioxide, creating weak carbonic acid. Over time, this acid eats away at the bedrock, carving tunnels and underground passageways. When these underground cavities grow too large, the land above can collapse, creating dramatic sinkholes like this one.
To understand just how unique this discovery is, scientists turned to George Veni, director of the U.S. National Cave and Karst Research Institute. He explained that karst landscapes differ widely across the globe depending on climate and rock type. “In China, you have incredibly spectacular karst formations with enormous sinkholes and giant cave entrances,” Veni said. “In other parts of the world, the same formations might be barely noticeable—just a few small depressions or narrow cave openings you’d have to squeeze through.”
Veni wasn’t entirely surprised by the finding, noting that southern China is home to some of the planet’s most complex karst systems. “Given how vast the karst landscapes here are, it’s not unusual to discover new sinkholes—but the size and condition of this one are exceptional,” he added.
A Natural Wonder of Global Significance
This latest discovery marks the 30th known sinkhole in the region. China is also home to Xiaozhai Tiankeng, the world’s largest sinkhole, which measures an astonishing 2,100 feet deep, 2,000 feet long, and 1,760 feet wide. Like something straight out of a video game or fantasy world, it even contains a flowing stream and misty waterfalls within its depths, giving it an otherworldly, dreamlike appearance.
The existence of these “Heavenly Pits” has made China’s karst terrain one of the most scientifically and visually fascinating on Earth. The UNESCO Global Geopark not only preserves these geological wonders but also helps researchers study the environmental processes that formed them over millions of years.
The newly discovered sinkhole may also help scientists better understand how unique ecosystems can thrive in isolated environments. Since sunlight still reaches parts of the pit, plants have been able to photosynthesize, creating a stable, self-sustaining ecosystem that may include species of insects, mosses, and fungi found nowhere else on the planet.
A Living Reminder of Nature’s Mysteries
For scientists, explorers, and nature lovers alike, this discovery serves as a powerful reminder that Earth still holds countless secrets waiting to be uncovered. The “Heavenly Pit” isn’t just a hole in the ground—it’s a portal into a hidden world, one that offers both beauty and knowledge. Every tree, rock, and fossil tells a story that stretches back millions of years, revealing how our planet has evolved through time.
As more research is conducted, scientists hope to identify the plant and animal species living inside the sinkhole and determine whether any of them are new to science. Such discoveries could offer insight into how life adapts in isolated and extreme conditions—a subject that continues to fascinate biologists around the world.
While many marvel at the beauty of what lies beneath, this find also underscores the importance of environmental protection. The delicate ecosystems within these sinkholes depend on a balance that could easily be disrupted by human interference. Protecting sites like Leye-Fengshan ensures that future generations will continue to learn from and be inspired by the wonders of our natural world.
So the next time you look at a patch of ground, remember: beneath your feet might lie an entire forest, a world untouched by time, waiting quietly in the dark.
