Scientists Discovered A Sinkhole 630 Feet Underground In China Known As “Heavenly Pits”

Deep within a sinkhole in China’s Leye-Fengshan Global Geopark, about 630 feet below the surface, scientists have uncovered an ancient forest that may contain previously unknown plant species.

Located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the UNESCO Global Geopark is known for its dramatic caves and the world’s longest natural bridge. The landscape is mainly made up of thick layers of sedimentary rock, shaped by underground rivers and natural erosion.

UNESCO describes the area as a remarkable karst formation, featuring high peaks, massive caves, natural bridges, and fossils—including those of giant pandas. It showcases some of the most beautiful and dense karst landscapes found anywhere in the world.

In May 2022, researchers discovered a new sinkhole in the park measuring over 1,000 feet long, nearly 500 feet wide, and about 630 feet deep. Inside, they found huge trees reaching more than 130 feet tall, suggesting the ecosystem has thrived undisturbed for centuries.

Expedition leader Chen Lixin said it’s very possible that undiscovered plant or animal species live in this secluded forest and within the three cave openings found in the sinkhole.

George Veni, head of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute, explained that karst landscapes form when slightly acidic rainwater dissolves bedrock, creating tunnels and voids that eventually collapse into sinkholes.

This newly found sinkhole is the 30th known in the region. China is also home to the world’s largest sinkhole, Xiaozhai Tiankeng, a massive pit over 2,000 feet deep with its own flowing stream.