Deep within China’s Leye-Fengshan Global Geopark, scientists discovered a massive sinkhole about 630 feet deep—harboring an untouched, ancient forest. Hidden for centuries, this underground world teems with towering trees and possibly undiscovered species.
Located in Guangxi’s famed karst landscape, the park is renowned for its limestone formations, caves, and underground rivers shaped over millions of years. The newly found sinkhole, over 1,000 feet long and 490 feet wide, is the 30th known “tiankeng” in the region, a testament to southern
China’s unique geology. Researchers found three cave openings leading deeper underground and lush vegetation thriving in isolation. Expedition leader Chen Lixin called it a “primeval wonder,” while experts explained that acidic rainwater dissolving limestone gradually created such vast formations. The discovery excites scientists not only for its scale but for its potential to reveal new biological and geological insights. This hidden forest—untouched by human influence—stands as a living time capsule, offering a rare glimpse into Earth’s ancient ecosystems and the awe-inspiring power of nature’s slow, relentless artistry.
