You Won’t Believe What Lies Deep Underground in This Mysterious Pit

Scientists Discover Massive 630-Foot-Deep Sinkhole in China — A Hidden “Heavenly Pit” Forest

Deep in China’s Leye-Fengshan Global Geopark, researchers have uncovered a remarkable sinkhole that stretches 630 feet below the surface, revealing a lush, ancient forest hidden from view.

A UNESCO-Recognized Wonder

The geopark, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is recognized by UNESCO for its extraordinary geological features. The area boasts caves, the longest natural bridge in the world, and unique karst formations. According to UNESCO, the park’s landscape is primarily made of sedimentary rocks and includes intricate karst features such as tiankengs (sinkholes), poljes, springs, and massive cave chambers. Fossils of giant pandas and other ancient species have also been found here.

The Discovery

In May 2022, scientists explored a newly discovered sinkhole over 1,000 feet long, 490 feet wide, and nearly 630 feet deep. Inside, they found ancient trees and diverse plant life, including species that may be new to science. The site also contains three cave openings, adding to its mysterious and untouched nature.

Chen Lixin, leader of the expedition, explained, “It wouldn’t surprise me if we find species in these caves that science hasn’t yet documented.” Some trees inside the sinkhole tower over 130 feet tall, creating a breathtaking hidden forest beneath the earth’s surface.

How Sinkholes Form

The region’s karst terrain forms when slightly acidic rainwater slowly erodes bedrock over thousands of years. Rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide, becomes slightly acidic, and seeps through cracks in the rock, gradually forming underground tunnels and cavities. Eventually, the ground above can collapse, creating a sinkhole.

Karst formations in southern China are particularly spectacular, with giant caves and dramatic sinkholes. While smaller sinkholes exist around the world, China’s karst landscape is home to some of the largest and most impressive formations.

A Unique Geological Treasure

This newly discovered sinkhole is the 30th known opening in the region. For comparison, China’s Xiaozhai Tiankeng, the world’s largest sinkhole, measures 2,100 feet deep, 2,000 feet long, and 1,760 feet wide, complete with a flowing stream, resembling something straight out of a video game.

This discovery showcases the hidden beauty beneath China’s karst landscapes, reminding us how much of the natural world remains unexplored.

Watch the video below and share this incredible find with friends and family!