Sinkholes in China’s Guangxi province have become a tourist attraction

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Exploring China’s Sinkholes: A Journey Into Earth’s Hidden Depths

Standing at the edge of a sheer limestone cliff, Rui and Michael peer down into a world few have ever seen. Over 100 meters (328 ft) below, a lost realm of ancient forests, rare plants, and unique animals lies hidden. From above, they see only treetops and hear the faint echoes of cicadas and birds reverberating off the cliffs.

This “heavenly pit” or tiankeng—as it’s called in Mandarin—remained unexplored for thousands of years. Locals feared it was a domain of demons and ghosts, shrouded in swirling mists. Today, however, daring explorers and advanced technology have uncovered its secrets, turning China’s sinkholes into a fascinating attraction.

A Geological Marvel

China is home to two-thirds of the world’s more than 300 known sinkholes, most of them scattered across the western regions. Guangxi province in the south boasts the largest concentration, with 30 tiankengs. Its most remarkable discovery was made just two years ago—an ancient forest with trees towering up to 40 meters (130 ft).

These natural wonders form when underground rivers dissolve limestone rock, creating vast caves that eventually collapse to form sinkholes. Measuring at least 100 meters in depth and width, these geological phenomena act as time capsules, preserving delicate ecosystems. However, the rise in tourism and development poses a threat to their untouched beauty.

Descending Into the Abyss

“I’ve never done this kind of thing before,” says Rui, 25, as she gazes into the chasm. “It’s very cool. This will be the first time, but not the last.” She takes a deep breath before stepping off the cliff’s edge with her boyfriend Michael.

Their guide, Fei Ge—known affectionately as Brother Fei—watches intently. A seasoned explorer in his 50s, Fei grew up near these sinkholes, surrounded by local folklore warning against venturing inside.

“We believed demons brought strong winds and ghosts created the mist,” he recalls. Despite these tales, curiosity drove him to explore as a child. The first descent was daunting. “Every tiny stone caused loud noises and echoes,” he remembers. Yet, it was the awe of discovering untouched worlds that kept him returning.

Scientific Discoveries

When Fei brought scientists to the sinkholes, they were astonished by the unique flora and fauna. “They found new plants and species they had never seen before,” he says. Researchers have since uncovered rare orchids, ghostly cave fish, spiders, and snails—organisms thriving in these isolated ecosystems.

Protected by jagged mountains and sheer cliffs, these creatures have evolved in near-complete isolation, offering a glimpse into Earth’s ancient past.

A Growing Attraction

For Rui and Michael, the descent is a highlight of their two-week trip to Guangxi, a break they longed for during China’s Covid lockdowns. “We saw this kind of tourism online and thought it looked pretty cool,” Michael says.

As they rappel into the cave’s depths, the guides illuminate the cavernous space with torches, revealing an intricate network of stalactites and passages. They venture deeper into narrow tunnels carved by ancient rivers, marveling at the natural wonders around them.

A Treasure Worth Preserving

China’s sinkholes are more than just tourist attractions—they are living museums of Earth’s history. But as their popularity grows, so does the need to protect them. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure these incredible ecosystems remain undisturbed for future generations to explore and study.

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