On May 6, 2022, a team of cave searchers descended to the bottom of a giant sinkhole in South China and uncovered a secret primeval forest. Dense ancient trees stretching 130 feet tall and a rare species of bamboo cover the area of the sinkhole, which is nearly 3 football fields long.
Located near the Ping'e village in Leye County of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the sinkhole is locally known as “shenying tiankeng,” or the bottomless pit. It is one of 30 known enormous sinkholes in Leye County, which are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage for its distinctive topography with vast cave systems and karst landscapes.
In China, large sinkholes like this one are known as “tiankeng,” or heavenly pits, and they come in all sizes and shapes depending on the climate in the area according to a statement made by George Veni, executive director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute to Live Science.
Sinkholes are a natural feature that forms when groundwater dissolves the bedrock to the point that a cave collapses, and they’re quite common across the Guangxi region. "In China, you have this incredibly visually spectacular karst with enormous sinkholes and giant cave entrances and so forth," Veni stated. "In other parts of the world you walk out on the karst and you really don't notice anything."
landscapes, including attractions such as Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico and Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.
Water-shaped landscapes like this are called karst, and they’re often spectacular to see. In fact, many famous natural attractions in the US, such as Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, are an example of karst.
The sinkhole found near the Ping'e village may not have intricate rock formations inside, but it’s massive. The speleological expedition that explored the sinkhole spent several hours hiking through a dense forest full of prehistoric trees before they got to the bottom of this giant karst formation, states Chen Lixin, the head of the expedition to a Guangxi news article.
The researchers point out that the sinkhole may be home to unknown plant and animal species, especially small animals like insects. "I wouldn't be surprised to know that there are species found in these caves that have never been reported or described by science until now," Veni confirmed. And we are excited to learn of these further discoveries. But for now, let’s enjoy a short clip of drone footage taken during this expedition.
This Spring in the Gobi Desert Looks Like Abstract Art!
The Devil's Eye is a natural spring that looks more like a figment of an abstract artist’s imagination than a real place on our planet.
Enjoy Nature and Fresh Air In These Car-Free Destinations!
In these nine places, you’ll leave your vehicle behind and finally get to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy a peaceful day...
Nature Always Finds a Way – 13 Powerful Pics
Enjoy these amazing pictures showing the power and beauty of Mother Nature.
Let’s Sip Some Soda Water… From a Geyser!
In Soda Springs, Idaho, there's a geyser that shoots carbonated water.
Take a Trip Inside the World's LARGEST Natural Cave
Let's take a trip inside Hang Son Doong, the largest recorded cave on earth right now which even has underground rainforests.
The Galapagos Islands Are Truly a Marvel of Nature
The Galapagos islands truly are a marvel of nature. Parts of the islands are open to visitors, so if you have the chance to go, grab it with both hands!
Hilarious Nature: True Facts About Elephants!
Come with us as we explore this huge mammal, make some jokes and meet one of the smartest and most fascinating of all animals, the elephant.
Why the Army Ant is the Most Terrifying Animal in Nature
Many species of ant are larger than the army ant, but none are as fierce. Why is that?
Woodpeckers Are So Captivating!
Did you know that there are over 200 species of woodpeckers in the world? Let’s check out some of the most fascinating ones.
This Animal Is the Best Mimic in the World...
How intelligent and clever IS this animal??
Have You Ever Seen a More Beautiful Garden Than This?
Kayoichou Park is situated in Kasuya Town on the edge of Fukuoka City on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Take a look at the stunning rose garden there.
These Adorable Baby Animals Will Make You Smile
These tiny animals can all fit in one hand and are the cutest creatures you will see today.
The Reddest Reds In Nature Are Incredibly Beautiful
Red is arguably the most vibrant color of all, but have you ever spared a thought about the reddest reds in nature? Here are the top 10!
Lions! What You Didn't Know About This Amazing Creature
There is so much to know about this beautiful yet terrifying beast of the wild. This video takes you on a trip of discovery of numerous interesting things you probably didn't know about Lions.
The Best Photos of the Milky Way Taken From Perfect Places
Take a look at the vivid colors of the Milky Way from the most remote and gorgeous locations in the world in this collection of photographs
This Tree Is 3,200 Years Old and Almost 250 Feet High
This tree is so large that it has never been wholly photographed from base to tip - that is until now. You can also watch a video of the process.
These Horses All Have the Most Amazing Hair!
These horse breeds all have an amazing hair! Enjoy getting to know some of the world's most beautiful horse breeds, along with some facts.
Have You Seen a Predator as Tiny and Adorable as This?
The Fennec Fox is the world’s smallest fox. Want to know more about this cute animal? Watch this video.
10 Perennials That Will Serve Your Garden for Years
Here, we look at some amazingly useful perennial vegetables that will serve as a long-term investment for every gardener.
Nature inFocus Photography Awards: 17 Incredible Winners
Check out the incredible winners of the 2023 Nature inFocus Photography Awards.
Spring Is Here: 8 Spring Flowers You Can Plant Right Now
These flowers will make your garden look marvelous in the spring time.
15 Flowers that Smell So Good, Your Garden Must Have Them
Your ultimate guide to selecting flowers, plants and herbs for an aromatic outdoor space.
A Most Beautiful Exploration of the Ocean Floor
Dive far below the ocean, all the way to its bottom below the great frozen continent of Antarctica.
8 Animals That Hibernate During Winter
We have all heard how bears hibernate during the winters. Here are 8 more animals that protect themselves from the cold by hibernating.
Hummingbirds Come in the Most Beautiful Rainbow Colors!
There are hundreds of gorgeous species of hummingbirds. Have you spotted any of these near you?
15 Wonderful Plants to Grow in Every Room in Your Home
We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re already growing plants in your home, but the question is, are you placing them correctly?
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Flower to See Its Full Beauty
These interactive photos of flowers will allow you to see them in video with a click.
The Beautiful Animals You'll See When On Safari...
If you want the best safari experience, Africa is where you should go, especially if you want to see the big five wild animal groups: the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhino and the buffalo.
The Amazing Life of a National Geographic Photographer.
Cory Richards has been all over the world and went through a life and death experience, this is what he has to say to you…
This Incredible Animal Video Had Millions Talking About It!
From the moment these baby iguanas hatch, they are faced with a life or death situation. Can they survive the snake gauntlet?
For Proof of True Love, Look to the Animal Kingdom
These heart-warming pictures will remind you that love is all around you in the world.
How Do Animals Communicate with Each Other? Fascinating!
Discover how some animals communicate with one another... fascinating!
Better Together: Animals Who Collaborate in the Wild
These pairs of animals of different species have amazing ways of helping each other in the wild.
Save Money on Watering with These Drought Tolerant Plants
Here are 10 low maintenance perennials that will grow year after year.
25 Cute and Curious Animals Just Discovering the Snow
25 adorable animals are experiencing the simple pleasures of playing outside in the snow for the very first time.
The Top 10 Animal World Record Holders Are Totally Awesome
From a bird doing slam dunks to a dog freely skateboarding through a human tunnel, here are the top ten animal Guinness World Record holders!
These 10 Active Volcanoes Could Violently Explode Any Day
Most volcanoes are extinct, many are dormant, but a select few are active, waiting to erupt. Here are the 10 most dangerous, magnificent volcanoes in the world.
These Are Definitely the Oddest Couples I Could Imagine...
These strange couples destroy all my previous notions about animal relationships.
INTERACTIVE: 26 of the Cutest & Prettiest Animal Posts!
From pandas to bunnies, from tigers to hedgehogs, this interactive collection promises animal lovers a terrific time!
10 Beautiful Horse Breeds Everyone Needs to Know About
We humans owe horses so much thanks to the role they've played in human history. These are probably the 10 most interesting breeds of all.
9 Heartwarming Instances of Wild Animals Saving Humans
Animals are more intelligent and kind than we give them credit for, and these 9 touching stories prove that
Jaw-Dropping Photos: The Wonderful Lives of Ladybugs
Here are some wonderful photos of ladybugs in their natural habitats. I always feel a childish wonder and thrill when can coax one onto my hand.
Rain Adds So Much More Beauty to Nature...
Flowers are way more beautiful after some rain has fallen. Don't believe us? Check these photos out then!
You May Learn Some New Dance Moves Thanks to These Birds
Watch this hilarious, yet sweet compilation of bird mating dances.