China’s Leye-Fengshan Global Geopark has revealed a massive ancient forest buried 630 feet below in a newly discovered sinkhole. This geopark, home to the world’s longest natural bridge and caves, features unique karst formations in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The park’s geological wonders, including high karst peak clusters and natural bridges, provide insights into tiankeng and high fengcong karst development.

Discovered in May 2022, the sinkhole measures 630 feet deep, 490 feet wide, and over 1,000 feet long. Within this vast space, scientists found mature trees, possibly hosting undiscovered species. Expedition leader Chen Lixin anticipates uncovering undocumented species in the caves, emphasizing trees exceeding 130 feet in height.

George Veni, director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute, attributes sinkhole formation to slightly acidic rainwater eroding the bedrock in China’s extensive karst terrain. The region boasts 31 known openings, including the world’s largest pit, Xiaozhai Tiankeng. Another recent find is a colossal sinkhole resembling a Minecraft landscape, measuring 2,100 feet deep, 2,000 feet long, and 1,760 feet wide.