China is home to two-thirds of the world’s more than 300 sinkholes, which spread over its western region. With more than 30 known “tiankeng,” or “heavenly pits,” Guangxi province in the south is home to more of them than any other place. In 2022, the most significant and recent China’s enormous sinkholes’ discovery revealed an ancient forest with trees up to 40 meters (130 feet) tall. These sinkholes preserve fragile, unique ecosystems that have remained undisturbed for generations.

These vast trenches offer a trip through time for scientists. They have found flora and fauna they had previously believed to be extinct, as well as species they had never seen before, such as different kinds of spiders, snails, ghostly white cavefish, and wild orchids. These species have thrived deep underground, shielded by limestone caves, rocky mountains, and towering cliffs.

China’s abundance of sinkholes is due to the widespread presence of limestone. A gaping hole is left behind as an underground river gradually dissolves the surrounding limestone, creating a cave that expands until the surface collapses. To qualify as a sinkhole, it must be at least 100 meters wide and deep. Some, like the one discovered in Guangxi in 2022, are 150 meters wide and 300 meters deep.

From Mystical Fears to Modern Exploration

Sinkholes in China were once shrouded in superstition, with people avoiding them due to fears of ghosts and devils and thousands of years passed without any exploration of them. One of Guangxi’s earliest explorers and a local guide, Brother Fei, remembers his early concerns about powerful winds and dense fog that he associated with spirits. However, his curiosity led him to explore and uncover the unique ecosystems within.

When Fei summoned experts to investigate the sinkholes, they discovered previously undiscovered flora and fauna. As a result of their studies, China’s enormous sinkholes have become a popular destination for daring travellers from Europe. Fei’s life has been changed by his job, which has made him a well-known climber and guide in Guangxi. He continues to educate tourists about the marvels of sinkholes and advocate for their preservation.

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Balancing Tourism and Conservation

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Guangxi’s sinkhole tourism exploded thanks to viral videos and the appeal of high-adrenaline sports like mountaineering. Attracted by these activities, tourists like Rui and Michael provide much-needed income to formerly impoverished communities like Ping’e village. Although local economies have benefited from improved infrastructure, such as highways, concerns about ecological harm remain.

While developments like observation platforms above China’s enormous sinkholes draw tourists, they risk disturbing delicate ecosystems. Experts such as Dr. Lina Shen emphasize the importance of sustainable tourism. Proposed alternatives include hot air balloons, distant observation routes, and aerial photography. While tourism brings economic benefits, a careful balance is necessary to preserve the rare species and ecosystems these sinkholes protect.

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