Chinese scientists have discovered an ancient lost world in an extraordinarily deep and large sinkhole in south China, where they expect to find flora and fauna still unknown to science.

The giant sinkhole was found near Ping’e village in the Leye district of Guangxi, China, Ancient Origins reports. The newly discovered underground world is estimated to be 192 meters deep, 306 meters long and 150 meters wide.

This unusual terrain type is created by groundwater flowing through soluble layers and carbonate rocks such as gypsum and limestone. The Chinese sometimes refer to these structures as ‘heavenly pits’, and it is easy to see why.

The newly discovered sinkhole is one of the largest in the world.

While most other sinkholes in the world are filled with water (especially in Mexico, the “Sinkhole Paradise”), this newly discovered place in China is a verdant oasis with trees reaching up to 40 meters (about 130 feet) in height.

And, according to researcher Chen Lixin, the expedition leader, “there are species in this cave that have never been reported or described to science”.

Another team member, Zhang Yuanhai, a senior engineer from the Karst Institute of Geology, added that at the bottom of the sinkhole they encountered an ‘another world’.

Now, many scientists around the world are eagerly awaiting data on any potential newly discovered species. This includes Chinese botanists, who are spearheading the country’s efforts to combat desertification by planting trees. In the past, they often ran into trouble because the selected plants used up too much water. However, new plants – oh sorry, old plants – growing in these incredible places could indeed make a difference in this regard.

Chinese scientists have made an extraordinary discovery in the Leye district of Guangxi, China—a massive, ancient "lost world" hidden deep within a giant sinkhole. The sinkhole, located near Ping’e village, is estimated to be 192 meters deep, 306 meters long, and 150 meters wide. It is one of the largest sinkholes in the world, offering a rare glimpse into a pristine ecosystem that has remained isolated for centuries.

This unique geological formation is a result of groundwater erosion through soluble rocks like limestone and gypsum, creating what are often referred to as "heavenly pits" in Chinese culture. Unlike many sinkholes around the world that are filled with water, this particular one in China hosts a lush, verdant environment, with towering trees reaching heights of up to 40 meters (130 feet).

Scientists leading the exploration, including researcher Chen Lixin, have confirmed the presence of species that have never been seen or documented before. The ecosystem in the sinkhole offers the potential to uncover new flora and fauna, some of which could be crucial for scientific and environmental applications. Zhang Yuanhai, a senior engineer from the Karst Institute of Geology, described the bottom of the sinkhole as an entirely different world.

This discovery has garnered significant attention from scientists around the world, especially botanists in China, who are tackling desertification issues. The plants found in this secluded ecosystem could hold valuable insights into species that require less water, which could prove vital for combating desertification in arid regions. This find promises to be a groundbreaking contribution to both environmental science and conservation efforts.