Mysterious Sinkhole Develops A Surprising And Beautiful Ecosystem In China

Sinkholes often spell disaster, but this unexpected limestone cavity is anything but. A botanical delight, this enormous sinkhole was discovered in central China’s mountainous Hubei province. The sinkhole’s remote location—only accessible via a lowered rope ladder—and humid environs has led to its development of a surprisingly lush, self-contained ecosystem largely untouched by man.

h/t: inhabitat

The China sinkhole was naturally formed as a result of the region’s karst processes, in which the humid climate of Hubei’s Xuanen county.

The limestone cavity is estimated to cover a depth of over 290 meters (950 feet) with a ground area of approximately 6.7 hectares (16.47 acres).

Due to its undisturbed location and favorable growing conditions, the sinkhole developed a thriving ecosystem that, until now, was hidden from the public’s eye.

Fragrant flowers, vines, mosses, palm trees, and more have also sprung up to create the thick green carpet that lines the sinkhole floor. Hundreds of swallows have nested along the sinkhole’s cliff faces and feed on the flourishing butterfly and insect populations.