description Dashiwei Tiankeng Overview
Dashiwei Tiankeng is a massive geological sinkhole located in Leye County, Guangxi, China. It measures over 600 meters in width and depth, making it one of the largest tiankengs, or giant dolines, in the world. The steep vertical limestone walls enclose a unique, isolated forest ecosystem at its base, preserving plant species that are rarely found in the surrounding landscape. Accessing the bottom requires specialized technical climbing and caving equipment.
insights Ranking position
Dashiwei Tiankeng ranks #64 of 210 in the Karst ranking, behind Sistema Huautla, ahead of Picos de Europa Karst.
help Dashiwei Tiankeng FAQ
How large is the Dashiwei Tiankeng?
Dashiwei is more than 600 meters across at its widest point and drops hundreds of meters to its floor. Its immense enclosed walls make it one of the most visually imposing members of the Leye tiankeng group in Guangxi.
How did the Dashiwei Tiankeng form?
It formed in thick limestone as groundwater enlarged underground passages until part of the cavern roof collapsed. This is the classic process behind a tiankeng, a Chinese term used for exceptionally large, steep-sided karst sinkholes.
Is there really a forest at the bottom of Dashiwei?
Yes. The sheltered floor supports dense vegetation, including mature trees and plants adapted to the sinkhole's humid microclimate. Its isolation has made the forest interesting to biologists studying species in southern China's karst landscapes.
Where is Dashiwei Tiankeng, and can tourists see it?
It is near Leye County in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, within a wider cluster of giant sinkholes and caves. Developed viewpoints allow visitors to see into Dashiwei, while reaching its floor is a much more demanding expedition.
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