Deep in the mountains of Chongqing lies a place so surreal, it feels unreal. The Xiaozhai Tiankeng—the world’s deepest sinkhole, hiding an entire world inside.
“Tiankeng” means heavenly pit or sky hole. These aren’t ordinary sinkholes—they’re massive geological wonders large enough to hold entire ecosystems, forests, and rivers.
China is home to over two-thirds of the world’s sinkholes. Regions like Guizhou, Guangxi, Yunnan, and Chongqing form the famous South China Karst—a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Xiaozhai Tiankeng is enormous—over 600 metres long and up to 662 metres deep. It’s so huge, the Empire State Building could fit inside—with space left over. A 2,800-step staircase leads to the bottom. The descent takes 3–4 hours through mist, cliffs, and dense greenery.
Inside the sinkhole lies a hidden ecosystem. There’s a forest, an underground river, waterfalls—and even its own weather system with fog and constant moisture.
This isolated world shelters 1,200+ plant species and rare wildlife. From ancient Ginkgo trees to elusive Clouded Leopard and giant salamanders—life here has evolved in near secrecy.
A 2,800-step staircase leads to the bottom. The descent takes 3–4 hours through mist, cliffs, and dense greenery. If you want to visit this natural marvel, the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) is best times.
