A giant sinkhole has been discovered in China, revealing a hidden world that has been isolated from the outside world for millions of years. The massive sinkhole is located in the Guangxi province of southern China and measures around 520,000 square meters (128 acres) in size.

What makes this discovery even more remarkable is that the sinkhole has revealed a primordial ‘lost world’ that is home to unique flora and fauna that have been cut off from the outside world for millions of years. This isolated ecosystem is believed to have formed around 300 million years ago and is a window into a time when life on Earth was vastly different.

The sinkhole has been named the “Nanjiang Giant Karst Sinkhole” and is located in a remote region of the province, which has made it difficult to study until now. The ecosystem within the sinkhole includes a range of unique species, including rare plants, insects, and small mammals that are not found anywhere else on Earth.

Scientists believe that the sinkhole was formed by the gradual erosion of limestone by groundwater over millions of years. This erosion eventually created a massive underground cavity, which eventually collapsed, forming the sinkhole that we see today.

This incredible discovery is a reminder of just how little we know about the natural world and the wonders that still remain to be discovered. The discovery of this lost world within the sinkhole is a testament to the resilience of life on Earth and the ability of nature to adapt and thrive in even the most challenging environments.

While the discovery of the Nanjiang Giant Karst Sinkhole is an incredible achievement, it is also a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet’s natural resources and ecosystems. By preserving these unique environments, we can learn more about the natural world and the incredible diversity of life that exists within it.