大石围天坑

Dashiwei Tiankeng - Dashiwei Tiankeng Group National Geopark

Useful Information

Location:	(24.807952, 106.444036)
Open:	All year daily 8:30-16:30. [2021]
Fee:	Adults CNY 60. [2021]
Classification:	Tiankeng
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	L=600 m, W=420 m, VR=613m.
Guided tours:	self guided, D=1d
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	yes
Bibliography:	Arthur N. Palmer, Margaret V. Palmer (2006) Hydraulic processes in the origin of tiankengs Speleogenesis and Evolution of Karst Aquifers. 32. researchgate
Address:	Dashiwei Tiankeng Group Scenic Spot, 790 County Rd, Leye County, Baise, Guangxi, Tel: +86-776-792-1543.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1998	existence first published.
2010	added to the UNESCO's Global GeoPark List.

Description

广西乐业大石围天坑 (Guangxi Leye Dashiwei Sinkhole) is a huge doline, so huge it has a special name which is tiankeng. A tianken has a minimum of 100 m diameter and 100 m depth, but this is much bigger. The opening is 600 m by 420 m and it is 613 m deep. Some say this is the largest tiankeng of the world. The area was declared a GeoPark to protect the karst features and developed with an outlook. It was developed with trails and a huge skywalk, a sort of half bridge which allows a great view down into the sinkhole.

The tiankeng is its own ecosystem, separated from the outer world by 600 m high walls. The virgin forest at the bottom is home to rare species such as the flying squirrel. Below the edge of the breakdown pile on the tiankeng floor is the entrance of a downstream river cave.

The site became part of the Leye-Fengshan National Geopark, which became a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2010. The park includes much more than the tiankeng, there are also large subterranean rivers, natural bridges and extensive cave systems. It is surrounded by conical hills, a typical sign of cone or cockpit karst. The tiankeng is big enough to cut through three cones. The park includes a suite of large tiankeng and major cave systems which are only partly explored. Some are accessible by outlook, namely the Datuo Tiankeng and the Maoqi Dong.