Tiankeng Sinkhole in Zhanyi District, Qujing
Overview
The Tiankeng Sinkhole (天坑) is an extraordinary natural feature located in Shiren Village (石仁村) within the Hai Feng Wetland (海峰湿地) of Zhanyi District (沾益县), Qujing City (曲靖市), Yunnan Province (云南省). This site boasts a remarkable cluster of large vertical and funnel-shaped sinkholes, which are considered rare both in Yunnan and across China. Among the numerous sinkholes in the area, the three most prominent ones have a maximum diameter of about 200 meters and reach depths of up to 184 meters. Inside the sinkholes, you can find ancient ferns dating back to the dinosaur era, alongside unique cave formations at the bottom.
Natural and Cultural Landscape
Zhanyi County (沾益县) is situated in eastern Yunnan Province and serves as the origin of the Pearl River (珠江), the third largest river in China. The area is renowned for its diverse natural and cultural attractions, highlighted by the Pearl River Source Scenic Area (珠江源风景区). This region features a stunning array of natural landscapes, including Taoyuan Cave (桃源洞), Huashan Lake (花山湖), Tiansheng Cave (天生洞), the Colorful Canyon (七彩峡谷), and the Niulan River Canyon (牛栏江小峡谷). The sinkholes are complemented by a unique Karst wetland ecosystem, showcasing a harmonious blend of geological and biological diversity.
Geological Features
The Tiankeng Sinkholes are predominantly located near Dazhuqing (大竹箐), presenting a variety of shapes and sizes. The unique formation of these underground landforms, particularly within the Hai Feng Provincial Nature Reserve (海峰省级自然保护区), creates vertical or funnel-like walls, offering an intriguing sight for visitors and researchers alike.
Sinkhole Measurements
According to the report “Comprehensive Investigation of Hai Feng Nature Reserve” in Yunnan Province, the following measurements were documented for the most significant sinkholes:
- Sinkhole I (大毛寺): Area of 0.85 hectares, elevation of 2120 meters, maximum depth of 184 meters, average depth of 152 meters.
- Sinkhole II (中毛寺): Area of 0.54 hectares, elevation of 2100 meters, maximum depth of 133 meters, average depth of 108 meters.
- Sinkhole III (小毛寺): Area of 0.51 hectares, elevation of 2080 meters, maximum depth of 78 meters, average depth of 54 meters.
The remarkable concentration and depth of these sinkholes are unparalleled within the province, featuring unique forest ecosystems at the bottom that are rare across the nation.
Unique Ecosystem
The deep sinkholes create a closed environment that exhibits higher humidity, reduced winds, limited sunlight, lower summer temperatures, and higher winter temperatures compared to the surface. This unique habitat results in a plant coverage of nearly 100%, showcasing a complex structure of the food chain and nutrient cycles. Preliminary studies have identified 48 families, 70 genera, and 79 species of vascular plants in the sinkholes. Dominant tree species belong to the Lauraceae and Magnoliaceae families, with heights ranging from 15 to 20 meters and diameters between 20 to 30 centimeters.
The vegetation in these sinkhole forests forms distinctive communities due to the specific habitat conditions, differing significantly from the region’s typical semi-humid evergreen broadleaf forests. Consequently, the sinkhole clusters and their forested bottoms are considered invaluable natural heritage, holding significant ecological, genetic, biological, geological, meteorological, and hydrological research value.
Reputation
The Hai Feng Wetland Nature Reserve, located in Dapo Township (大坡乡) of Zhanyi County, spans an area of 27,846 hectares, with a designated scenic area of 6.67 square kilometers. This typical Karst wetland landscape combines mountains, water, forests, rocks, caves, ponds, and grasslands, featuring towering cliffs interspersed with various migratory birds. This unique combination has earned it the nickname “Little Guilin of Yunnan.”
Travel Recommendations
Day Trip Itineraries:
- Itinerary One: Zhanyi → Caiyun Cave Scenic Area (彩云洞风景区) → Bole 95 Uprising Memorial Hall (播乐九五起义纪念馆) → Pearl River Source Scenic Area (珠江源风景区)
- Itinerary Two: Zhanyi → Hongzhai Primitive Forest (红寨原始森林) → Hai Feng Wetland → Colorful Canyon → Tiankeng
- Itinerary Three: Zhanyi → Yulin Mountain Park (玉林山公园) → Tiansheng Cave Park (天生洞公园) → Jiulong Impression (九龙印象) → Hunsuiping Tourist Town (浑水塘旅游小镇) → Station Memory (车站记忆) → Xihe Park (西河公园) → Red Tile House (红瓦房)
- Itinerary Four: Zhanyi → Baishui Small Stone Forest (白水小石林) → Dezhuang Manor (德庄庄园)
Two-Day Trip Itinerary:
Day 1: Zhanyi → Caiyun Cave Scenic Area → Bole 95 Uprising Memorial Hall → Pearl River Source Scenic Area
Day 2: Pearl River Source Scenic Area → Dezhuang Manor → Hunsuiping Tourist Town → Jiulong Impression → Station Memory → Xihe Park → Red Tile House
Three-Day Trip Itinerary:
Day 1: Zhanyi → Caiyun Cave Scenic Area → Xixia Primitive Forest → Bole 95 Uprising Memorial Hall → Pearl River Source Scenic Area
Day 2: Pearl River Source Scenic Area → Baishui Small Stone Forest → Dezhuang Manor
Day 3: Dezhuang Manor → Hongzhai Primitive Forest → Hai Feng Wetland → Hunsuiping Tourist Town → Jiulong Impression → Tiansheng Cave Park → Station Memory → Yulin Mountain Park → Xihe Park → Red Tile House
How to Get There
To reach the Tiankeng Sinkhole, you can fly into Qujing City and take a taxi or local transport to Zhanyi District. Long-distance buses from major cities in Yunnan to Zhanyi County are also available. Once in Zhanyi, local transport options, such as taxis or tour buses, can be arranged to visit specific attractions.
Travel Tips
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and exploring uneven terrain.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking or spending extended time outdoors.
- Respect Nature: Follow local guidelines and regulations to preserve the natural environment and wildlife.
- Plan for Weather: Check the local weather forecast before your trip, as conditions can change quickly in the region.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting cultural sites.
