Scientists studying certain areas in southern China have found a humongous underground cave that stretches 16.5 kilometers in length, with areas that are 420 meters deep.

The scientists, composed of Chinese and French geologists, found the giant cave in south China's Donglan county, in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, according to Xinhua.

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The cave was found during an eight-day expedition aimed at studying the 12 dolines found in south China. Dolines, which are also called sinkholes, are created when the land over an underground cave falls in.

This rare doline contains rivers, lakes, waterfalls and various kinds if stalagmites, all in its length.

Like other dolines, this new discovery also houses bats, snakes and other creatures living in its various terrains. The scientists also found some fish and to-be-named invertebrates thriving in the area.

Guangxi's Dolines

Guangxi is host to various dolines thanks to its karst landscapes, which are underlaid by limestone. The limestone, when eroded, forms various caves ridges, sinkholes and fissures, all of which have become tourist attractions.

'Dashiwei,' the previous largest doline in Guangxi, measures 613 meters deep, 420 meters wide and contains a forest. It was opened in 2003 as a 'doline museum' to the public.

China's Largest Sinkhole

China has the largest doline in the world, found in Chongqing Municipality. 'Xiaozhai Doline,' found at the top of the Yangtze river, has a depth of 660 meters and an area of 119 million cubic meters.

Tagschina, Guangxi, Cave, Sinkhole, Doline