Exploring the mysteries beneath the Earth! The 24th International Cave Expedition at Shuanghe Cave is underway!

In the golden autumn of October, the Shierbehui Shuanghedong Scenic Area once again captured the spotlight in the outdoor adventure community. On October 11, the 24th International Cave Science Expedition to Guizhou's Shuanghedong Cave—the event themed "Cave World: Beyond Imagination"—officially kicked off at the Shuanghedong National Geological Park. Experts in cave exploration from China, France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, and other countries gathered here to embark on a 21-day scientific expedition deep into the heart of the Earth.

The current scientific expedition is in full swing deep within the heart of Shuanghe Cave. International experts have moved into previously unexplored areas around Shuanghe Cave and are systematically conducting comprehensive surveys—using advanced electronic rangefinders to precisely measure the cave passages, leveraging handheld computers to create detailed 3D topographic maps, and focusing intently on analyzing cave sediments to unlock the secrets of the site's geological evolution.

Scientific expedition experts will also focus on fossil remains of giant pandas and their accompanying fauna found inside the cave, aiming to reconstruct the ancient biota and provide valuable biological data to support the application of Shuanghe Cave as a World Natural Heritage site and a Global Geopark. The findings from the expedition will be unveiled on October 24, accompanied by a series of events, including an exhibition showcasing the results, a special seminar on nature reserves, and a press conference highlighting the scientific discoveries.

Since the 1980s, the Guizhou Provincial Institute of Mountain Resources has collaborated with cave experts from China and abroad to conduct fruitful scientific expeditions and research in Shuanghe Cave. Over the course of 23 international joint scientific expeditions, Shuanghe Cave has been revealed as a remarkable underground labyrinth, boasting 115 interconnected entrances and an officially confirmed total length of 437.1 kilometers, with a vertical depth reaching 912 meters. As a result, it firmly holds its title as "Asia's Longest Cave," as well as being the world's longest cave formed in dolomite and the largest celestite cave on the planet.

Over 30 in-depth scientific expeditions were conducted, during which numerous geological heritage sites, along with abundant fossilized remains of ancient organisms and cave-dwelling species, were discovered deep within the caves. Notably, 47 giant panda fossils dating from 800 to 100,000 years ago were unearthed, including several exceptionally rare, fully intact panda specimens. Additionally, a wealth of fossilized materials belonging to large ungulates such as the Chinese serow and Sumatran rhinoceros was uncovered, providing invaluable resources for research into paleontology and ancient environmental conditions.

For more than three decades, relentless efforts by cave experts from China and abroad have gradually unveiled the breathtaking, perilous, majestic, and picturesque beauty of Shuanghe Cave—along with the fascinating stories hidden within its mysterious depths—to the global audience. This June, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre officially wrote to China’s National Commission for UNESCO, announcing that Shuanghe Cave has been successfully inscribed on the *World Heritage Tentative List*. This milestone not only underscores the cave’s potential as a future World Geopark but also confirms that it now meets the essential criteria for nomination as a World Natural Heritage site, propelling Shuanghe Cave further onto the world stage.

Twelve Behind is a comprehensive tourism destination centered around the Shuanghe Cave System, seamlessly integrating scientific research, education, and tourism. As a world-class mountainous outdoor destination, it steadfastly adheres to the principle of "development through conservation, and conservation through development." We believe that this international cave expedition will unveil even more breathtaking beauty of Shuanghe Cave—a precious global heritage—while positioning it as an unparalleled model for cultural and tourism excellence. The expedition is still underway, so let’s eagerly anticipate the unveiling of its groundbreaking findings on October 24, as we witness yet another layer of Shuanghe Cave’s mysterious allure being gently lifted.