Latest findings unveiled from the 24th International Cave Science Expedition in Guizhou's Shuanghe Cave!

As of now, the confirmed length of Shuanghe Cave has been updated to 439.7 kilometers , Newly added this time 2.6 kilometers Still firmly ranked as the longest cave in Asia and the third longest in the world; a new discovery made deep within the cave. 6 bodies Giant panda fossils (cumulative discoveries) 52 bodies ), and also discovered Fossils of individual saber-toothed elephants, rhinoceroses, and serows , which includes the first-ever domestic discovery A complete fossil of an antelope ox ; The cave houses a large number of features Clearly human-disturbed skeletal remains , traceable to Archaeological remains of human activity dating back 1,400 years ; A newly discovered site of considerable scale Larger gypsum and celestite deposition channels , indicating that secondary sulfate minerals are widely distributed throughout the Shuanghe Cave area.

Guizhou Shuanghedong's 24th International Expedition

Press Conference for the Cave Science Expedition Activity

On October 24, the press conference unveiling the latest findings from the 24th International Cave Science Expedition to Guizhou’s Shuanghe Cave was held at the Shuanghe Cave scenic area. The event showcased the newest scientific discoveries made during the expedition and also included a Q&A session with reporters addressing various related questions.

Deputy Director of the Guizhou Provincial Institute of Mountain Resources, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Guizhou Provincial Cave Association Zhou Wenlong With the China Representative of the French Cave Research Association and Chief Scientific Investigator of Shuanghe Karst Cave, the world's third-longest cave Jean Potassy Jointly releasing the latest data and findings from the 24th International Cave Science Expedition of Shuanghe Cave; Member of the Standing Committee of the Suiyang County Party Committee and Director of the County Party Committee Office Geng Guijie Moderating the press conference.

Leaders from the Forestry Departments of Guizhou Province and its cities; representatives from the Guizhou Academy of Sciences and the Guizhou Provincial Institute of Mountain Resource Research; officials from the Suiyang County Party Committee and County Government, along with staff from relevant departments; dozens of cave experts from China, France, Portugal, Spain, and other countries—both domestic and international cave exploration specialists; journalists from prominent media outlets such as People’s Daily, Xinhua News Agency, Tianyan News, and Guizhou Daily; as well as key leaders and executives from the Twelve Behind Tourist Area in Guizhou—jointly witnessed the unveiling of the expedition’s groundbreaking findings.

Through this joint scientific expedition, Chinese and international experts have achieved groundbreaking results in comprehensive exploration and scientific investigation of Shuanghe Cave, providing strong support for research on the development and evolution of the massive dolomite cave system, as well as for studying regional biological evolution and environmental changes. Additionally, the collaboration has helped advance efforts to nominate Shuanghe Cave as a World Natural Heritage site and a Global Geopark.

During the scientific expedition, team members ventured deep underground to explore the unknown. Equipped with specialized gear, they descended vertical shafts, waded through dark underground rivers, and meticulously measured the cave’s length by walking its entire perimeter. They carefully observed geological features and systematically collected diverse samples, employing a scientific approach to uncover the formation and evolution of the cave system. Key steps—such as groundwater tracer tests and the 3D reconstruction of human activity遗迹—vividly highlighted the journey that led to the expedition’s groundbreaking discoveries, enabling attendees and media reporters to gain a profound appreciation for both the immense challenges of exploring Earth’s hidden realms and the transformative significance of overcoming them.

Experts provide a detailed interpretation of the core findings from this scientific expedition.

As of now, the Shuanghe Cave system has confirmed a total of 115 cave entrances. The system’s overall length has increased by 2.6 kilometers compared to last year, reaching 439.7 kilometers—solidifying its position as the third-longest cave system in the world and the longest in Asia. Meanwhile, its vertical depth remains the third deepest in China. Additionally, 57 new entrances have been discovered in previously unconnected sections, boosting the total length by an impressive 32 kilometers, bringing the cumulative length to 184 kilometers.

This scientific expedition also focused on exploring the exquisite Wudong-Shuaqingdong system in the northern part of the Shuanghe Cave Complex. So far, the Da Feng Xiao Dong and Da Bai Yu Dong caves have been confirmed to be connected to this system, pushing the total length of the cave network beyond 29 kilometers—but it still remains unconnected to the Shuanghe Cave System itself. To further uncover the hydrological link between these two systems, the expedition conducted a fluorescent tracer test in the underground river section, aiming to scientifically determine their hydraulic connection with the Shuanghe Cave System. This will provide crucial scientific support for future efforts to link the northern region's caves with the larger Shuanghe network.

In terms of geological heritage In the previously unconnected northern cave system, a newly discovered large-scale gypsum and celestite deposit passage has been identified, indicating that secondary sulfate minerals are widely distributed throughout the Shuanghe Cave area. This suggests that sulfate-driven processes played a crucial role in shaping the massive dolomite cave network.

In the field of paleontological research Both the variety and quantity have increased, as scientific expedition experts have陆续 discovered new fossil specimens from the Late Pleistocene "Giant Panda-Stegodon Fauna" within the Shuanghe Cave System. Specifically: six additional giant panda individuals (bringing the total to 52), one stegodon individual, two rhinoceros individuals, and seven serow individuals have been identified. Notably, four relatively complete elaphine bovine specimens have been found in China for the first time, providing invaluable material for studying the evolution of this species and advancing related research.

In terms of traces of human activity, Scientific expedition experts also discovered a significant number of bone remains with clear signs of human activity concentrated in one vertical shaft. Laboratory analysis confirmed these as "burnt bones," dating back approximately 1,400 years. To better understand the interaction between human activities and the cave environment, this expedition employed ground-based laser scanning to digitally reconstruct the cave passages. Special attention was given to conducting on-site investigations of fire-related traces, while samples were collected from the burnt bones for future research.

It will be the world's geopark and natural heritage.

It's also the nearby Karst Museum and Hidden Kingdom.

In recent years, Shuanghe Cave Scenic Area has continuously leveraged its natural resource advantages to drive development, innovatively crafting new experiential cultural and tourism offerings. The area has introduced a series of "Cave+" models, including "Cave + Music," "Cave + Sports," "Cave + Study Tours," and "Cave + Wellness Retreats." To date, the scenic spot has earned numerous prestigious accolades and titles, such as "National-Level Sports Tourism Demonstration Base," "National-Level Research and Practice Education Base for Primary and Secondary School Students," and "China's Most Beautiful Cave."

In 2025, cutting-edge and trendy new tourism experiences—such as cave via ferratas, cave concerts, cave paddleboarding, and cliffside coffee spots—have gained immense popularity, capturing widespread attention. These innovative offerings have been repeatedly featured in both domestic and international mainstream media. As a result, the Shuanghe Cave Complex’s cave-based travel and living tourism ecosystem has achieved remarkable success, delivering strong economic returns alongside significant brand recognition.

Nestled within the golden 28°N latitude ecological zone, the Shuanghe Cave system—known as the "Gateway to the Earth"—is not only Asia’s longest and the world’s third-longest cave but also a natural treasure trove that seamlessly blends geological wonders, ancient historical mysteries, and immersive cultural-tourism experiences. Since the late 1980s, Shuanghe Cave has hosted 23 international joint scientific expeditions, during which researchers have uncovered an abundance of significant geological sites, fossilized remains of ancient organisms, and unique cave-dwelling species—providing invaluable resources for cutting-edge studies in the field.

The release of the findings from the 24th international scientific expedition to Shuanghe Cave not only enriches the global database for karst research but also drives Shuanghe Cave toward new breakthroughs in ecological conservation, scientific exploration, and the integration of culture, tourism, and nature. Moreover, it further propels the ongoing efforts to nominate Shuanghe Cave as a World Natural Heritage site and a UNESCO Global Geopark, elevating these initiatives to an even higher level of success.