World Natural Heritage

As independent and significant karst landforms, Tiankengs are not common around the world and rarely studied. The largest known Tiankengs outside China are mainly distributed throughout the lower latitudes, including Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Mexico. Smaller Tiankengs are also known in Europe close to the Mediterranean coast.

Compared to those abroad, Chinese Tiankengs are endowed with a significant status due to their distinctive features. Some experts are convinced that the Leye Tiankengs are worthy of being listed as World Natural Heritage sites. Basically, the Leye Tiankengs are characterized by their large numbers and clustered distribution, large dimensions, perfect formation, beautiful scenery, and high aesthetic and research values -- all of which make them likely candidates as World Natural Heritage sites.