An aerial view of Tianxuan Cave in the southern mountains of Shaanxi province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Wang Weihua said the province will establish a research center for the Hanzhong sinkholes and apply to be listed as a national even world geological park and natural heritage.

"We have inherited Hanzhong sinkholes well from nature and we will preserve them well for coming generations," he said.

Contact the writers at huoyan@chinadaily.com.cn and zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn