The local fishermen call it the "eye" of the South China Sea, and according to legend it is where the Monkey King, depicted in the novel Journey to the West, found his golden cudgel.

Blue holes may also be formed after a disruption in the surface of the ocean floor by tectonic shifts that result in the settlement of sand and debris (Emery, 1962).

The Blue Hole in Belize was once a dry land cave; its present form is a result of sea level rise and subsequent roof collapse.

[6] According to the Xinhua News agency, upon discovery by local fishermen, the first research methods included using a Video Ray Pro 4 underwater robot.

Due to the use of a “underwater integrated navigation system” the ROV was capable of receiving real-time commands allowing for control over movement and observation.

[6] The device carrier or flat bottom vessel served as an important tool to transport sampling and research equipment on site without damage of the surrounding reefs and environment.

[6] The Sansha Yongle Blue hole, as the deepest of its kind when discovered, allowed for the largest data collection surface available for this specific research.