Basic scientific research conditions and facilities have been improved. Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem Station and Ailaoshan Subtropical Forest Ecosystem Station have been listed as national field stations. The Herbarium has a total of over 100, 000 collections, mainly vascular plants from tropical and subtropical areas; digital photos of all the identified specimens are available from XTBG website. In 2004, the Biogeochemistry Laboratory was awarded Metrology Accreditation Certificate by Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision. The 20-ha tropical rainforest dynamics plot has been established, in joint efforts with Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau. Passed scrutiny by experts, the Laboratory for Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystem Research and Management has become a key laboratory at CAS level in late 2008.

While increasing the number of collected plant species, XTBG attaches importance to landscape optimization. Prof. Sun Xiaoxiang from Beijing Forestry University was invited to accomplish a new master planning and design two new collections. According to the Master Plan, the Garden is divided into two functional areas, i.e. the eastern area is centered on scientific research, experiment and plant species preservation, focusing on the integrity, science and sustainability; the western area is centered on public science education and living collections display, featuring with the creativity and specialty of gardening art, tourism and cultural connotation. With implementation of the Master Plan and construction in the second and third phases, the areas open to the public have been largely increased. A new bridge over the Luosuo River and the affiliated garden has been erected. A new visiting system has been introduced. All these make XTBG an attractive tourism destination and play a better leading role in tourism industry in Xishuangbanna, meanwhile contribute to the “Second Creation of Tourism” in Yunnan Province. Moreover, by developing tourism, XTBG provides about 500 job opportunities for local ethnic youth each year.

XTBG has been making contributions to local social and economic development. Among the 34 selected economic plant species, 14 have been under pilot experiment, and 12 have rewarded phased achievements. Such economic plants as Alstonia scholaris, Dracaena cochinchinensis, Piper hispidenervum and Tectona grandis have been industrialized, with promotion area of more than 600, 000 mu (about 4,000ha) in total. The research of energy plant physic nut (Jatropha curcas L) tree plays a leading role in China. By setting up joint Poverty Alleviation Fund and providing Science & Technology support, XTBG has been actively participating in the local social economic development and poverty relief. XTBG is concerned with the changes of regional environment and diversity, closely cooperating with local governments, Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau, and Nabanhe National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau to promote biodiversity conservation. The proposal of setting up Bulong Nature Reserve at Prefecture level has been approved. At the same time, XTBG has been keeping good cooperation ties with Simao Normal College, cultivating about 100 students in tropical horticulture and economic plants annually. As an Occupational Skill Testing Authority, XTBG hosts training course on gardening and horticulture each year, with about 100 local people participating.