In its roles as “National-level Education Base for Science”, “National Science and Technology Education Base for Adolescents”, “National Top-Level Tourist Scenic Spot” and “National Patriotism Education Base”, XTBG receives 600,000 visitors each year. The Tropical Rainforest Ethnic Culture Museum receives about 300, 000 visits annually. The newly constructed gardens are ideal places for science popularization. XTBG also serves as an internship base for undergraduate students from many universities such as University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Beijing Institute of Technology, Yunnan University, etc. Furthermore, XTBG has organized several exhibitions with local governments and departments in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, displaying ethnic cultures and popularizing knowledge on conservation.

Greater progress has been made in team building. In 1998, there were only 2 Ph.D holders and 8 research groups. Up to now, 46 staff members are Ph.D holders, the number of research groups has increased to 20. XTBG has been authorized to award Ph.D degrees, and as a workstation for postdoctoral research on biology. About 200 doctoral and master’s degree candidates, 10 postdocs and visiting scholars are researching here. 10 XTBG professors assume positions in international academic organizations or sit on editorial boards of international peer-reviewed journals. At the same time, XTBG has recruited 6 full-time foreign research fellows and enrolled 10 foreign students and postdoctoral researchers.

IV. Looking ahead to Greater Adventures, Embracing a Harmonious and Unified New Era

All creatures become moist in life-giving spring breeze and rain. 50 years’ glorious achievements become history.

Today, in the XTBG's spirit recognized as “responsibility, reality, sincerity and harmony”, XTBG is working hard without being pushed and has set its grand development goal as:

By 2020, becoming world-class botanical garden, and a thriving research center for plant biodiversity conservation and ecology. XTBG will be: ?The most beautiful botanical garden in the world; ?One of the regional conservation leaders; ?An internationally recognized research institute; ?A research and conservation base for national strategic tropical plant resources.

In order to thoroughly improve the scientific facilities and better functional areas within the Garden, XTBG is constructing a new scientific research center. The residence campus will be moved outside of the Garden to the township. The Garden will be rearranged as different functional areas, such as living collection and plant display in the west part and research area in its east part.

XTBG is the only CAS institution located in a remote township. Meanwhile, it is intimately connected with nature, with a stretch of natural tropical rainforest well preserved within the Garden. XTBG has been making the best use of the advantages and bypassing the disadvantages, and thus seek for a specific roadmap for its steadfast development.

“Idle boast the strong pass is a wall of iron, with firm strides we are crossing its summit.” With a 50 years’ brilliant history, XTBG is never daunted by repeated setbacks. We are filled with confidence to write a glorious chapter on the new journey, making greater adventures and embracing a harmonious and unified new era.

At last, let’s bid farewell to the old and usher in the new. On this festive occasion, I’d like to extend my sincere New Year greetings to all of you. Wish you good health!

Thank you.

Editor: Xie Fang