Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) held the 2025 Summer Camp for Outstanding College Students between July 28 and August 1. It is the 13th time for XTBG to holding this kind of summer camp. A total of 58 outstanding college students from 40 universities, including China Agricultural University, East China Normal University, and Xiamen University, gathered together here. The summer camp brought students a journey moving “from campus classrooms to the rainforest frontlines” for deep immersion in tropical biology and ecological conservation.
Clad in vibrant red camp attire, participants attended the opening ceremony. Prof. Xing Yaowu, director of XTBG, introduced its history, mission, and vision. They also listened to introductions to cutting-edge research directions and achievements of the garden.
Academic exchange is the core content of this summer camp. 22 specialized lectures, highlighting XTBG’s latest breakthroughs in plant molecular biology, community ecology, and species conservation. This series painted a comprehensive scientific landscape for attendees, spanning "from microscopic genes to macroscopic ecology."
Beyond structured learning, dynamic activities were held. Ice-breaking sports like frisbee and volleyball filled the air with laughter.Field excursions took students into key zones like the Flower Garden, Green Stone Forest, and tropical rainforest for firsthand observation of rare species and ecosystems. They also visited the research facilities at the central laboratory.
A dedicated mentorship session on July 31st facilitated deep discussions between students, supervisors, and current graduate researchers, clarifying research pathways.
At the closing ceremony, Prof. Zhang Jiaolin, CPC secretary and deputy dorector of XTBG, commended the students’ achievements and expressed high expectations for their future academic contributions. Prof. Chen Jianghua, shared research insights and encouragement.
Student representatives echoed profound appreciation. Liu Rundong (Shandong Agricultural University) inspired peers with his call to "Go to a place that makes you think," resonating deeply with attendees. Cheng Shengfang (East China Normal University), Zhang Youli (Dalian University of Technology), and Yang Lipeng (Beijing Forestry University) joined him in highlighting XTBG’s intense academic atmosphere, supportive mentor-student relationships, and stunning natural environment—experiences that solidified their commitment to scientific pursuits.
Participants pose a group photo.
Prof. Yang Jie presents a lecture.
