Prof. Xu Zhihong, CAS academician and former president of Peking University, paid an inspection tour to XTBG during February 15-17. He visited the new research center, experimental field of economic plants, living collections and tropical rainforests. He also gave advice to the 12th 5-year plan of XTBG.

Prof. Chen Jin, director of XTBG, introduced the recent work and strategic planning of XTBG for the next five years (2011-2015) to Academician Xu.

Academician Xu Zhihong spoke highly of the campus construction and scientific research of XTBG. He encouraged XTBG scientists to stick to biodiversity conservation and development of resource plants.

Prof. Xu also gave positive remarks on the combination of scientific research, public education and tourism.

Prof. Li Qingjun, deputy director of XTBG, accompanied a tour within the Garden.

Prof.  Xu Zhihong is the 30th President of Peking University from 1999 to 2008. In 1992, he was named the Vice-President of CAS. Professor Xu is an academician of the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and of the CAS.  At present, Prof.Xu is professor at the College of Life Sciences at Peking University and at SIPP, President of International Association of Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology, Chairman of the Chinese National Committee of Man and of Biosphere, UNESCO, and Chairman of the Chinese Society of Plant Physiology.