Frédéric Jacques of the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Mengla, China, and colleagues excavated fossil plants from an Antarctic island. As certain plants only grow in particular climates, their fossils provide evidence that such a climate prevailed in the past. Jacques's fossils came from plants that experience seasonal rainfall.

A lecture/presentation contest was organized by the Student Union in May and June. The competition was aimed to provide a platform for the post graduate students to show their research at XTBG, and share why it is important and interesting. 28 post graduate students participated in the contest.

The graduation celebration 2011 for the graduates was held on June 15, providing an excellent opportunity to celebrate their academic achievement along with their teachers and friends.