56 outstanding undergraduates from 37 universities, including Ocean University of China, East China Normal University, and Fudan University, gathered together at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) from July 26 to August 3 for a week-long, immersive scientific experience.
This is the 14th time for XTBG to host the Annual Summer Camp for Outstanding College Students.
Prof. Xing Yaowu, director of XTBG, gave an opening speech titled “A Scientists’ Home in the Rainforest,” tracing the garden’s history, mission, and core research directions.
The students also listened to introductions to cutting-edge research directions and achievements, postgraduate programs and practical guidance on selecting research advisors and academic tracks during the camp.
The summer camp featured 22 academic lectures covering tropical forest ecology, plant–animal coevolution, molecular breeding, bryophyte diversity, medicinal plant development, and insect behavior. Researchers and graduate student representatives from various laboratories shared their latest findings, building a comprehensive intellectual bridge from molecular genetics to macro-level rainforest dynamics. Current graduate students also recounted their personal research journeys and daily life in the garden, engaging in lively Q&A sessions with the campers.
Besides academic lectures, many hands-on activities led participants to better understanding XTBG. A frisbee icebreaker session let them sweat and bond amid the garden’s lush landscapes. They also visited research facilities, living collections, and environmental education center. A nighttime tour offered a multisensory perspective on XTBG's research platforms and field sites.
During dedicated faculty-student meetings, the participants engaged in in-depth conversations with principal investigators, gaining clearer insights into specific research groups and potential mentors.
Prof. Quan Ruichang, deputy director of XTBG, congratulated the attendees on completing the rigorous program and expressed his hope that this gathering would mark a starting point for their future scientific pursuits.
Camper representatives shared their reflections. They said that the academic lectures expanded their perspective from a single tree to the evolutionary story of a whole forest; conversations with scientists inspired their dedication to rainforest science, etc.
After getting their certificates of completion, the participants sang Our Garden, Our Home in chorus, bringing the summer camp to a warm and memorable close.
Prof. Xing Yaowu delivers a key speech.
Field study in the rainforest.
Students have discussion.
Campers pose a group photo.
