2011 is the International Year of Forests and forest biodiversity is the theme for this year's International Biodiversity Day which falls on May 22. The aim is to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

In response to the call of International Biodiversity Day, XTBG organized a series of activities to popularize the significance of protecting biodiversity among the public. The most charactristic activity is tours guided by the director, professors, and volunteers on this special day.

On May 22, some visitors were surprisingly lucky for being shown to the beautiful landscape by experts including Prof. Chen Jin, Prof. Li Qingjun,Prof. Hu Huabin, Prof. Cao Kunfang, and some other volunteers.

Combining his deep understanding on biodiversity conservation and the distinctive plants in XTBG, Prof. Chen Jin gave vivid and interesting introduction. Dr. Chen Jin also introduced Prof. Cai Xitao and his devotion to protecting forest diversity and plant species.

In addition to showing visitors around such scenic spots as the Distinctive Plant Collection, and Flower Garden, Prof. Li Qingjun recommended the wildlife watching activities, for example, bird watching, observing butterflies and frogs, and seeking fireflies, etc.

The special tours guided by professors and associate professors impressed the visitors deeply and were highly spoken. Some visitors said that they had a better understanding on biodiversity conservation and will popularize the importance of protecting forest.

Special tours guided by director and professors on May 22 (International Biodiversity Day) was proposed by Prof. Chen Jin in 2009. Since then, Prof. Chen Jin himself was a volunteer guide on this special day for three consecutive years.